Howard County Bird Club

A Chapter of the Maryland Ornithological Society (MOS)

Directions to Howard Birding Spots

After each location the coordinates on Howard County ADC and DeLorme Maryland Delaware Atlas maps are shown. The first number is for the current ADC map, which uses a 4-digit map number; the old map number is in parentheses.

Alpha Ridge Park - ADC 4694-D9 (5-J13), Delorme 57-B5
From US 29, go west on I-70 a little more than 4.0 miles to Exit 83 (Marriottsville North). (Approaching from the west, there is no exit from I-70; instead, exit on US 40 east and turn left at the traffic light at Marriottsville Road.) Go north on Marriottsville Road 1.1 miles from I-70 to the traffic light at MD 99 (Old Frederick Road). Turn left and continue 0.8 miles to the park entrance on the left.

Avalon/Orange Grove - See Patapsco Valley State Park

Bon Secours Spiritual Center - ADC 4694 G/H-7/8 (6-A11), Delorme 57-B5
From US 29, go west on I-70 a little more than 4.0 miles to Exit 83 (Marriottsville North). (Approaching from the west, there is no exit from I-70; instead, exit on US 40 east and turn left at the traffic light at Marriottsville Road). Go north on Marriottsville Road 1.1 miles from I-70 to the traffic light at MD 99 (Old Frederick Road). Continue straight on Marriottsville Road; after 0.8 mile turn right into the Center and follow the road 0.3 mile uphill to the top. There is a parking lot on the left. Birders are required to notify security personnel in the main office of their presence on the grounds.

Browns Bridge - See Duckett Reservoir

Cedar Lane Park - ADC 4934 H4 (15-C3)
This park has two entrances. NORTH AREA. From US 29, take Exit 21B (MD 108 west). Continue 3.0 miles to a left turn into the park. You may park here and walk across the bridge to the West Area OR to reach the WEST AREA entrance, continue west on MD 108 (a left turn out of the North Area) 0.4 mile, to a left (south) on Cedar Lane. Continue 0.2 mile to the entrance on the left. Drive straight to the rear of the lot; turn right and park where convenient. To reach the paved loop path through the deciduous woods, go between the gray building and the tot lot at the east side of the parking lot., Delorme 57-C5

Centennial Park - ADC 4815-D10 & 4935 C1 (11-G13 & 15-G1), Delorme 57-C5 (This park has four entrances.) SOUTH AREA: From US 29, take Exit 21B (MD 108 west) 1.6 miles to the park entrance on the right which is at the second traffic light. This is the main entrance. WEST AREA: From the South Area entrance, turn right, continue 0.5 mile west on MD 108 to the first traffic light which is Centennial Lane. Turn right and in 0.5 mile turn right into the park. Most of the planned sports activities take place in this section of the park. NORTH AREA: From the West Area entrance, turn right. Continue north on Centennial Lane 1.0 mile to the traffic light at Old Annapolis Road. Turn right and continue 1.0 mile to the entrance on the right. EAST AREA: This section is off Woodland Road (0.2 mile west of the intersection of MD 108 and Columbia Road; (the road is marked Pavilion H). The East Area gates are closed in winter. From any of the park entrances, one can pick up the 2.8-mile paved loop around the lake. The North Area entrance is farthest from the path. Park gates usually open by 7:00 a.m. and close by dusk or as posted.

Daniels - See Patapsco Valley State Park

David Force Park - ADC 4814 K4 & 4815 A4 (11-E5), Delorme 57-B5
From US 29 go west on US 40 3.2 miles to the traffic light at Pebble Beach Drive. (This is also the intersection with MD 144; those signs are more prominent.) Turn right on Pebble Beach Drive; continue 0.5 mile to a bulletin board on the right which marks the park entrance. Park along the street.

Duckett Reservoir
The Rocky Gorge Reservoir, created by the construction of the T. Howard Duckett Dam, is 9.5 miles long, encompasses more than 800 acres of water and is 120 feet deep. Two sites are accessible in Howard County.

BROWNS BRIDGE - ADC 5051 F7 (18-C5), Delorme 57-D4 From US 29 go west on MD 216 for 1.0 mile to the Fulton sign. Just ahead, in front of St. Paul's Church, go straight onto Lime Kiln Road. Continue 1.9 miles to Browns Bridge Road. Turn left on Browns Bridge Road; continue 0.6 mile to a gravel parking lot on the left jut before the bridge. There are two additiional parking areas after crossing the bridge, one on the left and one on the right. When using MD 108 west of Clarksville, turn left on MD 216 in Highland; continue southeast 1.2 miles to the traffic light at Browns Bridge Road. Turn right; continue 1.8 miles to the reservoir.

