What a nice day for a walk. It's springtime and the sights are simply gorgeous! It's also a great place to exercise. read more

See all

One of my fav lakes to walk around. It does get bush on the weekend but if you go early you have the lake to yourself. I love the days I get there early enough to see the mist rising off the water and all the animals are still around and active. I love walking my dog here as well There's an also a nice playground for the kids. read more

See all

Very popular park in Columbia! The parking lot I parked in was packed. I've been a few times but I had forgotten how much I liked it until a recent visit. I even ran into a college friend and his daughter. It's very peaceful and easy to enjoy some exercise, which is what I did. Got 2 miles of walking in. It started to get hot and more crowded so I left but I'll visit again and earlier when it's cooler. Add this park to your list if you're looking to get out and enjoy some fresh air! read more

See all

Columbia Lake Elkhorn is one of my favorite places to run! The loop around the lake is super scenic and peaceful, with water views pretty much the whole way. The trail is smooth and easy, perfect for any pace, whether you're jogging, walking, or pushing yourself on a long run. I love how calm it feels out here. You get a mix of trees, open sky, and lots of wildlife, ducks, geese, herons, you name it. It's clean, safe, and never too crowded, which makes it easy to just zone out and enjoy being outside. There are a bunch of spots to stop and stretch or just sit and enjoy the view if you want a break. It's also great for families, dog walkers, and anyone who just wants to get some fresh air. If you're in the area and looking for a beautiful spot to run or relax, definitely check out Lake Elkhorn. You'll love it! read more

Lake Elkhorn Park - Parks Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

Great hidden park with big lake. Its hidden from main roads. Park by giant on the street if you cant find parking. Very popular in warm days. Nice to see all kinds of people walk read more

I'm into fitness so everywhere I go. I gotta find a lake. This lake is lovely serene with wildlife. Great for running if you're in the area make sure you check it out. read more

See all

Hey friends! This park has a special place in my heart. This was my de-stress spot in college. Fast forward 6 years later and it's still my favorite spot to relax. The park is beautiful year round. It's an easy way to get 4 miles in, if you do two full laps. There's also various types of work out equipment along the way. Dog friendly, complimentary waste bags around the park. Parking can be tricky. If the lot on Broken Land Pkwy is full, there's street parking near McDonalds. Only downside to this park is that there's no restrooms. You'll have to walk to McDonald's. Park is always well-kept. I definitely recommend this park for your next hot girl walk! read more

Lake Elkhorn Park - Parks Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

See all

We always have an easy time finding parking, ample spots are available between the two large parking lot areas- The lake trail loop is an easy stroll- with great ambiance sections between the gorgeous expansive lake, dam area, little drop offs to play near the water, and the open fields for the kids to run around- It's just the right length to make it around once, enjoying the workout equipment pit stops, the scenic bridges, and the playground- I enjoy doing looped runs, rotating with the husband, while the kids take a slow stroll read more

This park is nestled in a beautiful area! A great walking, running or biking path. I asked my hubby if after dinner we could drive here and of course he agreed. This place was so beautiful! I enjoyed my walk and the homes that were around were cools too look at as well. I can't wait to See this place in the fall! read more

Lake Elkhorn Park - Me and my hubby sitting on the bridge:) - Parks Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

The park and walkway is great, but for se unknown reason, the restrooms are ALWAYS locked. I've asked more than once why and have yet to receive a response. Workers are out and about all over, too. This is daily. Will be looking for a new park to enjoy. read more

Beautiful scenic park Paved trails Waterfront viewing docks Picnic areas It's highly trafficked due to the amenities and visuals. read more

See all

I love coming in here with the Fam. We always ride our bikes to the park. It's a good place to fish as well. Also, We always ride our bikes on the Lake Elkhorn trail. The loop is about 1.9 miles. There are few picnic tables at this park. I do recommend to check out this gorgeous lake if you're near Columbia Maryland. read more

See all

Lake Elkhorn Park is a fantastic find in Columbia. We generally go here on nice days just for a walk around the lake. The area is slightly hilly, for those that are hill-adverse, and very well paved and maintained. With plenty of benches around to enjoy nature and exercise equipment available, this is truly a place for everyone! There are a couple small parking lots around the lake - these can fill up on nice days, so I recommend parking in the shopping center nearby and walking over. read more

