Last updated: March 25, 2021
Thing to Do
Hikes at the Worthington Farm
NPS
The Ford Loop, Highwater, and Brooks Hill Loop trails at the Worthington Farm offer a chance to immerse yourself in the woods without being too far from civilization.
The Ford Loop Trail is 1.6 miles long and a easy/moderate hike. The trail borders an active pasture before entering woods and dipping down to the Monocacy River. The trail is named for the Worthington Ford that was used by Confederate troops to cross the Monocacy River. The exact location of the ford is unknown but is believed to be near Ballenger Creek.
The Highwater Trail connects to the Ford Loop Trail and is an excellent option when the Monocacy River is high. This trail does not follow the river bank like the Ford Loop trail, but instead stays in the woods.
The Brooks Hill Loop is 1.9 miles long is the most difficult hike at Monocacy National Battlefield. The trail leads from near the Worthington House to the top of Brooks Hill. Scenic vistas of the Monocacy Valley reward the effort. During the final phase of the Battle of Monocacy, Confederate General John B. Gordon led his troops over the top of Brooks Hill to surprise Union forces on the Thomas Farm below.
The Ford Loop Trail is 1.6 miles long and a easy/moderate hike. The trail borders an active pasture before entering woods and dipping down to the Monocacy River. The trail is named for the Worthington Ford that was used by Confederate troops to cross the Monocacy River. The exact location of the ford is unknown but is believed to be near Ballenger Creek.
The Highwater Trail connects to the Ford Loop Trail and is an excellent option when the Monocacy River is high. This trail does not follow the river bank like the Ford Loop trail, but instead stays in the woods.
The Brooks Hill Loop is 1.9 miles long is the most difficult hike at Monocacy National Battlefield. The trail leads from near the Worthington House to the top of Brooks Hill. Scenic vistas of the Monocacy Valley reward the effort. During the final phase of the Battle of Monocacy, Confederate General John B. Gordon led his troops over the top of Brooks Hill to surprise Union forces on the Thomas Farm below.
Details
Duration
30-160 Minutes
Duration depends on walking speed of participants and trail selected.
Activity
Front-Country Hiking
The three trails are dirt paths that lead through woods and have elevation changes.
Age(s)
Suggest five and older, but all ages are welcome.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Well behaved pets on six-foot leashes are welcome on the trails. Please maintain control of your pet at all times.
A pet waste receptical is available at the parking lot on the Worthington Farm.
A pet waste receptical is available at the parking lot on the Worthington Farm.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Worthington Farm
The Ford Loop, Highwater, and Brooks Hill Loop trails are located on the Worthington Farm. Entrance to the farm is from Baker Valley Road.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Monocacy National Battlefield is open everyday of the year except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Time of Day
Day
The battlefield is open from 7:30 to 20 minutes after sunset.
Accessibility Information
The three hiking trails on the Worthington Farm vary in width and experience significant changes in elevation. The trails lead through wooded areas where tree roots are sometimes exposed. Animals occasionally create burrows along the trails that can create tripping hazards. The trails are dirt paths.