Foliage & Fall Hikes in Howard County, MD: 2025 Guide
When the leaves start changing in Howard County, it feels like the whole season shifts. The air is crisp and suddenly the weekends are made for getting outside. Fall is one of the best times to enjoy our local parks and trails. The scenery is gorgeous and there are plenty of spots that work for every type of family outing.
Over the years, I’ve narrowed down my favorite places for fall walks and hikes. These are the parks and trails I return to every year with my kids: easy to get to and full of beautiful autumn views that make the season feel so special.
Best Parks & Trails for Fall Foliage & Scenic Hiking in Howard County, Maryland
Centennial Park
Location: 10000 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042
Centennial Park is a Howard County classic, and in the fall it’s at its best. The 54-acre lake reflects all the colors of the season, and the 2.4-mile paved loop is perfect for strollers, scooters, or a leisurely walk.
Lake Elkhorn
Location: 6800 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21046
Lake Elkhorn is another family favorite — a 37-acre lake with a flat, two-mile loop that works for biking, walking, or stroller-pushing. Along the way you’ll find boardwalks, bridges, and even a playground for a mid-walk break.
Patapsco Valley State Park
Location: 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Patapsco is the go-to spot for families who want a bigger adventure. With 200 miles of trails spread across 16,000 acres, there’s something for every level. Cascade Falls Trail is a great starting point — short enough for kids, with the bonus of a waterfall at the end.
Savage Park
Location: 8400 Fair Street, Savage, MD 20763
Savage Park offers a quieter, tucked-away feel. The trails follow the Little Patuxent River and light up beautifully in mid-October. It’s also conveniently close to Historic Savage Mill, which makes a cozy stop after your walk.
Blandair Regional Park
Location: 5750 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia, MD 21045
Blandair is newer to the county but has quickly become a local favorite. It’s especially great for families, with wide, paved trails and one of the best inclusive playgrounds around.
Rockburn Branch Park
Location: 6105 Rockburn Branch Park Rd, Elkridge, MD 21075
Rockburn feels like a hidden forest in the middle of Elkridge. The trails are wooded, quiet, and extra pretty in the fall. Families with older kids often love the Pump Track here, where bikes can practice balance and turns in a safe space.
Robinson Nature Center
Location: 6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia, MD 21044
Robinson Nature Center is a perfect blend of nature and learning. The paved trails behind the building are easy for strollers, and inside you’ll find seasonal programs that make the trip educational as well as fun.
Wilde Lake Park
Location: 10400 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia, MD 21044
For a quick nature break without leaving town, Wilde Lake is ideal. The loop around the lake is flat and stroller-friendly, and the trees reflecting in the water make it especially pretty in the fall.
Middle Patuxent Environmental Area
Location: 5795 Trotter Rd, Clarksville, MD 21029
This area offers one of the most natural, peaceful settings in Howard County. With 1,000 acres of forest and streams, it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a quieter walk surrounded by fall colors.
Scenic Trails Worth Exploring in Howard County, MD
Short & Easy Hikes
Lake Elkhorn Trail – Flat, paved, and circles a lake surrounded by fall color.
Wilde Lake Loop – Calm and stroller-friendly with great water views.
Jackson Pond Loop – A quick, peaceful option for an easy walk.
Moderate Hikes for Adventurous Families
Cascade Falls Trail (Patapsco) – A short hike with a waterfall at the end.
Wincopin Trail – Wooded and quiet, with just enough ruggedness to feel like an adventure.
Rockburn Branch Trails – Varied elevation and loops for families who want a longer outing.
Dog- or Stroller-Friendly Trails
Columbia Association Pathways – Many are lined with trees that show off in the fall.
Robinson Nature Center Trails – Easy, peaceful, and stroller-perfect.
Middle Patuxent Environmental Area – Gentle, natural trails with plenty of color.
When to Catch Peak Foliage in Maryland
Peak foliage in central Maryland usually runs from mid-October to early November. A few things to look for:
Maples: bright red and orange
Oaks: deep red and warm brown
Hickories and birches: glowing yellow
Sassafras and sweetgum: a mix of every color
Bundle Up & Explore the Top Fall Parks & Trails in Howard County, MD
Fall always feels like it comes and goes too quickly, which makes it all the more important to take advantage of the season. Howard County has so many easy, family-friendly ways to get outside… whether that’s a stroller walk around a lake, a trail through the woods, or a bike ride that ends with ice cream.
Bundle up, grab a warm drink, and head out to explore. These are the parks and trails I return to year after year, and I hope they help your family find those special fall moments, too.
