Font Hill Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Font Hill Park is a popular tourist destination in Howard County, Maryland.


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Summary

The park is spread over 18 acres and offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking. It is an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

The park has several points of interest, including the historic Ellicott City B&O Railroad Station Museum, which details the rich history of the area's railway industry. Other notable attractions in the park include the Font Hill Wetland Loop Trail, which offers a unique glimpse into the natural flora and fauna of the area.

One interesting fact about the park is that it was once the site of a large mansion owned by the prominent Ellicott family, who played a significant role in the development of Maryland's economy during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the park is a testament to the area's rich history and natural beauty.

The best time of year to visit Font Hill Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the foliage is at its peak. Visitors can also enjoy the park's annual events, such as the Ellicott City SpringFest and the Fall Harvest Festival.

Overall, Font Hill Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty and rich history of Maryland. With its diverse range of attractions and recreational activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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