Things to Do in Howard County
Howard County, a region in Maryland, offers a diverse landscape ideal for outdoor activities. Situated between Baltimore and Washington D.C., it features extensive parkland, river valleys like the Patapsco and Little Patuxent Rivers, and numerous lakes. The county's blend of woodlands, rolling hills, and varied terrain supports several sports like hiking, touring cycling, mountain biking, road cycling, and more. This natural setting provides a wide range of environments for exploration.
Things to Do in Howard County
Howard County provides a wide array of outdoor activities, with more than 500 routes available across several sports like hiking, touring cycling, mountain biking, road cycling, and more. Hikers can explore diverse terrain, from easy strolls around lakes to challenging trails in Patapsco Valley State Park, as detailed in guides like Hiking in Howard County. Cyclists will find varied experiences, from scenic touring routes along river valleys to technical mountain biking trails, including those highlighted in MTB Trails in Howard County. Road cyclists can enjoy rolling roads and paved paths, with options explored in Road Cycling Routes in Howard County. These experiences have been shared by more than 9,000 visitors, resulting in an average rating of 4.62 out of 5 stars.
149
Routes
4.6
(99)
Average rating
2674
People visited
4.6
(5)
35
hikers
14.3km
03:56
230m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
25
hikers
5.52km
01:34
120m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(6)
27
hikers
11.7km
03:12
190m
180m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
hikers
9.99km
02:45
190m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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37
riders
27.9km
02:34
420m
420m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
3.4
(5)
67
riders
19.9km
01:47
270m
270m
Hard mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
39
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
29
riders
34.5km
02:36
420m
420m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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5.0
(2)
12
riders
41.8km
02:13
330m
330m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
52
riders
45.6km
02:21
390m
390m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
35
riders
42.0km
01:54
340m
340m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
28
riders
26.2km
01:41
140m
140m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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37.8km
02:20
330m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
25.4km
01:35
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
37
riders
19.7km
01:19
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
25
riders
28.6km
02:01
230m
230m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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107
runners
7.36km
00:46
60m
60m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
110
runners
6.19km
00:39
50m
50m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
41
runners
9.91km
01:01
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
81
runners
4.15km
00:26
20m
20m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Top attractions in the region
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Most popular attractions in Howard County
Nearby adventure guides
Natural areas to explore nearby
Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in Howard County?
Howard County offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, including hiking, touring cycling, mountain biking, road cycling, and jogging. The region features over 500 routes for exploration. These activities are spread across more than 30,000 acres of parkland.
Where are the best places to hike in Howard County?
Patapsco Valley State Park is a primary hiking destination, offering challenging treks like the Cascade Falls Trail. For easier walks, trails around Centennial Lake and Lake Elkhorn are popular. More information can be found in the Hiking in Howard County guide.
Are there easy hiking trails for beginners in Howard County?
Yes, Howard County provides easy hikes suitable for beginners, particularly around its numerous lakes such as Centennial Lake and Lake Elkhorn. These paths are generally flat and well-maintained. The Easy hikes in Howard County guide offers specific recommendations.
What are the best mountain biking trails in Howard County?
Patapsco Valley State Park is a premier destination for mountain biking, known for its varied terrain including root gardens and rocky sections. Other popular areas include Rockburn Branch Park and Lake Elkhorn Park. The MTB Trails in Howard County guide details many options.
Where can I find road cycling routes in Howard County?
Road cyclists can find rolling roads, especially in western Howard County, and nearly 100 miles (160 kilometers) of paved trails. These routes connect urban centers, parks, and historic places. The Road Cycling Routes in Howard County guide provides detailed information.
What natural features can be seen on trails in Howard County?
Howard County's trails feature diverse natural landscapes, including the Patapsco and Little Patuxent Rivers, and several lakes like Centennial Lake and Lake Elkhorn. Patapsco Valley State Park offers lush forests, rugged terrain, and rocky cliffs. The Middle Patuxent Environmental Area preserves upland and bottomland hardwood forests and wetlands.
Are there any historical landmarks along trails in Howard County?
Yes, Patapsco Valley State Park contains historical sites such as the Thomas Viaduct and remnants of the Avalon Iron and Nail Works. These landmarks offer a glimpse into the region's past. Historic towns like Ellicott City and Savage also feature old mills and charming villages.
Are trails in Howard County suitable for families?
Many trails in Howard County are suitable for families, particularly the paved paths around lakes like Centennial Lake and Lake Elkhorn. These areas offer easy, accessible walks. Patapsco Valley State Park also has sections with varying difficulty levels to accommodate different family needs.
What komoot guides are available for Howard County?
Komoot offers several guides for Howard County, including Hiking in Howard County, Easy hikes in Howard County, and Waterfall hikes in Howard County. Cycling guides include MTB Trails in Howard County and Road Cycling Routes in Howard County.
How popular is Howard County for outdoor activities on komoot?
Howard County is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 9,000 visitors having explored its routes. The region's routes have an average rating of 4.62 out of 5 stars. There are over 500 routes available across various sports.
How can I contact the Howard County government for general inquiries?
For general inquiries regarding Howard County, the main phone number for the county government is (410) 313-2013. Additional information can be found on the official website, www.howardcountymd.gov.
Are dogs allowed on trails in Howard County?
Howard County offers dog-friendly trails in many of its parks and natural areas. Specific regulations may vary by park or trail section. Visitors should check local signage or park websites for detailed rules regarding pets.
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