Lake Elkhorn is a gorgeous, open park in the Columbia area with multiple trails, picnic pavilions, and benches. Great for walkers, joggers, bikers, skateboarders, dog owners, and more. Actually, on my recent first visit, I'm pretty sure I saw all of the above enjoying the fall weather lol. The loop around the lake is two miles - it's very peaceful, but can get congested in certain areas, so always look out for the 'on your left' call. On the walk, you'll see the backside of houses that face the lake, a dam, and even exercise equipment built along the path. There are two parking lots, but both fill up rather quickly, with cars pouring out into the street onto Cradlerock. If you're entering that way, there is a small playground, with a few picnic tables that are first come first serve. Sad that my first visit was right as the weather's turning, but am looking forward to spending as much as time as possible outdoors until it gets too cold. read more

See all

My whole family went to this today this afternoon. My dad fishing, my mom walking with the dog, my sister and brother IN- law watching the kids playing on the playground. I walking around. We order food and have lunch over there. It a cool place to hang out if you are bored and doing nothing on a great weather. read more

A truly hidden gem nestled in the heart of a residential community in Columbia, this park has a huge lake, dam, bridges, benches, and exercise stations throughout, which you can access via a 2-mile trail. The trail is mostly flat around the lake, so it's quite manageable. It is extremely serene with lots of scenic views to take pictures from, so bring a fully charged camera or phone! There are multiple parking lots, areas for picnics, gazebos, and grassy areas for hanging out. The emptiest lot is by Hopewell Park, which is just a few minutes from the trail. Well worth parking there instead of dealing with the chaos of the main parking areas of Lake Elkhorn Park. For a Saturday afternoon, the park was not overly crowded, just the right number of people walking dogs, jogging, pushing strollers, and enjoying the space. This is definitely worth the visit. Give yourself a couple hours to get lost among the trails! read more

See all

This is a lovely lake with various paths. Today I saw several people taking advantage of one of few warm days this spring thus far. There was several people kayaking, one person fishing, one person rollerblading, and one person sunbathing. They also have workout stations throughout the park such as a balance beam and various bars to do (chin ups, leg lifts, etc). The lake and greenery makes for a lovely backdrop if you are into photography. I really enjoy coming here the only drawback is that the parking is limited and you may have to wait awhile for someone to leave the park to get a spot. read more

See all

What a great place to have in Columbia. People can walk, jog, fish, bike or walk their dog in a nice friendly place. Everyone is doing their own thing. People . . . . get out of the house and enjoy nature! read more

See all

Since Covid-19, I have been coming to this park quite frequently. Its a very peaceful place to walk, and the path is a lot longer then you would think at first glance. The park is very clean and the people that come here and not disruptive or rowdy. There are also places to sit and an area near the water with tables 5 stars read more

See all

This park is one of my favorite places in Columbia! Every weekend I visit this place bright and early with my two little dachshunds, and just walk around the lake, which is approximately 2km (or a little more). If you go early (7am-8am) as I do, there won't be that many people at the park, except of a few running groups, and you'll be able to find parking easily. But be aware that if it's a nice summer day, and you get there around 10am the park can get a little crowded. So my advice for everyone is get there EARLY! This is the best way to start your morning. Plus, if you get there early enough you can spot deers, all different kinds of birds and even beavers! Another thing, for all the Pokemon Go fans. This place has around 12 to 15 pokestops around the lake. So be sure to get your walking shoes on, and get to Lake Elkhorn for some poke experience. Now this is for all the runners and cyclists! If you come here in the afternoon (5-7pm) it will be PACKED of people playing pokemon go. Which means, that they are with their eyes on their phones, and not really paying attention to what's around them. Which I believe it makes the lake a dangerous zone for runners and cyclists. So my advice for you guys is to get here early and avoid the pokemania that's going on right now. read more

See all

Really enjoyed this trail. Nice park, to walk. These trails are more a community type park. The trail is in the back of homes, and apartments. There is also a dockside, some people boat there. Not sure if I will return, I prefer hiking trails. This is more like just a regular walking path trail. read more

I really enjoy going to this park. There is a nice paved path that surrounds the lake and you can get a pretty good workout just walking around it at a good pace. Parking spaces are limited along the entrances off of Broken Land Parkway and Cradlerock but I usually try to park across the street from the BLP entrance and use the tunnel to access the park. Throughout the area, there are benches and picnic tables to take advantage of. I often see people fishing here too, and from what they tell me, it's a good catch! read more

