Lake Elkhorn and Forebay Pond
Columbia Maryland 21045
Amenities: A 16-station Fitness Circuit Trail is laid out along the south side of the lake beginning not far from the Broken Land Parkway parking lot. Below the dam, there is a small picnic pavilion and a scattering of picnic tables. At the southwest end of the lake there is a 150-person picnic pavilion that can be rented. A few benches are positioned along the loop trail, and a tot lot is located near the Dockside Lane parking lot. No facilities.
Handicapped Access: The loop trail is paved. There are a few gentle grades; the steepest section is along the northwest side from the dam to the bridge.
Special Attractions: The lake and nearby Forebay Pond are the main attractions. Some spring wildflowers bloom in woodland patches along the lake path. Trees with labels on the north side constitute an arboretum.
Size: 37-acre lake with a 23-acre park surrounding the lake.
Habitat: Sections of mature deciduous woods, scrub, undergrowth, mown open space, and yards adjacent to the lake and Forebay Pond; the lake contains both emergent and submergent vegetation.
Trails/Paths: A 2.0 mile paved path encircles the lake. A paved path extends east under the transmission lines where wetlands continue as far as Oakland Mills Road. Intersecting paths to nearby developments are marked with street names. Ivory Hand, on the south side of the lake, is one of the most productive. An unnamed path at the southeast corner of the lake goes past Forebay Pond and continues beyond it.
Compiler: Joanne Solem.
