Wild and Secluded Gorman Stream Valley in Howard County! An Easy Side of Moderate 5 Mile Trek

The Middle Patuxent River, mature mixed hardwoods, some interesting ruins, and even a small swamp are the highlights of todays hike! The palisades, too, offer a unique sight in Howard County. This is truly a hidden gem in Howard county and my favorite hike in the area. The concentration of thrushes during spring migration, especially among the hemlocks, makes this an attractive place to visit, but year 'round this is a fantastic hiking venue. Habitats found along both sides of the river are highly varied, ranging from bottomlands and upland deciduous forest to a hemlock grove on a north-facing steep, rocky cliff overlooking the river, but today we will be hiking on the South side of the river and the next time we visit we will hike on the North.

You will soon forget you are anywhere near ccivilazation. Along the western third of the area, the trees are typical of river bottomlands, capable of surviving occasional flooding. In the central section, the main type of forest is upland deciduous, but there is also a hemlock grove on the cool, rocky slopes that rise abruptly from the river. Farther east, a drier deciduous forest is dominated by beech and oak. East of the power line cut which is close to our turn around point, the mature forest is again dominated by tulip poplars.

This area is mostly wooded, entirely undeveloped, hence a true hidden gem, and contains has no active recreational facilities so be sure to bring you own water. Please wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes for this easy, yet a hike with some are of rugged trails. Anyone can do this hike, as it is almost all flat with one or two small and very short hills and.

Don't forget your camera for this hidden gem of a hike!

Trail Information
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Columbia, Ellicott City

Scenery: Stream, mature mixed hardwoods, and even a small swamp! The palisades, too, offer a unique sight in Howard County. This hike also features a small swamp as well as hemlock groves and mountain laurel along palisades.

Exposure: Shaded

Trail Surface: Packed dirt with a very wild feel
Length: 5 miles
Trail Type: Out and back
Skill Level: Easy to Easy Side of Moderate Due to the trails.
Season: Year-round
Trailhead Elev: 50 feet
Top Elev: 90 feet

(Hike Information for Our Leadership Team)

If you are leading this hike, Click Here to see hike information, such as hike sources and any notes that might have been made by other team members.

Pace Options
We break down into groups no larger than 15 hikers per leader/sweep team for a more enjoyable experience for all of us and is better for the environment. Large groups really take away from the hiking experience for everyone on the trail and not just our group. Paces should be based on your preference but also please know your limitations.

Pace Option 2: A moderate pace for current hikers or those who already have an active lifestyle. This pace will about 2.5mph.

Pace Option 3: Better known as "The Justin Pace", this is a very fast pace of about 4.0mph. Additional mileage is added so the hike will last long enough to be worth the trip out after work.

We offer multiple paces to remove pressure from people having to feel like they have to hike slower or faster than they are comfortable with.

Please put your pace preference in your RSVP so we can plan accordingly!

Weather Information
We hike rain or shine! Click here for up to the minute weather information for the trailhead

Carpool Information

To carpool, meet at Savage Station. Click here for directions to Savage Station.

If you can drive or want to carpool from additional locations such as the DC area, please post your location in the comment section below. For those who need a ride, reach out to the drivers. Make friends, and support the environment - by just offering a ride!

Directions to the Trailhead

Click here for Directions to the Trailhead and where we meet.

Hike Meetup time is at 6:45 p.m.

Please remember we are a social hiking group that values fellowship and camaraderie and practice good hike etiquette. We take breaks as necessary and have at least one guide in the front in addition to a "sweeper" in the back that no hiker is left behind. If you get upset because someone has to rest at the top of a hill etc. then find another group! We are very supportive, encouraging, and focus on safety while getting and/or staying fit on the trail and practicing leaving no trace.

Fido is Welcome on This Hike!

Please take my number with you just in case...

Justin: [masked]

Mike Harris: [masked]