See all

Love this place. Amazing area for kids and adults. Great Lake. Perfect for family hang outs. Kids area have slides, swings, sand area. I care here probably three times a month. Just wish it was closer. read more

See all

My family and I love this park. It has a mulch-like playground that is shaded by trees. The path around the lake is awesome and family friendly. The short piers along the lake are great for fishing (blue gill, crappy, large mouthbass and trout in season). The biggest drawbacks are the lack of bathrooms and the lack of lake cleaning. If you're at the playground, the closest bathrooms are McDonald's or the Giant at the shopping center across the street. As for the dirtiness of the lake, there really is no excuse. Howard County Parks and Recreation needs to do a better job cleaning the lake of debris. read more

I am in love with this place. I walk here often with my mate. It's so beautiful. We encounter people on the path that are always friendly. It feels like I am back in Georgia/Alabama where people always wave or say hello. I haven't encountered many people with pets. It's been mainly senior citizens, mommies w/babies and runners. There are many places to sit and watch the wildlife. It's very peaceful on the weekdays, mid afternoon. We enjoy our walks here. Like I said - I love this place. read more

Lake Elkhorn Park - This place is magical. Great neighborhood - great people. - Parks Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

See all

Beautiful little trail, lake and park. Nice waterfall feature on one side of the lake. The trail around the lake is nicely shaded. One loop around is roughly 1.8 miles. As we were walking, we came across 2 baby deer. There was also a Walk for Paws event happening. Nice to see all the cute, different types of dogs out and about. read more

See all

Good place to walk the dog. Very residential. Good parking. Lots of goose shit on the lawn.

Lovely park. Thoroughly enjoyed a nice Sunday afternoon walk and sit in this park. While it's close to a parkway, it is not interrupted at all by noise. Very peaceful and this particular Spring day it wasn't busy or overcrowded at all. Great walking trail. I believe it's less than 2 miles around. read more

Someone needs to monitor the people fishing in this lake. Today, 8/21, a young white male with brown hair, a blue shirt, and AirPods in was fishing, and purposely caught one of the ducks in the lake. He proceeded to hold tightly onto the duck after catching it until bystanders of the community told him to let it go. He left the area, but circled back on an electric scooter and said "You all are still standing here talking about it, unbelievable". I didn't want to leave because I was scared he would take the duck from its family. read more

Nice park with 1.9miles loop around lake. Park includes fitness stations to do various exercises

Beautiful views very easy walking trail however extremely limited parking it seems some local residents park overnight in the main parking lot. The loop around the lake is 1.9 miles. The walking path is stroller and kid friendly. Pets are also welcome but must be on a leash There is a boat dock and play ground as well. The highlight for me is always the dam. I've come here 4 times I'm the past month. I try to go once a week. read more

See all

Beautiful park with multiple trails, playground and kayak launch area. Main trail is mostly shaded with several workout areas along the way. Pavilion area has water bottle refill station. Lounge chairs along the boardwalk. Plenty of free parking too. read more

Lake Elkhorn Park is probably my favorite park in the Howard County area. The majority of the park is a sunny man made lake with a pavilion, gazebo, and lawn. The lake is surrounded by a 2-mile long asphalt trail. Near the main parking area on Dockside Lane off of Cradlerock Way there is a fair sized playground with metal and plastic equipment on a bed of mulch. There is also a sandbox that usually has toys left in it. I enjoy taking my son to this park, though it always seems to get unexpectedly cold or rainy when we go. I especially like that there are often other little kids playing there as well. My only complaint is that the path around the park is fairly narrow for the amount it is used. Several times while pulling my son's wagon we have almost been hit by bicyclists or runners. Most of them are mindful that it is a public park may people use, but some of them will give dirty looks or saw some nasty things as they pass. read more

See all

I come to fish mostly and run from time to time. There is a mix of people that use the trail. Combination of runners, walkers, bikers, dog walkers, and so on. You gotta be on your toes if you are running or biking. A lot of people don't pay attention and don't move or move their dog. Parking can be a bit of a pain, but you can park on the main road by the playground. Fishing is hard to judge. Since I have been going there I haven't heard any real positive feedback about the fishing. I've seen a lot of trout and catfish fisherman, but haven't seen anyone pull anything big out. I fish for bass and have only managed small fish. All in all it is what you would expect from A park in Howard County. Plus it is open till 10, so if you want to stay out late and miss the crowds that is am option. read more

