11/21 Thur Hike! Middle Patuxent Environmental Area: An Easy-Side-of-Mod 5.75 Mi

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

The Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA) is dedicated as a “forever protected” natural environmental area. At 1,021 acres, it is the largest parkland in Howard County’s system of parks, open space and natural resource areas.

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 the boundary.

Our hike will take us through woodland, open pasture and trails bordering the Middle Patuxent River. It has only modest elevation gains (417 feet). It is considered an easy side of moderate hike.

Trail Information:
Activity: Hiking
Nearby City: Clarksville, Howard County, MD
Trail Surface: mostly dirt, some gravel, wooden boardwalks
Scenery: River overlooks, woodland, stream valleys, meadows
Length of hike: 5.75 miles
Elevation: 420 ft
Trail type: Modifies loop
Skill Level: easy side of moderate
Facilities: Bathroom at trailhead.

Park Fee
There is No Park Entry Fee

Gear Information
Click Here for suggestions for what to wear and what not to wear for hiking.

Weather Information
We hike rain or shine! Click Here for up-to-the-minute weather information for the area where we will be hiking.

Directions to the Trailhead
Middle Patuxent Environmental Area
Trotter Road, Clarksville, MD
GPS Coordinates will give you the most precise location: 39.212379, -76.917819
We meet at the parking lot.

Meet & Greet and Sign-In — 9:45-9:55 a.m.
The Hike is at 10:00 a.m.

Please remember we are a volunteer-supported organization that values:

1. Fellowship and camaraderie while practicing good hike etiquette.
2. Leave No Trace principles.

Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group hikes are led by qualified, generous, dedicated certified hike leaders who have volunteered to be part of the group's leadership team. Click Here to see how to join the team!

MAHG is very supportive and encouraging. We focus on safety while enjoying excellent camaraderie. We also benefit from the many health benefits provided by hiking and unplugging from the stress of day-to-day life. Sharing what we know and learning from each other is an important part of MAHG's core values, in addition to our commitment to the organization's mission.

Pets must be kept on a leash at all times and owners are asked to clean-up after pets

Please take the hike leader's number with you. Let’s have fun out on the trails and see you there!

Tim: 202-744-0289

Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a volunteer supported tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization and donations ARE tax deductible. Tax ID: 47-5141831

Click Here to learn more about the group's mission.