SCOTTS COVE - ADC 5052-H9 (19-B7), Delorme 57-D5 Go south on US 29 to Exit 13, MD 216 east to Laurel. Bear right as you exit and go over US 29 to a traffic circle. Go halfway way around the circle and continue east on MD 216 for 0.3 mile. At the traffic light at Crest Drive, turn right and continue 0.2 mile to a T intersection with Scaggsville Road. Turn left and continue 0.5 mile to a right on Pineway Drive. Pineway dead ends in 0.4 mile at Harding Road. On the south side of this intersection there is a metal gate. Park along the street and go around the gate. Within a few hundred yards the path ends at the water. From this intersection, turn right on Harding Road. In 0.2 mile, there is another metal gate on the south side of the road. There is a wide shoulder on the south side where it is possible to park. The path here takes you to a different vantage point from the previous one. Continue west a short distance on Harding Road to a large gravel parking lot on the left at Scotts Cove. By continuing on Harding Road another 0.3 around the head of the cove, there is a second parking lot which is adjacent to the boat ramp as well as to mature pines.

Elkhorn Garden Plot - ADC 4935-H10 (16-B11), Delorme 57-D6
Many call these the Oakland Mills Garden Plots. This area can be reached by walking on a paved path east from Lake Elkhorn under the transmission lines. The plots are on the east side of Oakland Mills Road which is a heavily traveled four lane road. Use extreme caution in crossing. If you are driving, follow instructions to Sewells Orchard Community Park; however, from the intersection of Snowden River Parkway and Oakland Mills Road, the distance is 0.9 mile to a right turn at a metal gate on a gravel road. Parking is anywhere along the garden plots on the right.

Font Hill Wetland Park - ADC 4815-C7 (11-G8), Delorme 57-5
From US 29 go west on US 40 2.4 miles to Centennial Lane. Turn left (south) less than 0.1 mile to the traffic light at Frederick Road. Turn left and continue ~0.2 mile to Font Hill Drive. Turn right and continue 0.4 mile to the park sign. Park along the street.

Forebay Pond - See Lake Elkhorn

Gwynn Acres Path - ADC 4815-E1 (11-J12), Delorme 57-C5
From US 29 go west on MD 108 to the first traffic light which is Columbia Road. Turn right (north) and continue almost 0.6 mile. Park on either side of the road in the vicinity of the intersection with Rams Horn Row. From this point it is possible to enter either the Gwynn Acres Path on the north side of the road or Plumtree Path 25 yards west on the south side of Columbia Road.

Henryton - See Patapsco Valley State Park

High Ridge Park - ADC 5169-B2/D3 (19-F11), Delorme 47-A5
From US 29 take Exit 13 to Laurel. Go east on MD 216 3.5 miles to the traffic light at All Saints Road. Turn right and continue 0.9 mile to the dead end. Turn right on Old Scaggsville Road and almost immediately left on Superior Avenue. Continue 0.2 mile to the park entrance. The parking lot is 0.1 mile beyond the gate on the left.

Hollofield - See Patapsco Valley State Park

Hugg-Thomas Wildlife Management Area - ADC 4693-D3 (4-K6), Delorme 57-A4
From the intersection of I-70 and MD 32, go north on MD 32 almost 4.0 miles. Turn left following the directions on two large green highway signs reading "To Main Street Sykesville - Next Left." There is no street sign. In a little more than 0.2 mile, turn left on Forsythe Road. Continue west on Forsythe Road and in just under 0.4 mile, turn right into a small unpaved parking lot almost opposite the wooden "Hugg-Thomas-Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources" sign. The lot is marked by a small sign with a "P" on a low post. A prominent sign in the parking lot warns that "hunting or trespassing is by permit only," Monday through Saturday, September 1 through the end of January (or early February, the date varies), and mid-April to mid-May. During the hunting seasons, birders may not use this area.

Jackson Pond (Columbia) ADC 4935-J6 (16-C6), Delorme 57-6C
From US 29, take MD 175 east 1.8 miles to Tamar Drive. Turn left; go almost 0.4 mile to a left on Phelps Luck Drive. Continue 0.2 mile to a four-way stop; turn right on Lightspun Lane. Park within the first hundred yards as water becomes visible on the right. A paved path circles the pond. There are a few picnic tables; no other facilities.

Lake Elkhorn/Forebay Pond (Columbia) - ADC 5053-E1 (15-K12), Delorme 57-D5
From US 29 go east on MD 32 for 1.7 miles. Take the Broken Land Parkway North exit and continue 0.6 mile to the paved parking lot on the right side of Broken Land Parkway. This lot is at the southwest corner of the lake. A second lot adjacent to the lake is reached by continuing north along Broken Land Parkway from the first parking lot 0.3 mile to Cradlerock Way. Turn right and continue almost 0.3 mile to the second right, Dockside Lane. Turn onto Dockside and almost immediately turn left onto an unnamed paved road. The lot at the end of this road provides access to a boat launch ramp and the paved path that encircles the lake. Forebay Pond is at the southeast corner of the lake on a spur path leading uphill from the bridge at the east end of the lake.