See all

Beautiful place for evening stroll or running or trail biking ! I love this park. I go there every Wednesday for running along with my office mates and during weekend for stroll. There are a lot of things that attracted me towards this park: 1. The paved path surrounding the lake runs totals to approx 2 miles. The path is also surrounded by beautiful trees that leaves you awestruck especially during fall colors. 2. Plenty of parking. I usually park at the parking lot near the dam or at the parking lot across the park and take the tunnel to walk into the park. 3. You will see joggers, runners, dog walkers, parents with strollers and old people taking stroll. People are very friendly and I even pet dogs a lots of times. Some people do fishing or standing paddling in the lake. 4.The a restroom which looks like a building near the parking lot if you need to use one. Although it closes after 5 p.m I guess. 5. The park is connected to savage mill trail which makes a total stretch of 5 miles approx if you are enthusiast for long trail running/ biking like me. 6. There are several exercise equipment along the the trail like monkey bars, sit up bench, etc which are perfect to keep kids entertained or to get some floor workout outside the gym. there are several bench along the trail as well facing the lake so you can soak the natural beauty while sipping coffee. 7.The trail is well maintained. I went running there even during snow season and the trail was well salted and plowed fairly quickly after the snowfall. 8. There is a nice Gazebo near the dam which looks like romantic spot for couple photos! All in all its a beautiful park to spend your evenings with nature and get some workout outside the boring gym. read more

Lake Elkhorn Park - Parks Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

I love to go running here. Its pretty even with some hils but overall an easy run. Lots of ducks, fish and wildlife here to enjoy. Far enough from the street but also has a small lot that gets busy, you might have to find parking on the street but it's definitely worth the drive and the walk. GREAT for kids and elderly. read more

Such a nice day i had today! This park had everything from playgrounds, kayak launches, running trails and gazebos. Really nice to be outside sitting on a bench watching the man made lake while kids run terrorize the ducks lol. read more

Lake Elkhorn Park - Parks Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

See all

Amongst all the free parks in Howard County, this has to be the best. It has trails, designated fishing areas, benches, pavilions for picnic and chess tables. There are at least three or four different trails in case you want to change it up and some of trails themselves are beautiful with trees that will provide enough shade even during really sunny and hot days. On the main trail, there are some exercise equipment like monkey bars, push-up bars and etc., which have instructions on how to do an exercise correctly. There are many designated fishing areas all throughout the park and there's also a small boat ramp in case you would like to bring canoes or dinghies. Near the Cradlerock Way parking lot, there are chess tables and chairs to relax on, right near the water. Also near this entrance is a playground for kids; it's not as big of a playground compared to ones in other parks but big enough. There are a few pavilions right near the dam that would make a great place for a picnic and in general, the area around the dam is very scenic. One thing I would add as a caution is there is a lot of wildlife, from birds to deers, and they will chase you if disturbed, as my little nephew learned from experience. Otherwise, it's a beautiful park with many things to do in it. read more

A gem of a park, it's great to live nearby and enjoy long walks around the lake capping the energy off with a romp around the playground with my preschooler. I always meet friendly parents here and parking is always ample if you choose to drive here. One tip regarding the playground, beware of geese! We were almost hit smack in the face with one as he or she injured itself on the powerlines near McDonalds and it came careening toward my nephew on the swings. That was a close one but I can imagine there being other close calls with the haughty geese of Lake Elkhorn. read more

It is a typical walk-around-the-lake experience in Columbia. A few runners and joggers, some dogs of all sizes, and many couples and parents with strollers, especially from the neighboring townhouses. Some older couples taking very slow strolls around for exercise as well. One interesting aspect of the park are the exercise equipments that line the trail for half a mile or so, with explanations on how to use them. There is also a playground for children on the other side of the lake, as well as many points to fish. Very scenic, with a man-made dam that is nice to sit on the bench and watch. read more

Lake Elkhorn Park - http://flickr.com/xhiro - Parks Near Me - Columbia, Maryland