Can you imagine having views like this practically in your backyard?
Tucked into the Village of Owen Brown in Columbia, Maryland, Lake Elkhorn is one of those places that makes you want to slow down, get outside and enjoy what’s around you.
Maybe you’re an early riser who loves starting the day with a walk before everything gets busy. Maybe you’d rather hop on your bike and get a little exercise. Or perhaps you’ve just finished a long day at work and what sounds best is changing into something comfortable and taking an evening stroll around the lake to unwind.
And then there are those days when you don’t need to be going anywhere at all.
Find a peaceful spot. Sit by the water. Watch the wildlife. Take a few pictures. Bring the family. Or simply take in the scenery.
That’s part of the beauty of Lake Elkhorn — there isn’t just one way to enjoy it.
Nearly Two Miles Around the Lake
Lake Elkhorn covers approximately 37 acres and was built by the Columbia Association in 1974. The lake averages about eight feet deep and reaches approximately 15 feet at its deepest point.
And here’s something I didn’t realize until I started learning more about it: Lake Elkhorn is Columbia’s largest lake.
Surrounding the lake is a 1.9-mile paved main loop, making it a wonderful place for walking, jogging and biking. There are shady places to stop along the way, and the Lake Elkhorn area also includes a playground.
So think about that for everyday life.
A complete trip around the lake gives you almost a two-mile walk without ever having to get on a treadmill.
Want to add something more to your workout? Columbia Association also has outdoor exercise stations along Lake Elkhorn, giving you the opportunity to mix some strength and movement into your walk.
Morning Walk or Evening Wind-Down?
I think this is one of the things that makes living near a place like Lake Elkhorn so appealing.
It can fit into your life instead of requiring you to plan your life around it.
Head out in the morning when everything feels fresh and quiet.
Take an afternoon bike ride.
Bring the kids out to play.
Get together with a friend and walk while you catch up.
Or after one of those workdays, take an evening walk and let the lake, trees and fresh air help you leave the day behind.
And if exercise isn’t on the agenda? That’s perfectly fine, too.
Sometimes sitting near the water and enjoying the view is enough.
Keep Your Eyes Open for the Wildlife
While I was taking photographs around Lake Elkhorn, one particular resident was nice enough to pose for me.
And apparently, he has plenty of neighbors!
More than 100 species of birds have been observed around Lake Elkhorn by participants in the Great Backyard Bird Count. The area is also home to a variety of dragonflies and damselflies.
That makes walking around the lake a little different every time. You never quite know what you’re going to see.
Whether you’re interested in birdwatching, photography or you’re simply someone who appreciates nature, there’s plenty to keep your eyes open for as you make your way around the lake.
Want a Longer Adventure? Keep Going.
The 1.9-mile loop doesn’t have to be the end of your walk or bike ride.
Lake Elkhorn connects with Columbia’s broader pathway system, and from the Broken Land Parkway side of the lake, you can pick up the Patuxent Branch Trail, which continues toward Savage.
That’s another thing I love about Columbia. The paths, lakes, neighborhoods and open spaces are connected in a way that makes getting outside part of the community.
In fact, Columbia Association maintains nearly 3,600 acres of open space and about 95 miles of pathways throughout Columbia.
And Yes — People Actually Live Around Here
This might be my favorite part of the story.
Look across Lake Elkhorn and you’ll see something else among all those trees and beautiful views: Homes
Lake Elkhorn is located in Columbia’s Village of Owen Brown, with residential neighborhoods surrounding the area.
So imagine having something like this close to home.
You don’t necessarily have to pack the car and drive somewhere for a pretty Saturday afternoon. Your evening walk doesn’t have to mean walking around the same block over and over. And getting outdoors with the family can be as simple as heading toward the lake.
For somebody considering a move to Columbia or Howard County, that’s worth thinking about.
Because choosing where you live isn’t only about the number of bedrooms, the size of the kitchen or whether there’s a garage.
It’s also about what your life looks like when you walk out the front door.
Take a Look Around Lake Elkhorn
And now I’m going to stop talking and let Lake Elkhorn speak for itself
Could You Picture Yourself Living Near Lake Elkhorn?
Whether it’s an early morning walk, an evening stroll after work, a bike ride, some outdoor exercise, time with the family or simply finding a quiet place to sit near the water, Lake Elkhorn is a beautiful example of the lifestyle you’ll find in Columbia.
Sometimes finding the right home isn’t only about finding a house you love.
It’s about finding a community where you can picture yourself living your life.
If Columbia, Howard County or another Central Maryland community is somewhere you’re considering calling home, I’d be happy to help you explore the possibilities.
Lynn Nichols, REALTOR®
Win With Lynn — Where Sellers Win and Buyers Begin
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