Hike the Historical Phillips Farm in Waterford

This leisurely hike starts at the Old Mill at Waterford in Waterford, Virginia. You can find parking along the side of the road right near the mill.  As you walk down and past the mill you'll see a fence and the beginning of the trail. This is a short, 1 mile hike and almost completely flat. If you'd like to start your young kids in hiking this would be a great trail to choose.

The trail winds through the land that once belonged to the Phillips family back in the 1700s. There are markers along the trail that mark historical spots or point out vegetation or land use. You can follow along with the signs by visiting the link listed below. As you walk, you'll follow the Catoctin Creek and meander through old farm land. During the summer the meadow would be a great spot for spotting butterflies as it is full of milkweed. When you reach sign post #8 make sure to follow the path to the right.

When you reach post #15 you'll be at the end of the trail and you'll be able to see a magnificent White Oak tree that has possibly been alive since the 1700s. Additionally, you'll see a cute dam made of rocks. Be sure to go and look for the cement marker that William M. Fling, previous mill owner, signed in 1908. It is a wonderful spot to have lunch before walking back to the start.