Lake Kittamaqundi (Columbia) - ADC 4935-D6 (15-H6), Delorme 57-C5
From US 29, as you approach from the south, take exit 18B (west) toward Columbia Town Center for approximately 1.0 mile. (From the north, it is marked exit 18 without a letter; at the traffic light at the top of the exit ramp, turn left.) For both, proceed to the traffic light at the intersection of Broken Land Parkway with Little Patuxent Parkway and turn right. From this intersection, parking will be on the right at 0.6 mile (near the large white Rouse building) and 0.8 mile (Wincopin Circle). Walk beyond the buildings to the lake front and survey the water and adjacent land from the paved path which follows the west side of the lake. It is possible to walk completely around the lake; however, the east side is not paved.

Marriottsville - See Patapsco Valley State Park

Meadowbrook Park - ADC 4815-h10 (12-C13 & 16-C1), Delorme 57-C6
From US 29 take MD 100 east (Exit 22, Long Gate Parkway). Stay in the right lane as exit 1A is less than 0.1 mile from the end of the exit ramp. After exiting, as you approach the top of the exit ramp, go straight following signs for Meadowbrook Lane. Continue ~0.1 mile to a left turn into the Park and Ride Lot which puts you adjacent to the most developed portion of the park. The paved path that loops through the park is accessible near the tot lot OR: To reach the formal entrance to the park, continue west on Meadowbrook Lane another 0.2 mile. Turn left into the park and go through the series of lots to the one farthest from the entrance. At this point you will be near the path adjacent to extensive wetlands and the hawkwatch knoll. Usually this west end is the most productive section of the park.

Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA) - ADC 4934-E6 (14-J6), Delorme 57-C5
From MD 108 northeast of Clarksville, go south on Trotter Road 0.9 mile to a small gravel parking lot on the left. A wooden sign in the lot says Middle Patuxent Environmental Area. OR: Go west from US 29 on MD 32 to Exit 19, Great Star Drive (there is no access to Great Star Drive from MD 32 eastbound). Turn right on Great Star Drive and within 100 ft. (at the traffic light), turn right on Summer Sunrise Drive. In less than 0.1 mile, turn left on Trotter Road. Go north on Trotter Road 1.3 miles to the parking lot (described above) on the right.

Middle Patuxent River - Eden Brook Drive (Columbia Open Space) ADC 5052-K4 & 5053-A5 (19-E2), Delorme 57-D5
From US 29, go east on MD 32 for about 1.0 mile and take the Shaker Drive/Eden Brook Drive exit. Bear right at the top of the ramp to the traffic light at Eden Brook Drive. Turn left and drive 0.5 mile to the traffic light at Guilford Road. Continue straight across the intersection entering Dickinson (Kings Contrivance Village Center will be on the left). Follow Eden Brook Drive 0.6 mile to the dead end at a metal barrier just beyond the intersection with First League. Follow the paved road remnant downhill to the river where there are beaten paths in both directions.

Middle Patuxent River - Kindler Road (Gorman Park) - ADC 5052-K5 & 5053-A5) 19-E3, Delorme 57-D5
Go south on US 29 to Exit 15 (To Johns Hopkins/Gorman Road, east). At the traffic light at the top of the long exit ramp, turn left on Johns Hopkins and go over US 29 to a traffic circle. Go halfway around the circle and exit (a large green sign says Johns Hopkins Road to Gorman Road). In 0.1 mile turn left on Gorman Road and continue another 0.1 mile to a landscaped triangle. At this point Gorman Road goes right but Kindler Road continues straight. Take Kindler 0.3 mile to a barrier across the road. Park along the road and walk downhill past the gate to reach the trails both east and west along the river.

Mt. Pleasant (Howard County Conservancy) - ADC 4694-K10 (11-E1), Delorme 57-B5
Go north on US 29 to where it dead ends into MD 99 (Old Frederick Road). Turn left (west). After 1.9 miles you will pass the intersection with Bethany Lane (a traffic light). Continue west on MD 99 for 1.6 miles to a right turn into the Conservancy property. The parking lot will be on the right after 0.2 mile.

