Howard County Bird Club
Savage Park
8400 Fair Street, Savage, MD 20763
Size: 270 acres
Habitat: Dry upland with mostly deciduous trees and scattered remnant pines; narrow floodplain along the rocky Little Patuxent River just below its junction with the Middle Patuxent River; steep, south-facing slopes. Mown area near clustered recreational facilities.
Best Months: April/May and September/October.
Coverage Time: Under an hour to more than two hours.
Trails/Paths: There are two trailheads for the River Trail: one from the recreational area (behind the tennis courts just south of the pavilion), the other at the north end of the parking lots adjacent to a ballfield. Look for an information board at that location. The paved Patuxent Branch Trail (which remains on the upland) terminates here; the River Trail can be reached by going down the hill to the river.
Notable Birds: Bald Eagle, Sedge Wren, Louisiana Waterthrush.
Amenities: Restrooms. Picnic pavilion, sports fields, basketball and tennis courts, tot lot, and picnic tables.
Handicapped Access: The River Trail with rocky and steep sections is not easily accessible. The paved or well-packed earth upland extension of the Patuxent Branch Trail has gentle grades.
Operation and Hours: Howard County park; 7:00 a.m. to dusk or as posted.
Special Attractions: Historic ruins related to Savage Mill; scenic sections of the Little Patuxent River along the Fall Line; several unusual species of dragonflies, Zebra Swallowtail butterfly a possibility, spring and early summer wildflowers, and a fine diversity of fungi.
Howard County Recreation and Parks information
Nearby Sites: Savage Mill Trail, Wincopin Trail, Patuxent Branch Trail, Gorman NRA.
Compilers: Tom Miller and Joanne Solem