Gwynn Acres Path
Dorsey’s Search Loop Trail (eBird hotspot)
Columbia Road, Ellicott City Maryland 21042
The paved Gwynn Acres Path follows the Little Patuxent River from its entrance on Columbia Road to Larkspring Row.
Amenities: On-street parking along Columbia Road near Rams Horn Row (which is opposite the trail entrance). No facilities. Main paved path has a few paved spurs east into residential areas; there are also some trails into the floodplain to river’s edge. The major attraction is a heavily pruned but still living tulip tree on the east side of the path, a reminder of local old-growth forests of the past.
Handicapped access: Generally easy walking, although moderately hilly near Larkspring Row. Anyone with mobility problems should avoid this entire path in wet weather, especially in autumn. The slanted ramps at both ends of the six wooden bridges cam be treacherous when leaf-covered, even more so when wet.
Habitat: Young to mature deciduous floodplain forest; limited amount of upland woods; numerous residential yards in view with ornamental plantings on the path’s east side.
Layout: This 8800-foot paved path is oriented north/south along a portion of the Little Patuxent River. Six wooden bridges (some lengthy) carry the path over wetlands. The south entrance is on Columbia Road and the northern terminus is near Larkspring Row. This is a linear path; at the north end, one can exit and return to Columbia Road through a residential area or simply retrace one’s steps to the entrance. There is an occasional trail leading into the floodplain; some may be worth investigating depending on the season. Wood Ducks are consistent here in spring, both on the river and in the trees. As is typical, they are easily spooked. The damp, leaf-layered floodplain can be a Rusty Blackbird haunt.
To the east of the main path, one is rarely out of sight (and sound) of residential yards; to the west, the river is usually in sight. Houses on the west side of the river are farther away, although the sounds of machinery on either side can be intrusive. The bridges are valuable observation points, particularly if there is standing water.
At one time this path was a premier site for spring wildflowers. There still are some, but invasive plant species carpet an increasing amount of the floodplain crowding out many native species.
Compilers: Joanne Solem and Ben Costello
