Middle Patuxent Environmental Area: An Easy-Side-of-Mod 5.75 Mile Hike

Middle Patuxent Environmental Area: An Easy-Side-of-Mod 5.75 Mile Hike

The Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA) is a “forever protected” natural environmental area. At 1,021 acres, it is the largest area in Howard County’s system of parks, open space and natural resource areas. Howard County’s Department of Recreation and Parks manages the area in a cooperative partnership with the Middle Patuxent Environmental Foundation. The area is managed using ecosystem management concepts to restore and protect the diversity of communities found in this region.

The MPEA is home to a diversity of wildlife, including about 150 species of birds, over 40 species of mammals, and numerous amphibians, reptiles, fishes, butterflies, plants and other wildlife. This parkland is comprised largely of mature, second-growth upland forest and floodplain forest. The Middle Patuxent River runs north to south through the property, with 17 tributary streams found within its boundaries.

We will hike trails through woodland and open pasture that border the Middle Patuxent River. The hike is considered an easy side of moderate.

Time to Meet:
Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00

Directions to Trailhead:
Middle Patuxent Environmental Area
5795 Trotter Rd. Clarksville, MD
GPS Coordinates: 39.212379, -76.917819
We meet at the parking lot.

Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Tim; 202-744-0289. Call or text as needed.

Details:
Rating: Easy side of moderate
Distance: 5.75 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 450 ft (6 miles), or 730 ft (9.2 miles)
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Toilets can be found near the trailhead
Fees: No entrance fees

Cancellation:
In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.

Weather:
The weather for this location can be found here.

Notes:
-Please note, you must sign up at by 9:00 PM the day before the hike.
-Please do not show up unregistered.
-Please keep this a fragrance free event.
-To find out more about PATC, click here.
-Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, click here.