Oakland Mills Garden Plots - See Elkhorn Branch Garden Plots

Patuxent Branch Trail - ADC 5053-E1 to G7 (19-K-2), Delorme 57-D6 (Pratt Railroad Bridge)
From MD 32, take Exit 14B (Broken Land Parkway South) for 0.2 mile to Guilford Road; left 0.2 mile to Murray Mill Road. From that intersection continue east on Guilford Road 0.7 mile to a right turn on Old Guilford Road where there is a Patuxent Branch Trail sign. The road ends within a few feet; turn left into a 10 car parking lot adjacent to the Pratt Railroad Bridge. There is a clear, easily deciphered trail map on the east side of the bridge. From this point it is possible to walk north on the paved section 2.0 miles to Lake Elkhorn or cross the bridge and walk the crushed gravel trail 1.5 miles to Vollmerhausen Road and Savage. If you wish to enter the PBT at the north end, park in one of the Lake Elkhorn lots and take the path under Broken Land Parkway which is below the dam at the west end of the lake. To start at the south end, follow directions to the lot for the Wincopin Trails on Vollmerhausen Road, west of the Little Patuxent River. From that lot, take the sidewalk on Vollmerhausen Road downhill (to the right). Just before the bridge, cross the road to the trail entrance on the north side of the road.

Patuxent River State Park
The park is on both the Montgomery and Howard county sides of the Patuxent River north of Triadelphia Reservoir. Access is from roads crossing the river (as related below). Access is described from Howard Chapel Road to Long Corner Road. Directions from Montgomery County are from Damascus Road west of Sunshine and east of Damascus (MD 650 and MD 108). From eastern Montgomery County and Howard county, access to Damascus Road is from MD 108 (Ashton Road/Clarksville Pike). In Ashton, take New Hampshire Avenue (MD 650) north past Brighton Dam Road. Alternatively, take Brighton Dam Road south out of Howard County into Montgomery County to the intersection with MD 650; turn right. At Sunshine, MD 650 changes from New Hampshire Avenue to Damascus Road; stay on MD 650. Directions, in some cases, are also given from I-70 in northern Howard County. Trail indications are for Howard County unless otherwise specified.

ANNAPOLIS ROCK ROAD - ADC 4810-H6 (7-G8), Delorme 56-C2.

FROM HOWARD COUNTY
From I-70/US40 take exit 73 south on MD 94 (Woodbine Road) 5.9 miles to Annapolis Rock Road on the left. (Do not turn right on the Annapolis Rock Road that is only 1.6 miles south.) After turning left on Annapolis Rock Road, continue 0.8 mile to the horse parking lot on the right (P1).

This parking lot can also be reached from Jennings Chapel Road. From I-70/US40 take exit 76 south on MD 97 (Roxbury Mill Road) 6.9 miles to Jennings Chapel Road. Turn right and travel 3.2 miles to Hipsley Mill Road. Go south on Hipsley Mill Road 1.0 mile to Annapolis Rock Road. Turn right and proceed 1.0 mile to the horse parking lot on the left.

FROM MONTGOMERY COUNTY
In Montgomery County from MD 108 (Damascus Road), take Annapolis Rock Road northeast 2.3 miles to the river. There is a parking lot on the Montgomery County side, and there are horse/fishing trails on that side only. To reach the section described, continue past the river into Howard County 1.4 miles and turn right on Annapolis Rock Road. Continue 0.8 mile to the horse parking lot.

HIPSLEY MILL ROAD - ADC 4811-B8 (7-J10), Delorme 56-C3.

FROM HOWARD COUNTY
From I-70/US40 take exit 76 south on MD 97 (Roxbury Mill Road) 6.9 miles to Jennings Chapel Road. Turn right and travel 3.2 miles to Hipsley Mill Road. Turn left and continue 2.0 miles to a dirt parking lot on the left.

FROM MONTGOMERY COUNTY
In Montgomery County from MD 650 (Damascus Road), take Hipsley Mill Road northeast 1.8 miles to the several car parking lot on the right just beyond the bridge.

HOWARD CHAPEL ROAD - ADC 4811-K10 (8-G12), Delorme 56-C3.

FROM HOWARD COUNTY
From I-70/US40 take exit 76 south on MD 97 (Roxbury Mill Road) 6.9 miles to Jennings Chapel Road. Turn right and continue 0.3 mile to Howard Chapel Road. Turn left and continue 0.3 mile to the dirt parking lot on the left.

FROM MONTGOMERY COUNTY
From MD 650 (Damascus Road) take Howard Chapel Road northeast 1.7 miles to the river. Park in the several car gravel area just beyond the bridge in Howard County.

LONG CORNER ROAD. - ADC 4810-D1 (7-B2), Delorme 56-B2 (Long Corner).

FROM HOWARD COUNTY
From I-70/US40 take exit 73 south on MD 94 (Woodbine Road) 0.4 mile to the Lisbon traffic circle. On MD 144 go west toward Mt. Airy 3.4 miles to Long Corner Road. Turn left and proceed 3.9 miles to a dirt parking lot on the left.

FROM MONTGOMERY COUNTY
From MD 108 (Damascus Road) in Montgomery County take Long Corner Road north 2.8 miles to the bridge. There is a small parking lot 0.2 mile beyond the bridge (in Howard County).

