As the seasons change, the weather warms and spring settles in, consider planning a visit to some of the beautiful parks found throughout Howard County, Maryland! Whether you are looking for a peaceful spot to read a book, a scenic hiking trail, or a place to gather with friends and family, the parks of Howard County will meet your needs. After a long winter, it is time to get outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty of Maryland!
Parks in Columbia
Blandair Park
Blandair Regional Park is one of Howard County’s premier destinations for sports and outdoor playing. The park features multiple multi-purpose sports fields, five lighted tennis courts, an outdoor Challenge Course, and two playgrounds. The newly constructed Laura’s Place playground is ADA-compliant, with non-verbal communication boards, fully enclosed fencing, and play areas designated by age. Paved walking trails connect the playgrounds and the Downtown Columbia Pathway.
Blandair Park
Lake Elkhorn Park
The 23-acre Lake Elkhorn Park surrounds the man-made lake in the village of Owen Brown. The lake offers a boat dock and is stocked with trout each spring. The park features a picnic pavilion and a 2-mile wooded path around the lake.
Lake Kittamaqundi
Located in Columbia Town Center, Lake Kittamaqundi is a 27-acre man-made lake offering a wooden pier and a launching ramp. Nomanizan Island, located in the lake, is accessible by boat, and is a popular spot for summer festivals and events.
Color Burst Park
Color Burst Park in the Merriweather District of Columbia is the new hot spot for regional culture and commerce. Local businesses and restaurants surround this unique urban park, while the park itself features a seasonal ice rink, outdoor concerts, art installations, and a variety of kids events and fitness classes. Color Burst Park is the place to go for a burst of culture and fun!
Parks in Ellicott City
Centennial Park
Centennial Park is an ideal destination for anyone interested in running, biking, or fishing. This award-winning park features a stunning 54-acre man-made lake, stocked by the State Department of Fisheries to guarantee a fun afternoon of fishing. The park contains nearly 10 miles of paved pathways for running, walking, or biking. Plentiful wildlife populates the park, including deer, beavers, foxes, turtles, ducks, and more. The lake and boat ramp are open to boaters from March 1-November 30, and in the warmer months, you can rent a paddle boat at the Adventure Shack.
Centennial Park
Covenant Park
Soccer is the focus of Covenant Park! Offering nine premium soccer fields, two pavilions, public restrooms, and concession stands, Covenant Park is perfect for soccer enthusiasts of all ages.
Parks in Elkridge
Rockburn Branch Park
Rockburn Branch Park is perfect for solo outings or gatherings, with its picnic pavilions, playgrounds, and plentiful amenities (pavilions can be reserved). Hikers will love the 9 miles of pathways and hiking trails through wooded areas, freshwater marshes, and stream valleys, all open for exploration and full of wildlife. The park also offers 4 tennis courts, an 18-hole disc golf course, basketball courts, baseball fields, and a BMX skills track. Plan a friendly ball game or explore the streams for crayfish and minnows – there is something here for everyone!
Troy Park
In addition to natural beauty and sports amenities, Troy Park is a must-see for local history buffs. The historic 1820 Troy Hill House stands at the center of this beautiful location featuring 4 lighted synthetic multi-purpose fields, a playground, and pavilions.
Patapsco Valley State Park (locations in Elkridge and Ellicott City)
Patapsco Valley State Park is Maryland’s first, and largest, state park. Extending along 32 miles of the Patapsco River, this park contains several developed areas featuring hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, a disc golf course, and plenty of fishing spots. The Hollofield and Hilton Areas of the park also contain campgrounds for visitors interested in overnight stays.
Parks in and Near Western Howard County
Western Regional Park
Western Regional Park offers 4 premium grass multi-purpose sports fields, 2 lighted synthetic turf fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball fields, and a playground. The park contains five pavilions available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are looking for a great place to pass a spring afternoon, consider visiting this scenic spot.
Western Regional Park
Schooley Mill Park
In Highland, wildlife lovers shouldn’t miss out on a visit to Schooley Mill Park, which maintains a variety of habitats in a natural state. Visitors can traverse wetlands, woodlands, and meadows to spot species including the Eastern Bluebird, Tree Swallow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, and more.
Triadelphia Reservoir
The Triadelphia Reservoir is an 800-acre lake located on the Patuxent River in Brookville. The reservoir offers hiking, picnicking, and fishing in a beautiful 5-acre woodland garden featuring over 20,000 azaleas (visit in May when they are most likely to be in bloom!).
Extend Your Adventure with a Hotel Stay
As you can see, Howard County, MD, boasts a range of parks catering to various interests. Whether you prefer the tranquility of Centennial Park’s lake, the activities at Patapsco Valley State Park, the family-friendly features of Rockburn Branch Park, or the historical appeal of Troy Park, there's something for everyone. As spring unfolds, seize the opportunity to explore the diverse outdoor recreational options that Howard County offers. Make sure to extend your adventure with an overnight stay in one of Howard County's hotels.
