Walking Trails

Explore Monocacy's walking trails and tour historic farms where the Battle of Monocacy raged in 1864. The Junction Trail starts at the park visitor center and covers the area where Jubal Early's Confederate forces deployed to attack the bridge at the river below. The Gambrill Mill area includes an accessible boardwalk to a view of the Monocacy River where Union forces put up a desperate defense. The Worthington Farm area is where Confederate forces crossed the river to flank the Union forces, and the Thomas Farm was hotly contested ground during the battle. Each of these farms has its own story as well; Best Farm was once the home to over 100 enslaved people and one of the largest plantations in Maryland. Along the way, you can discover Maryland's native plants and animals and take in scenic landscape views.

Leashed dogs are welcome. Metal detecting and relic hunting are strictly prohibited. See regulations for more.

 

 

Explore Monocacy's Trails

• 

  Best Farm Trail

  1.5 miles

• 

  Brooks Hill Trail

  1.9 miles - most difficult in the park

• 

  Dam Ruins Trail

  0.3 miles one way

• 

  Gambrill Mill Trail

  0.5 miles, partially via wheelchair-accessible boardwalk.

• 

  Junction Trail

  1 mile

• 

  Thomas Farm Trail

  1.75 miles

• 

  Upper Gambrill Trail

  1.6 Miles

• 

  Worthington Ford Trail

  1.6 miles

 

The Gambrill Mill Trail provides scenic views of the river and interpretive waysides.

NPS

Trails

Visitor Center Trailhead

Junction Trail

• Distance: 1 mile

Tour Stop #1 - Best Farm Trailhead

Best Farm Trail

• Distance: 1.5 miles

Tour Stop #2 - Worthington Farm Trailhead

Worthington Ford Trail and High Water Bypass Trail

• Distance: 1.55-1.6 miles
• If the river is flooded, hikers will need to take the high water route.

Brooks Hill Trail

• Distance: 1.9 miles
• The steepest trail in the park; includes a section of 19% grade

Tour Stop #3 - Thomas Farm Trailhead

Thomas Farm Trail

• Distance: 1.9 Miles

Tour Stop #4 - Gambrill Mill Trailhead

Gambrill Mill Trail

• Distance: 0.5 miles
• Includes wheelchair accessible boardwalk to river overlook.

Dam Ruins Trail

• Distance 0.3 miles

Upper Gambrill Trail

• Distance 1.6 miles
• Ascends the hill above Gambrill Mill and the Gambrill House

 

Regulations

• Park hours 7:30 am until 20 minutes after sunset
• For life-threatening emergencies, call 911
• For all other emergencies or to report potential illegal activity, call NPS law enforcement at 866-677-6677
• Keep pets on leash
• Pack out trash and pet waste
• No metal detecting, relic hunting, or removing historic objects
• No fires
• Do not enter farm fields or railroad tracks
• No bikes or horses on trails