Patapsco Valley State Park:
Patapsco Valley State Park extends along 32 miles of the Patapsco River, encompassing 14,000 acres and five developed recreational areas. Recreational opportunities include hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing, horseback and mountain bike trails, as well as picnicking for individuals or large groups in the park's many popular pavilions. Several of these areas are accessible from Howard County.

AVALON/ORANGE GROVE - ADC 4937-E4 (17-F4), Delorme 58-C1. From US 29 go east on MD 100 (Exit 22) to US 1. Turn left; continue 3.6 miles (passing through Elkridge) to South Street (across the Patapsco River in Baltimore County). Turn left on South Street and in 0.1 mile turn left into the park. During the 1.2 mile entrance drive, the road passes beneath the historic Thomas Viaduct. At the toll booth a per person fee schedule is posted (honor system). Continue to a T-intersection (a stop sign); turn left to the Avalon/Orange Grove area. (The section in Baltimore County is the Glen Artney section.) After crossing the Patapsco River into Howard County, park in the lot on the right. There are restrooms, a telephone, and picnic pavilions. On weekends in the warmer months, the road along the river is open to vehicular traffic; otherwise, foot traffic, bicycles, or horses are allowed. Pets are prohibited.

DANIELS ROAD - ADC 4695-K10 (12-D1), Delorme 57-B6. Take US 29 north to the T-intersection at the traffic light on MD 99 (Old Frederick Road). Turn right and continue 0.6 mile to a traffic circle. At this intersection Old Frederick Road makes a ninety degree turn north (MD 99 becomes Rogers Avenue). Go three-quarters of the way around the circle to Old Frederick Road and continue nearly 0.7 mile to Daniels Road. Turn left and follow Daniels Road downhill 0.9 mile to a small gravel parking area on the left; a second lot is less than 0.1 mile on the right.

HENRYTON ROAD - ADC 4694-D5 (5-J7), Delorme 57-B5. From US 29, go west on I-70 a little more than 4.0 miles to Exit 83 (Marriottsville North). (Approaching from the west, there is no exit from I-70; exit on US 40 east and turn left at the traffic light at Marriottsville Road.) Go north on Marriottsville Road 1.1 miles from I-70 to the traffic light at MD 99 (Old Frederick Road). Turn left on MD 99 and continue 1.6 miles to Henryton Road. Turn right and follow this road for 2.4 miles to where it dead ends at the barrier at the Patapsco River. Park wherever convenient leaving space for other cars to turn around.

HOLLOFIELD - ADC 4816-D3 (12-H5), Delorme 57-B6. The entrance is on US 40 about 2.0 miles east of US 29, close to the Baltimore County line. A per person fee schedule is posted.

MARRIOTTSVILLE ROAD - ADC 4694-G4 (6-7A), Delorme 57-B5. From US 29, go west on I-70 a little more than 4.0 miles to Exit 83 (Marriottsville North). (Approaching from the west, there is no exit from I-70; exit on US 40 east and turn left at the traffic light at Marriottsville Road.) Go north on Marriottsville Road 1.1 miles from I-70 to the traffic light at MD 99 (Old Frederick Road). From that intersection, continue north on Marriottsville Road 2.7 miles. Immediately north of the railroad tracks and before crossing the river, turn left (west) into a gravel parking lot. (Do not park south of the railroad tracks—it is private land.)

OLD FREDERICK ROAD - ADC 4816-C1 (12-G2), Delorme 57-B6. Take US 29 north to the T-intersection at the traffic light on MD 99 (Old Frederick Road). Turn right and continue 0.6 mile to a traffic circle. At this intersection Old Frederick Road makes a ninety degree turn north (MD 99 become Rogers Avenue.) Go three-quarters of the way around the circle to Old Frederick Road and continue 0.9 mile gradually dropping downhill to the river. Just after crossing the railroad tracks and before crossing the river, turn right into a gravel parking area.

RACE ROAD WETLANDS - ADC 4937-G7 (17-J8), Delorme 58-D1. From US 29 go east on MD 100 5.8 miles to Exit 6B (US 1 North) to Elkridge. Continue 3.4 miles to the traffic light at Levering Avenue (the first signal after the railroad viaduct). Turn right on Levering one short block to Main Street. Turn left on Main for 0.1 mile to a right on Furnace Avenue; continue 0.4 mile to a right on Race Road. From this intersection, good wetland habitat will begin to appear at about 0.3 of a mile. Soft shoulders make parking inadvisable. At about 0.5 mile there is a gravel parking area on the left. Another 0.1 mile another small gravel area with room for a car. Continue past a short section where water is adjacent to the road on the left (do not park here). In another 0.2 mile on the left (south side of the road) the paved end of a driveway with two tree stumps can hold a couple of vehicles. From there it is a short walk back to the view of the water. Beyond this point, the shoulders on Race Road widen so it is easier to pull of to listen or look at the area on the left side of the road adjacent to Deep Run. There is fairly heavy truck traffic along this road so exercise caution. Race Road intersects Hanover Road. For additional habitat, turn right and park immediately on Hanover Road. Walk across the road. On the right along Hanover Road there is a good-sized pond filled with cattails. The old driveway you entered to vehicular traffic at the stream but you can walk across and pick up a series of ATV trails. These lead to another wetland and pond with substantial emergent vegetation.

