The Patuxent Branch Trail is part of an extensive trail system over and around the rolling hills of Howard County and following a former Baltimore and Ohio Railroad line along the Patuxent River. The trail begins in Savage Park, travels past many residential areas, through several forested areas, along the shore of Lake Elkhorn and circles Jackson Pond before ending. Most of the trail is paved and the remaining has a gravel surface and a small portion is a bridle path. There are several bridges crossing small streams and over the flood plains. Several trail markers and signs give explanations of historical significance.