Top 12 Lakes around North Laurel

Beyond the popular spots, you can explore Loch Raven Reservoir, known for its extensive trails and fishing, or Prettyboy Reservoir, which offers a more rugged and secluded experience. Liberty Reservoir is another excellent choice, particularly for anglers and birdwatchers, with its diverse fish populations and undeveloped woodlands.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Centennial Lake in Ellicott City is very popular, offering a paved 2.5-mile path, paddleboat rentals, and picnic areas. Lake Elkhorn also features a paved two-mile path, perfect for walks and runs with children. The Patuxent Research Refuge, with its visitor center and easy trails around Lake Cash and Lake Redington, is another excellent family option.

The lakes around North Laurel offer a wide range of activities. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and mountain biking on extensive trail systems. Fishing is popular at many lakes, including Centennial Lake, Loch Raven, Prettyboy, and Liberty Reservoirs. Boating (non-motorized or with electric motors) is permitted at places like Centennial Lake, Loch Raven, and Liberty Reservoir. For specific cycling routes, check out the Cycling around North Laurel guide. For mountain biking, see the MTB Trails around North Laurel guide, and for running, explore the Running Trails around North Laurel guide.

For easy walks, Centennial Lake has a paved 2.5-mile multi-use path. Lake Elkhorn also offers a paved two-mile loop. The Patuxent Research Refuge features easy foot-trails, including the Cash Lake Trail, which are suitable for leisurely strolls.

Many trails around the lakes are dog-friendly, especially those with paved paths like Centennial Lake and Lake Elkhorn. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and check for specific park regulations before visiting, as policies can vary.

Anglers have several excellent options. Centennial Lake is stocked with largemouth bass, redear sunfish, and bluegill. Loch Raven Reservoir is known for large and smallmouth bass, northern pike, and yellow perch. Liberty Reservoir is a prime destination for its diverse fish populations, including walleye, small and largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie. Oxbow Lake Nature Preserve also offers fishing for largemouth bass.

You can rent paddleboats, canoes, and kayaks at Centennial Lake during the season. Loch Raven Reservoir permits personal watercraft or rentals from the Loch Raven Fishing Center. Liberty Reservoir allows boating with rowing, paddling, or battery-powered motors, requiring a seasonal permit. Swimming is generally prohibited in the reservoirs that serve as drinking water sources, such as Loch Raven, Prettyboy, and Liberty.

Yes, the Oxbow Lake Nature Preserve, located east of Laurel, contains Laurel Oxbow Lake, which is considered the largest naturally occurring body of freshwater in Maryland. This preserve offers a unique ecological experience with rich habitats and abundant bird species.

The region's lakes and surrounding areas are rich in wildlife. The Patuxent Research Refuge is home to over 1,100 species of plants and diverse wildlife, including huge flocks of migratory birds in fall and spring. Centennial Lake's west end is a wildlife sanctuary, and Oxbow Lake Nature Preserve is known for its abundance of bird species and rare plants and animals. Birdwatching is also popular at Liberty Reservoir and Prettyboy Reservoir.

The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and outdoor activities, with the added bonus of migratory bird sightings at places like the Patuxent Research Refuge. Summer is ideal for boating and water activities, while winter can provide unique opportunities for quiet walks and observing wintering wildlife, though some facilities might have reduced hours.

Loch Raven Reservoir and Prettyboy Reservoir both boast extensive networks of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails winding through dense forests, offering more rugged and secluded experiences for longer hikes compared to the more urban lake paths.

Lake Kittamaqundi, often called Lake “Kitt,” is a 27-acre lake constructed during the development of Columbia. Its name comes from the first Native American settlement in Howard County, meaning “meeting place.” It features a multi-use paved trail around the lake and a wood deck, making it a pleasant spot for biking and enjoying the scenery.