SYKESVILLE/RIVER ROAD - ADC map pg. 4693 F3 & J4 (prior edition pg. 5-B6), Delorme map pg. 57-A4. From the intersection of I-70 and MD 32, go north on MD 32 almost 4.0 miles. Turn left following the directions on two large green highway signs reading "To Main Street Sykesville - Next Left." There is no street sign. In about 0.3 mile, turn right on River Road. In Sykesville/River Road Detailed Information, there are additional directions to the specific areas.

WOODSTOCK ROAD - ADC 4695-A8 (6-E11), Delorme 57-B5. Take US 29 north to the T-intersection and traffic light at MD 99 (Old Frederick Road). Turn left and continue 3.9 miles to the traffic light at Woodstock Road. Turn right and continue 1.2 miles to the Patapsco River. Park on the left (before crossing the RR tracks) OR cross the bridge and park next to the road in any of several areas near a gate that provides access to the Baltimore County side of the river. On the Howard side, walk east or west along the RR tracks to locate trails. Alternate route from I70: Take the Marriottsville North exit (Exit 83). Go north 1.1 miles to the traffic light at MD 99. Turn right and continue 0.9 mile to the traffic light at Woodstock Road. Turn left and continue to the Patapasco River.

Plumtree Path -ADC 4815-E1 (11-K13), Delorme 57-C6.
From US 29 go west on MD 108 to the first traffic light which is Columbia Road. Turn right (north) and continue almost 0.6 mile. Park on either side of the road in the vicinity of the intersection with Rams Horn Row. From this point it is possible to enter either the Gwynn Acres Path on the north side of Columbia Road or the Plumtree Path 25 yards west on the south side of the road.

Poplar Springs Park - ADC 4691-E4 (3-B8)., Delorme 56-B3.
Note: Older ADC maps show this park in an incorrect location. Be sure to check maps and directions with this site guide.
From US 29, go west on I-70 to Exit 73, MD 94 South to Lisbon. At the stop sign, turn left on MD 94 and continue 0.5 mile to the Lisbon traffic circle. Go one-quarter around the circle to West on MD 144. After 1.4 miles,turn right on Watersville Road. Parking is 0.1 mile on the left in a small area adjoining the road in front of the park.

Race Road Wetlands - See Patapsco Valley State Park

Rockburn Branch Park - ADC 4936-G6 & J5(17-A6 & 17-B5), Delorme 57-C6.
Rockburn Branch Park has two entrances. WEST AREA (6145 Montgomery Road). From US 29, take Exit 22, MD 100 east to Glen Burnie. Stay in the right lane and in 0.7 mile take the first exit (1A). Just before the stop sign at the top of the exit ramp, bear right onto Long Gate Parkway. In 0.4 mile, turn right on MD 103 (Montgomery Road). Stay on Montgomery Road for 3.1 miles. At this traffic light, turn left and continue on Montgomery Road. After 0.2 mile Montgomery Road makes another left at the next traffic light. The South Area entrance will be on the left in 0.6 mile (just west of Rockburn Elementary School). The park gate is just beyond the school. There is a parking lot on the left 0.2 mile from the entrance. EAST AREA (5400 Landing Road). Return to Montgomery Road and turn left. Drive 0.6 mile to Landing Road. Turn left and continue 0.9 mile to the park gate on the left. Parking, the park office, year-round restrooms and water, telephone, picnic tables, and trailheads are at the top of the hill about 0.2 mile from the entrance.

Savage Park - ADC 5053-G8 (20-A6), Delorme 57-D6.
From US 29 go east on MD 32 for 4.3 miles to US 1 (from I-95 go east 0.2 miles). Take the Laurel South exit and bear right. Less than 0.1 mile after exiting the ramp, turn right at the traffic light onto Howard Street. Howard Street become Baltimore Street. Continue on this street through Savage almost 0.8 mile to the T-intersection at Fair Street. Turn right into the park. Tennis courts, ball fields, and picnic facilities are clustered not far from the entrance. Several trails begin at the edge of the woods, one behind the tennis courts and another south of the ball-field.

