Car got broken into during my hike. We parked in the parking lot mid day with several other cars around us.

The Patuxent Branch Trail links Lake Elkhorn to Savage Mill. Multiple parking areas exist along the 4.2 mile total length of the trail (although the final 0.7 miles between Vollenhausen Rd and Savage Mill is non-paved trail). The free parking area that directly is associated with this review (at Guilford road) is located not-quite in the center of the trail (it is 2 miles from Lake Elkhorn and 2.2 miles from Savage Mill). The major landmark at this parking area is the old rail bridge, which is well worth a few pictures!Overall, you can easily get 10-12 miles by doing an out and back in each direction and adding the 1.9 mile Lake Elkhorn loop.

Love running these trails. They connect to Savage Park and Lake Elkhorn. Great place to go running/biking.walking.Also very scenic trail with access to the stream which is great for pets.

Great trail located in Columbia. It's an easy trail for families and close to all the Columbia area attractions.

My husband and I frequently walk this trail from Columbia to Savage and back - it makes for about a 4-5 hour long walk. There are a lot of bicyclists, joggers, and walkers on this path. There are water and restroom stops at Lake Elkhorn and Savage Park. Parts of it are paved. The non-paved parts can get very muddy after it rains. It can become more crowded as you get closer to the Lake Elkhorn end. It goes under highway 95, highway 32 and Broken Land Parkway.