Savage Mill Trail
History, scenery, and natural history along with a wide, flat path along a scenic section of a river combine to create one of the most enjoyable sites in Howard County.
Amenities: On-street parking (Foundry Street). Portable toilet. A wide, level crushed-rock trail with some narrow side trails (1.5 miles total). Historic Bollman Truss Bridge; Savage Mill-associated ruins; scenic, rocky Fall Line section of Little Patuxent River.
Handicapped Access: The wide level path allows good views of the river and adjacent wooded areas. It drains rapidly after rains. Handicapped parking is a tiny lot accessed from Gorman Road near the trailhead.
Highlights: The iron Bollman Truss Bridge, adjacent to the entrance, dates to 1869 and is believed to be the last of its kind in the world. It is a National Historic Landmark. Across the river, the red brick Savage Mill, a former cotton mill, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been repurposed with retail shops. Ruins related to the mill are still visible along the trail. The main, wide crushed-rock path parallels the Little Patuxent River. It runs along the abandoned right-of-way of a narrow-gauge B&O railroad spur that served granite quarries in the area. During periods of high water, in this section of the river the water boils over huge rocks and rapids below the junction of the Middle Patuxent and Little Patuxent rivers. In addition to birds, a diversity of spring wildflowers can be found along the trail.
Habitat: Mostly maturing deciduous forest in a rocky substrate on the south side of the Little Patuxent River; a small trail that angles uphill goes through mixed woods containing a few mature pines. At the west edge of these woods, there is a small section of scrub with younger pines and dense undergrowth.
Layout: The wide, level, crushed rock path starts on Foundry Street and extends west to a deadend. The Little Patuxent River is visible along most of the trail. Near the trail’s west end, the Little Patuxent and Middle Patuxent rivers join continuing as the Little Patuxent River. Access to the riverbank is via steep wooden steps at intervals along the trail. A little more than halfway west along the main path, a narrow unmarked trail angles left up the south hillside. It continues uphill for several hundred yards through mature mixed woods coming out behind a fenced community. Forest Hill Elementary School is to the left. After exploring this area on a few narrow paths, retrace your steps to the lower main trail and continue west. Some mill ruins are visible on the right; a few narrow trails provide access for close examination. The main path terminates in an opening. A large downed tree marks the end of the maintained section, although it is possible to pick your way carefully around the tree and continue on a narrow trail for a short distance. Birding is best in early spring when other parts of the county lag the leaf development of this southern area. Species associated with rivers are to be expected and any migrant may appear. Species such as Least Flycatcher, Golden-winged Warbler, and Brewster’s Warbler have been welcome surprises. Bladdernut, an understory tree with intriguing inflated seedpods, is one of the interesting plants to be seen along the main trail. Because the entire trail is shaded, this makes for a pleasant walk, even on hot days. Understandably, it is a popular gathering spot for young people and families in warm weather. On weekends and holidays, parking can be a challenge.
Compilers: Joanne Solem and Tom Miller
