Brown's Farm Trail

Portions of the Brown's Farm Trail walk along a boardwalk over streams.

NPS Photo/John Zuke

The ecosystem (community of plants, animals, and other living things, even bacteria) continues to change today. The National Park Service carefully monitors deer populations, because too many deer and too few predators can harm the forest's young plants. Hikers and picnickers bring invasive plants without knowing: non-native seeds hitchhike on pant legs and car tires. As you walk along the Brown's Farm Trail, take a moment to look, listen, and breathe in the fresh air, because tomorrow or next year, it will be different.

Details

Duration

30-45 Minutes

0.4 miles

Activity

Self-Guided Tours - Walking

The Brown's Farm Trail is a mostly flat, half-mile loop trail that passes through several different forest ecosystems and the remains of an early 1900s farmstead.

Pets Allowed

Yes

If you hike with your pet in Catoctin Mountain Park, it must be on a leash 6 feet or less. This is to protect you, your dog and the wildlife and plants in the park. To be safe, you need to walk, not run, because there are tree roots and rocks on the trails and someone could get hurt if he/she goes too quickly.

Activity Fee

No

Admission to the park is FREE, but for those who qualify, Senior Passes, Military Passes, Access Passes, and Every Kid in a Park passes are available at the visitor center.

Location

Brown's Farm Trail

The Browns Farm Trail starts wiith a 0.4 mile loop lstarting and leading back to the Owens Creek Picnic Area, marked by a white triangle blaze. 

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

The Owens Creek Picnic Area is closed during the winter.

Time of Day

Day

The park is open daily from dawn until dusk.

Accessibility Information

Th Brown's Farm Trail is not wheelchair accessible.