Members of Columbia Dogs on the Go enjoy a walk around Lake Elkhorn with their pets.

Enjoy Columbia's pathways this fall

Whether you're exploring on foot or exercising on wheels, take time this fall to enjoy the beauty and serenity of Columbia's open spaces on your travels along CA's 93.5 miles of pathways.

The most frequently used paths are those around Lake Elkhorn, Lake Kittamaqundi and Wilde Lake, according to Dan D'Amore, manager of Land Maintenance for CA. The paths run through all 10 villages, and in conjunction with Howard County paths, they stretch south to Savage Mill.

CA's Open Space division provides year-round maintenance. Crews seal cracks in paths, replace signs, mow grass, prune foliage and remove graffiti, D'Amore said.

The paths are completely renovated on a 20-year cycle, with 20,000 feet of pathway currently being renovated each year, according to Craig Garrison, operations manager for Open Space Improvements. At least once a year, Open Space Improvement crews survey all of the paths to identify areas needing attention, Rob Plummer, project manager for Open Space Improvements, said.

Two of the paths feature a fitness course by World Trail with 14 stations including chin-up bars, leg lift bars and more. The stations also include warm up and cool down instructions. The course at Lake Elkhorn was recently upgraded, and a path that begins at Vantage Point Road and leads to Lake Kittamaqundi will be upgraded this fall with a new course. The stations allow for a circuit-style workout combined with walking, according to Bill Morris, field manager for Open Space.

Many community groups take advantage of the paths. Mary Love, of Kings Contrivance, is the organizer of the dog walking group Columbia Dogs on the Go, which has 163 members and is a part of www.MeetUp.com. Members walk several times a month on the paths.

"We've lived here 25 years, and we're still surprised we can find new areas to walk in," Love said. "The Middle Patuxent Environmental Area path is really pretty, and we never tire of Lake Elkhorn."

Leonard Guralnick, of Harper's Choice, runs the paths with the group Howard County Striders. The group coordinates a "bagel run" on Saturday mornings that begins at Columbia Swim Center and tracks across Columbia, from 6 to 20-plus miles, ending back at Wilde Lake Village Center for bagels. For more information, visit www.Striders.net.

"Columbia Running Routes: 84 Measured Courses in Columbia, Maryland for Runners, Walkers & Bikers" by Warren Ohlrich is used by many local runners and offers suggestions to connect the various paths.

For safety, many pathways are closed from dusk to dawn. Officer Stephanie Wall, community resource officer for Howard County Police's southern district, advises residents to walk with a buddy and carry a cell phone and whistle.

"If you absolutely have to listen to music, don't have it so loud that you can't hear your surroundings," she said. "Lower your volume so you can hear those around you and maintain control of the environment."

If a stranger approaches, Wall said to turn around, call police and head toward a group of people or a home. Howard County Police patrol paths on foot and bike during the day. They also perform area checks at night. To report suspicious activity on a path, call 410-313-STOP.

Residents are also advised to stay alert, use caution and be courteous when using paths. Pedestrians are asked to keep to the right, be alert for cyclists and yield to let riders pass. Bikers should travel at a safe speed and reduce speed at curbs, bridges or when approaching others; and should use a bell when approaching others and announce "passing on your left."

To keep the natural areas enjoyable for all, please use trash receptacles, keep pets on leashes, pick up after pets and be cautious with cigarettes and matches.

Pathway maps, published by CA and Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks, are available at the Membership Service Center, 10221 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, for a small fee. An electronic version is available online here.

For questions about paths or to report a maintenance concern, call 410-312-6330.

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