Places to Stay

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Things to Do

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Events

Find upcoming live and virtual events in Howard County, Maryland.

Neighborhoods

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Accessible Parks in Howard County

Patapsco Valley State Park – Ellicott City

The Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park have stepped up their efforts by offering special events for people with disabilities to enjoy biking, hiking, kayaking, fishing, and more! Adaptive programs allow participants with disabilities to use specially designed equipment to maximize their outdoor experience in the beautiful Patapsco Valley State Park.

For a quieter experience, consider strolling with your family, fishing, or turtle-watching on the accessible pier at Lost Lake in the Avalon section of the park. Enjoy the serenity of the fully accessible 2.5-mile paved Grist Mill Trail, which is smooth and has a gentle grade, making it wheelchair and mobility scooter-friendly. The towering trees and lush greenery create a peaceful atmosphere, with bird songs filling the air. The trail gently slopes, leading toward another exit from the park.

Patapsco Valley State Park spans over 16,000 acres across Howard, Carroll, Anne Arundel, and Baltimore counties, and accessibility is a priority. The All-Sensory Trail in the Hilton area, which features braille signage and a guide rope with bells, is about a 15- to 20-minute drive from Avalon. The accessible playground with soft rubber surfacing (instead of mulch) and ramps is located in the Hollofield area, which is a short drive from Avalon or Hilton. Don’t forget your Universal Disability Pass!

Haviland Mill Park – Clarksville

This serene corner of central Howard County is now more accessible, thanks to a newly built boardwalk. The 1,250-foot-long boardwalk offers a peaceful, easy stroll through the forest along the Patuxent River. The hard-packed surface paths lead you onto the boardwalk for a nature-filled adventure, perfect for individuals with mobility challenges. However, there are no restrooms, so plan accordingly before your visit.

Haviland Mill Path

Haviland Mill Path

Robinson Nature Center – Columbia

The Robinson Nature Center is an environmental education center and nature preserve that features life-size wildlife dioramas and exhibits showcasing local wildlife. The center offers sensory-friendly Sunday events, where exhibits, trails, and play areas open early, allowing visitors to enjoy self-paced activities such as sensory bins, scavenger hunts, and more. Sensory backpacks, which include noise-reducing headphones and various fidget tools, are available.

For visitors in need of a break, a quiet room is located downstairs. The planetarium also offers films with closed captions, indicated by the "CC" next to the movie titles. Ramps and lifts are available for access to different levels of the center, and the lush outdoor garden areas include paved paths for easy navigation.

Howard County Conservancy – Woodstock

The Howard County Conservancy provides accessible parking spaces next to the building, with accessible restrooms located on the lower level. The 1.5-acre Clark Native Plant Garden is completely accessible, featuring a graded path through the garden that leads to an accessible amphitheater. Additional accommodations include interpretive and historic signs with audible narrations during public tours. Sensory backpacks, available at the front desk, include earplugs, sunglasses, textured seat cushions, and hand fidgets.

For visitors wishing to explore the trails, the Conservancy offers an all-terrain wheelchair upon request. Please provide 48 hours' notice for accessibility resources such as sensory backpacks or the wheelchair, as some field trips require these accommodations.

Warfield Pond Park – Glenwood

Warfield Pond Park offers one of the most picturesque views in western Howard County, especially at sunset. The accessible fishing pier allows visitors to enjoy fishing, birdwatching, and duck spotting. A continuous .6-mile loop boardwalk makes it easy for visitors in wheelchairs or mobility scooters to navigate the lake area. A charming gazebo provides the perfect spot for relaxation and nature appreciation. It’s a beautiful, accessible retreat with minimal barriers to nature, making it ideal for a peaceful visit.

Warfield Pond Park Accessible Bridge

Warfield Pond Park

Accessible Paved Trails in Howard County

Nature should be accessible to everyone. In Howard County, there are plenty of paved trails that are wheelchair and mobility aid-friendly, offering an immersive natural experience. Some trails are located near local parks with accessible restrooms, while others may not have facilities nearby. Be sure to plan accordingly, and have a backup plan in case of bad weather.

Annie's Garden and Mill Ruins Trail

  • Trail Link
  • Difficulty: Easy – Suitable for manual wheelchairs, electric or motorized mobility aids.
  • Open Year-Round
  • An easy 0.3-mile out-and-back trail near Columbia, Maryland, Annie’s Garden and Mill Ruins Trail starts at the Robinson Nature Center (entry fee required). This gentle, paved trail winds along the Middle Patuxent River and provides access to the Simpsonville Mill ruins. The peaceful setting is ideal for anyone in a wheelchair or using a mobility scooter. Accessible parking is available at the trailhead.

