Plumtree Path
Dorsey’s Search Loop Trail (eBird hotspot)
Columbia Road, Ellicott City Maryland 21042
This paved loop path passes young deciduous floodplain forest and remnant wetlands in the vicinity of Plumtree Branch.
Amenities: On-street parking along Columbia Road near Rams Horn Way (west entrance) or on Old Dragons Path or Morning Ride Court (east entrance adjacent to bridge); during non-summer months using the Dorsey Hall pool parking lot is convenient (there is a paved path south past the playground that connects to the loop path). No facilities. Paved path; a few narrow trails lead into the floodplain.
Handicapped access: Paved path is generally level except for a slight grade at the east end. Any narrow trails leading from the paved path are rough. All wooden bridges should be navigated with caution when wet or leaf-covered.
Habitat: Townhouse yards with ornamentals, some mown open space near residences, maturing deciduous floodplain vegetation, and remnants of wetlands with a few ephemeral pools. Plumtree Branch (a tributary of the Little Patuxent River) winds through the area. Several decades ago, beaver-enhanced wetlands dominated the east side. The beavers and their dams are long gone; today, a few patches of cattails, maturing trees and shrubs, some open grassy areas, and spots of invasive grasses predominate. A small amount of open water is still present.
Layout: This south section of the Dorseys Search Loop Trail is a 0.6 mile half-circle paved path with two entrances on the south side of Columbia Road. The west entrance is 100 feet west of Rams Horn Way (not quite opposite the Gwynn Acres Path entrance); the east entrance is adjacent to the Columbia Road bridge, a short block from Old Dragons Path. Townhouses dominate the inside portion of the loop, while the outside is open space containing a variety of habitats along Plumtree Branch. Generally, the vegetation is younger than that along Gwynn Acres Path. Several decades ago beavers created wetlands along much of the east side was attractive to a variety of marsh/water birds. After the beavers disappeared, the dams gradually disintegrated, the former wetlands with scattered pools and knee-high grassy wet meadows became dry or now contain areas of standing water only during prolonged periods of heavy rain. Much of the wetland vegetation has disappeared, often replaced by tall invasive grasses.
Despite the changed habitat, the area continues to attract a variety of migrant and resident birds. Feeders on a few townhouse decks should be checked, especially in winter. Many portions of the path offer a good view of the sky for flyovers. There are a few faint trails into the floodplain providing access to the banks of the Branch. One defined side trail is about 100 feet west of the pool path’s intersection with the main trail. A bench at the streambank offers a useful viewing point. There may be a few short trails into the east side meadow remnants, but access may not be easy. Near the east entrance, take time to scan from both sides of the bridge on Columbia Road where there is still standing water.
Spring rains enhance the remaining wet areas producing a swelling amphibian chorus.
Pedestrian traffic on the entire Dorsey’s Search Loop Trail can be fairly heavy on weekends or in pleasant weather.
Compilers: Joanne Solem and Ben Costello
