Middle Patuxent Environmental Area!

An Easy 2.3 or Easy Side of Moderate 4.7 Mile Option 

"Once you hike this trail, you'll understand why people were so passionate about protecting the Trotter Road area from development. This hike in the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area is for everyone--especially nature lovers. It has a wealth of habitats and is home to many species of birds, butterflies, frogs and mammals. There is varied flora and fauna, in addition to the beautiful and peaceful Middle branch of the Patuxent River. Choose your preferred distance and difficulty level of either an easy 2.3 trek, or an easy side of moderate 4.7 mile hike. All of it is unpaved, so if you have them, please wear sturdy footwear due to rocks and roots. The trail is mostly shaded, and very scenic. You'll enjoy the views and sounds of the river and the chorus of bird songs."

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. For this particular hike you have 3 to choose from so you can hike with others of a similar pace. Paces should be based on your preference but also please know your limitations.

Pace Option 1: A "walk in the woods" or "social" pace which is great for those who want to soak up the nature and will be about 2.5mph and great for people who take tons of pics, are rehabbing an injury, or like myself, just have a slower hiking pace.

Pace Option 2: A moderate pace of about 3.0mph and the average hiking pace used as a baseline in most hiking books. (most common pace so 2 groups will be at this pace).

Trail Information for 2.3 Option
Nearby City: Columbia, MD
Length: 2.3 total miles
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level:Easy with rolling hills and rooty/rocky terrain
Duration: 1 hour
Season: Year-round
Trailhead Elev: 110 feet
Top Elev: 320 feet
Local Contacts: Middle Patuxent Environmental Area

Trail Information for 4.7 Option (2.3 Mile Option Plus An Additional 2.4 Miles)

Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Columbia, MD
Length: 4.7 total miles
Trail Type: Modified Loop
Skill Level:Easy Side of Moderate with rolling hills and rooty/rocky terrain
Duration: 1.5 hours
Trailhead Elev: 110 feet
Top Elev: 410 feet

Trail Notes for Leaders

What is an Designated Environmental Area?
Are you aware that Howard County has a number of sites designated as environmental areas? These are sites where no sports or organized athletic activities are allowed. They were set aside for the purpose of protecting and conserving the natural resources and are there for the enjoyment of those who take pleasure in passive recreational activities such as walking/hiking, bird watching, plant and animal identification, photography, etc. They all feature walking paths or trails and offer a broad variety of habitats and ecosystems for your viewing and hiking pleasure.

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

Carpool Information
There are 3 carpools for this hike!

Laurel Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan from the DC/Laurel metro area, meet at Savage Station. Click here for directions to Savage Station.

Annapolis Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan from the Annapolis area, meetup at the Harbour Center Mall Starbucks. Click here for Annapolis carpool directions for getting to the carpool location.

VA East Area Carpool (Fairfax Area METRO)
People can also arrange to meet at the Vienna/Fairfax Metro Station. Click here for directions to Vienna/Fairfax Metro Station.

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

Directions to Where We Meet for This Hike
Click here for directions to where we meet for this hike.

Hike is at 9:00 a.m.

Carpool meetup time at Savage Station and Ride is 8:30 a.m.

Time for carpooling from Vienna METRO is 8:00 a.m.

Carpool Time for Annapolis Area is 8:15 a.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 which means that no hiker is left behind. If you get upset because someone has to rest at the top of a hill etc. then please find another group! We are very supportive, encouraging, and focus on safety while getting or staying fit on the trail and practicing Leave No Trace outdoor ethics.

Fido is Welcome on This Hike!

Let's have good times and see you there!

Mike:  [masked]

Ken:  [masked]

Kellie: [masked]