Savage Mill Trail - ADC 5051-G4 (20-B8), Delorme 57-D6.
From MD 32 take Exit 12B–Laurel South on US 1. Continue south on US 1 0.5 mile to the traffic light at Gorman Road. Turn right on Gorman Road 0.4 mile to Foundry Street. Turn right and park along the road before the bridge. For handicapped parking, do not turn onto Foundry Street; instead continue straight on Gorman Road 50 feet beyond the intersection. Turn right into a split rail fenced area just west of the orange hydrant.

Schooley Mill Park - ADC 5051-G4 (18-B2), Delorme 57-D4.
From US 29 go west on MD 216 for 3.5 miles to the traffic light at Hall Shop Road. Turn left; the park entrance is 0.3 mile on the left. (If MD 108 is used, turn left [east] on Hall Shop Road and continue 0.4 mile to the park entrance on the right.) There is parking near the riding ring at the right of the entrance, or continue to either of the two lots near the top of the hill. The one straight ahead near the soccer field is the most centrally located.

Scotts Cove - See Duckett Reservoir

Sewells Orchard Community Park - ADC 4935-J9 (16-B9), Delorme 57-D6.
From US 29, go east on MD 32 for 1.6 miles to Broken Land Parkway north (Exit 14A). Go north on Broken Land Pkwy 0.6 mile to the traffic light at Snowden River Parkway. Turn right and continue 1.8 miles to a left (north) at the light on Oakland Mills Road. Continue 1.5 miles to a right on Loring Drive. Continue on Loring 0.3 mile to the dead end on Sewells Orchard Drive. Turn right. After 0.2 mile there will be a park sign on the left.

Southwestern Ponds

JOHNS HOPKINS APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY (APL) POND - ADC 5052-G5 (19-B3), Delorme 57-D5. Location: 0.4 mile west of US 29 on Johns Hopkins Road. Turn right just before reaching the pond. Park in the credit union parking lot and scan through the metal bars of the fence.

FULTON POND - ADC 5052-C6 (18-H5), Delorme 57-D5. Location: 1.1 miles west of US 29 on MD 216. To observe the pond and fields, do NOT stop on MD 216 or in the farm driveway. Instead, park in the Fulton post office parking lot or in the small shopping center. Walk back along the heavily traveled road with caution.

LIME KILN ROAD POND - ADC 5051-K7 (18-E5), Delorme 57-D4. Location: North of the intersection of Lime Kiln and Reservoir Roads, reached from MD 216 by driving 1.1 miles west on Lime Kiln Road from Fulton (just west of St. Paul's Church). Stopping along Lime Kiln Road is dangerous. Park on Reservoir Road facing the pond.

BRIGHTON DAM QUARRY POND - ADC 4933-C9 (13-J10), Delorme 57-D4. Location: From MD 108 south in Clarksville, go past the intersection with MD 32 and make a right turn (west) at the first street which is Ten Oaks Road. Go 0.6 mile to its junction with Brighton Dam Road (straight ahead) and continue 1.4 miles. At the four-way stop, which is Highland Road, continue straight another 0.5 mile to a left on Springdale Drive. Go to the cul de sac which is the highest point of public access. Park there or along the road (not on the grass). It is necessary to peer between the houses and landscaping on the east side of the road. No matter how many angles are attempted, it is not possible to see the whole pond. Fortunately there are not many residences along this street but please be careful not to trespass. For a view of a smaller section of the southernmost part of the pond, return the 0.5 mile to Highland Road. Turn right, and continue 0.6 mile to Mink Hollow Road. Turn right (west) and continue 0.5 mile; turn right (north) on Villad'est; go 0.4 mile and take the second right on Luster Drive. After 0.2 mile, almost at the end of the cul de sac, there is a fragmented view on the left of the south end of the pond (only visible when there are no leaves on the deciduous trees through which you are looking). Stay on the street.

ELLIOTT ROAD POND - ADC 4933-E7 (14-A7), Delorme 57-C4. Location: East of the intersection of Highland and Triadelphia Mill Roads. The large pond set back on the south side of the road is used frequently by waterfowl. It is more accessible from Elliott Drive. From Highland Road turn right on Triadelphia Mill Road; in a little more than 0.1 mile turn right on Elliott Drive; go 0.3 mile to Sines Road. Turn left to the dead end. After the leaves have dropped from the trees at the edge of the pond, there is a reasonable view of the water. By continuing south on Elliott Drive toward the cul de sac a somewhat different view can be obtained.

Sykesville/River Road - See Patapsco Valley State Park

Triadelphia Reservoir:
The reservoir is formed by damming the Patuxent River, between MD97 and Brighton Dam Road. There's a roadway over Brighton Dam that Howard and Montgomery counties maintain; the river helps divide the counties.

