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Patuxent Branch Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 337 Google reviews · Running trail in Columbia, Maryland · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 4 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Patuxent Branch Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Patuxent Branch Trail
“My go to trail for when the ground is wet since it is paved and well maintained.”
“Beautiful walking trails, convenient location, trail options depending on how long you may want to walk.”
“The trails are easy and perfect for jogging, dog walking, or biking.”
“This was an easy hike as the path is flat and level throughout.”
One of my favorite trails. It’s super close with where I live so I take my dogs on this path and they absolutely love it. I also enjoy seeing the fellow walkers/hikers/bicyclists, everyone is so friendly. I recommend wearing shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
We checked out this trail for the first time today and really enjoyed the experience. My husband and I are not regular or seasoned hikers so I think it's appropriate for just about anyone, especially on the paved parts.
Good spot to pick up the trail. If you head to the lake, the path is paved. If you head to Vollmerhausen, there is gravel. Both paths are stroller-friendly, but the paved path is definite less bumpy. If you go towards the lake, there is no shade on the path in some areas. Be prepared if it’s a hot day!
Great trail no matter which way you go. Great for bikers and runners alike. Parking is limited and usually filled by 11 on the weekends (in my experience).
Trail conditions & character
“My husband and I are not regular or seasoned hikers so I think it's appropriate for just about anyone, especially on the paved parts.”
“Beautiful walking trails, convenient location, trail options depending on how long you may want to walk.”
“If you are at Vollmerhausen Rd entrance, there's no parking in the immediate area but you can park a short distance away at the lot for Wincopin Trailhead.”
“It’s super close with where I live so I take my dogs on this path and they absolutely love it.”
“flat trail, more like a dirt/mud road, for strolling, a light hike (but you can also make it a more substantial one as it connects to Elkhorn Lake, etc), jogging, mountain biking.”
“The trail was very clean and well maintained, even on the gravel parts.”
“Some parts of the trail tend to be muddy especially it it has recently rained.”
“If you go towards the lake, there is no shade on the path in some areas.”
“Both paths are stroller-friendly, but the paved path is definite less bumpy.”
Plan your run at Patuxent Branch Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance4 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitehowardcountymd.gov
- Phone+1 410-313-4700
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–8 pm |
Running trails near Columbia
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Wincopin Trails
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Patuxent Branch Trail
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