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Patuxent Branch Trail

Address: 9190 Old Guilford Road, Columbia, MD 21046

Phone: 410-313-4700

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset, or as posted

Directions: Google Maps

Trek 4.6 miles on the Patuxent Branch Trail that leads you along the Patuxent River from Savage Park to Lake Elkhorn. Along the way are interpretive signs and the historic Guilford Pratt Truss Bridge that spans the Little Patuxent River along Old Guilford Road. The mostly paved pathway provides you with the perfect hiking or biking trail. Runners will also enjoy the variety of terrain that offers challenges for all ability levels. Wildlife is abundant, so bird watching is also a favorite pastime for users of this trail.

To Report a Park Concern

To report damage or park concerns, leave a message on the Department's hot-line, 410-313-DIRT (3478). For emergencies dial 911.

Park Rules

The purpose of these regulations is to provide a safe and peaceful use of County parks and park land; for recreational and educational benefit and enjoyment; and for the protection and preservation of the property, facilities and natural resources of the County. Park land and recreation programs conducted on park land are open for use by all members of the public regardless of race, religion, creed, color, sex, national origin, or disability. Click on the links below for more information about our regulations.

Howard County Code

Subtitle 19 (PDF) 

Things to Remember  

  • Help to keep your parks beautiful -- please take your trash and recyclable items home. Take only pictures and leave only footprints. 
  • Dogs are prohibited on all Department of Recreation & Parks athletic fields.
  • Dogs must be secured by a leash or lead and under control of a responsible person capable of immediate and effective restraint of the animal.
  • Dog droppings may attract disease-harboring pests, and even a friendly dog can scare the birds, wildlife and park visitors. Clean up after your dog and keep it leashed; it's the law. 
  • All of our parks are inhabited by a wide variety of wildlife such as deer, snakes, fish, rabbits, insects and birds. Please do not disturb them; remember, this is their home.

Howard County Bans Smoking in All County Parks

In a continued effort to be a model public health community and preserve its rank as Maryland’s Healthiest County, Howard County was the first jurisdiction in Maryland with a total ban on smoking and tobacco products of any kind in all the 57 County-owned parks and recreational areas. Enforcement will take the form of requesting voluntary compliance. However, if a smoker does not extinguish a smoking product, park staff will remind them of the new policy and could request exiting the property if they choose to continue smoking.

For more information about the ban, to read the Executive Order or to learn more about smoking cessation programs, click here.

  • 4.6 Mile Trail
  • Guilford Pratt Truss Bridge

Natural History - Species list for this park have been provided by the Howard County Bird Club. The bird club's contribution has been a valuable asset in the gathering of data and documenting the numerous species of flora and fauna found in our county.

To download click below...

Aerial Photo 

Printable Brochure Map

Howard County Recreation & Parks 

7120 Oakland Mills Road 

Columbia, MD 21046 

 

410-313-4700 General Information (M-F, 8 AM-5 PM) 

410-313-4660 FAX 

410-313-4665 TTY (for the hearing impaired) 

410-313-PARK (7275) Registration (M-F, 8 AM-4:30 PM)


We strive to operate our programs regardless of weather - canceling is a last resort. However:  

  • While most programs will be held despite the weather, schedules and drop-off points may change. 
  • Should lightning be a factor, outdoor activities may be moved indoors. 
  • If a snow emergency is declared in Howard County, programs may be closed early or canceled. 
  • If a snow emergency is declared in Howard County, all parks are closed. 
  • If schools are closed, delayed or dismissed early due to inclement weather or if the Board of Education suspends after-school activities, Recreation and Parks programs in schools may be affected. 
  • In the event of inclement weather, call the Inclement Weather/Program Status numbers below for up-to-date information. 
  • You should check with your instructor about make-up dates for canceled sessions.