Dorsey Run

  • Trail Link
  • Difficulty: Easy – Suitable for manual wheelchairs, electric or motorized mobility aids.
  • Open Year-Round
  • This 2.6-mile paved loop near Columbia offers a flat trail with moderate elevation changes. The trail is wooded and serene, making it an excellent choice for nature lovers. It’s particularly beautiful in the fall. There may be street parking available.

Freedom Park Loop

  • Trail Link
  • Location: 100 Raincliffe Rd., Sykesville, MD 21784
  • Difficulty: Easy – Suitable for manual wheelchairs, electric or motorized mobility aids.
  • Open Year-Round
  • The 1.9-mile Freedom Park Loop is mostly flat but features mild to moderate inclines that may be challenging for users of manual wheelchairs. A companion may be needed for assistance on the steeper sections. There are accessible restrooms along the trail and accessible parking as well as benches and picnic tables.

Hobbit’s Glen Hop

  • Trail Link
  • Difficulty: Easy – Suitable for manual wheelchairs, electric or motorized mobility aids.
  • Open Year-Round
  • This 1.3-mile out-and-back paved trail is relatively easy but includes some steep spots that may challenge manual wheelchair users. Visitors using manual wheelchairs should consider bringing a companion or using an electric mobility device. The trail winds through wooded areas and ends at the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area.

Lake Kittamaqundi Trail

  • Trail Link
  • Difficulty: Easy – Suitable for manual wheelchairs, electric or motorized mobility aids.
  • Open Year-Round
  • This 1.4-mile loop trail is flat, paved, and scenic, offering beautiful views of Lake Kittamaqundi. The trail may be a little noisy due to nearby traffic, but it’s a great option for anyone using mobility aids. Be cautious in winter, as the paved path can become icy. Parking is available nearby, possibly in the Whole Foods parking lot.

Lake Kittamaqundi to Wilde Lake Trail

  • Trail Link
  • Difficulty: Easy – Suitable for manual wheelchairs, electric or motorized mobility aids.
  • Open Year-Round
  • This 2.9-mile out-and-back trail connects Lake Kittamaqundi to Wilde Lake, offering scenic views of both lakes. The trail is generally accessible, though there are some wooden bridges and mild hills. The trail runs through residential neighborhoods and includes a few peaceful wooded areas.

Meadowbrook Trail

  • Trail Link
  • Location: Meadowbrook Park, 5001 Meadowbrook Ln., Ellicott City, MD 21043
  • Difficulty: Easy – Suitable for manual wheelchairs, electric or motorized mobility aids.
  • Open Year-Round
  • The 1.8-mile Meadowbrook Trail is mostly flat with some moderate slopes. It’s ideal for those using electric mobility devices, as manual wheelchair users may find certain sections challenging. The trail is located within Meadowbrook Park, which features accessible parking and portable toilets.

Number Nine Trolley Trail

  • Trail Link
  • Location: Near Banneker Park, Ellicott City
  • Difficulty: Easy – Suitable for manual wheelchairs, electric or motorized mobility aids.
  • Open Year-Round
  • The 3.2-mile Number Nine Trolley Trail is a scenic route through historic Ellicott City, following the path of the Baltimore Trolley Line. The trail is mostly paved, though there is one steep section near the beginning. Accessible parking is available, but be aware that there are no restrooms along the trail.

Patuxent Branch Trail

  • Trail Link
  • Location: Vollmerhausen Rd. in Savage to Lake Elkhorn
  • Difficulty: Easy – Suitable for manual wheelchairs, electric or motorized mobility aids.
  • Open Year-Round
  • This 9.4-mile out-and-back trail is mostly flat and well-maintained. It's perfect for birdwatching, hiking, and biking, with several scenic marshes and wooded areas along the way. Benches are available for rest, and accessible parking is located at both Savage Park and Lake Elkhorn.

Wilde Lake Loop

  • Trail Link
  • Location: Wilde Lake Park, 10002 Hyla Brook Rd., Columbia, MD 21044
  • Difficulty: Easy – Suitable for manual wheelchairs, electric or motorized mobility aids.
  • Open Year-Round
  • The 1.3-mile Wilde Lake Loop is mostly flat and paved, though there is a steep section. The trail offers scenic views of the lake and surrounding neighborhood. Fishing is permitted on one side of the lake. There are benches and picnic tables for rest, though parking is limited and lacks accessible spaces.