BIG BRANCH - ADC 4932-F3 (13-B2). From the junction of MD 108 and 216, go north on Highland Road (the extension of MD 216) 3.2 miles to Triadelphia Mill Road. Turn left on Triadelphia Mill Road 1.6 miles to the right turn where it becomes Green Bridge Road. Go less than 0.1 mile; turn left on Triadelphia Mill Road and continue 1.6 miles to the paved parking lot on the left side of the road. The reservoir can be seen from the parking area or the paved boat launch. Big Branch Recreation Area, owned by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC), is open to the public. The small paved parking lot is adjacent to a cove of the reservoir, so it is possible to make a quick check of the location without extensive walking.

BRIGHTON DAM - ADC 4932-K10 (13-E10), Delorme 57-D4. To reach the intersection of Brighton Dam Road and Highland Road there are two options. From US 29 go west on MD 216/Highland Road 6.0 miles to a left turn on Brighton Dam Road OR take MD 32 to Clarksville, go west on Ten Oaks Road 0.6 mile to the junction with Brighton Dam Road (as Ten Oaks Road makes a wide right-hand curve, Brighton Dam Road goes straight); continue 1.5 miles to the intersection with Highland Road. Continue straight on Brighton Dam Road 1.7 miles to the dam (the road runs along the top of it). Cross the dam and park in the lot on the left in Montgomery County. Boat permits may be purchased at the log office adjacent to the parking lot; they are not required for birders who are limited to a few public areas. Brighton Dam straddles the Howard/Montgomery county line, forming the lower end of Triadelphia Reservoir. The dam and land surrounding the reservoir are owned by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC). At the cabin in the parking lot, you may pick up a map which shows access points to both reservoirs in both counties. For WSSC purposes, birders are placed in the same category as those who fish from the shore and are expected to follow signs as such. The reservoir is open from March 1 to December 15 (both dates are contingent on open water). On all WSSC property, dogs must be leashed and no swimming or wading is permitted.

PIGTAIL - ADC 4932-K5 (13-F5), Delorme 57-C4.
From the junction of MD 108 and 216, go north on Highland Road (the extension of MD 216) 3.2 miles to Triadelphia Mill Road. Turn left on Triadelphia Mill Road 1.6 miles to Green Bridge Road. At this junction turn left on a dirt road marked with a small sign for Pigtail Boat Launching Area. Continue 0.4 mile to where it dead ends in a small paved parking lot which is open from March through mid-December from sunrise to sunset, except during hunting season.

Vantage Point - ADC 4935-D5 (15-H4), Delorme 57-C5. (See also Lake Kittamaqundi)
From US 29, take MD 175 west (Exit 20B to Wilde Lake). MD 175 become Little Patuxent Parkway but continue 1.0 mile from US 29 to a left at the second traffic light which is Vantage Point Road. In 0.1 mile turn left on Leaf Treader Way which dead ends in 0.1 mile. Park along the street and walk past the green gate on the remnant of a street which was once the entrance to Columbia. It dead ends at US 29.

Warfield's Pond Park - ADC 4812-G6 (9-C8), Delorme 57-C4
At the junction of I-70 and MD 97, go south on MD 97 3.4 miles to MacClintock Drive. Turn left and continue 0.6 mile to the park entrance on the right. Follow the paved path which encircles the pond. From Montgomery County: On MD 97 at Sunshine (junction of MD 97, Georgia Avenue and MD 650, New Hampshire Ave.) continue north 3.7 miles to MacClintock Drive. Turn right and continue 0.6 mile to the park entrance on the right.

Western Regional Park - ADC 4812-E1 (9-B2), Delorme 56-B3.
At the junction of I-70 and MD 97, go south on MD 97 1.7 miles to the traffic light at Carrs Mill Rd. Turn right (west) and continue 0.3 mile to the park entrance on the right. Lots are on both left and right sides of the entrance road. After passing the lighted ball fields, a gate may bar vehicle access to the western (undeveloped) section of the park; you may park in a nearby lot and walk in.

Wilde Lake - ADC 4935-B5 (15-G4), Delorme 57-C5.
From US 29, take MD 175 west (Exit 20B to Wilde Lake). MD 175 becomes Little Patuxent Parkway. Continue 1.0 mile to the second traffic light; turn right on West Running Brook Road; then take an almost immediate left on Hyla Brook Road. Continue 0.1 mile to a paved parking lot on the left near the dock, or continue another 0.1 mile to a gravel parking area on the left near a red-roofed barn.

Wincopin Trails - ADC 5053-G7 (20-A5), Delorme 57-D6.
From MD 32, take Exit 14B (Broken Land Parkway South) for 0.2 mile to Guilford Road; left 0.2 mile to Murray Hill Road; right 0.4 mile to Vollmerhausen Road; left 1.3 mile to a paved parking lot on the right. The trails begin at the corner of the lot near the information board.

Woodstock - See Patapsco Valley State Park