The Worthington Farm Trail system encompasses two loops that take you on a self-guided tour through some of the most important and scenic areas of Monocacy National Battlefield. The first 0.8 mile of the trail follows gravel road back to the Worthington House where the two loops start and finish. One half - the Brooks Hill Loop - is 1.9 miles long and takes you up to and along Brooks Hill before returning you to the house. The trail has a short, steep climb up the hill and caution should be taken when walking this section. The other half - the Worthington-McKinney Ford Loop - is 1.6 miles long and takes you down to and along the Monocacy River then back to the house.

This portion of the battlefield is unique because it has two stories to tell. Historically, part of the Battle of Monocacy was fought on and around the Worthington property. Confederate troops under Generals McCausland and Gordon crossed the Monocacy River at the Worthington-McKinney ford and used the farm fields as a staging area for their assaults that traversed the Worthington and Thomas farms. This area also includes many significant natural resources. The stops along this trail will highlight both these historical and natural points of interest.

Directions: From Frederick, MD, (From the South) Travel Interstate 270, take Exit 26 (Urbana). Turn left onto Rt. 80 and proceed 0.2 mile to the stop sign. Turn left onto Rt. 355 North. Follow signs to Worthington Farm Trail. From trailhead parking, walk 0.8 mile to Worthington House.

Elevation: 500 feet

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Difficulty: Moderate

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