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Bear Branch Nature Center
4.8 ★★★★★ 355 Google reviews · Running trail in Westminster, Maryland · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Bear Branch Nature Center's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Park featuring an observatory and a nature center plus trails and a playground.
What runners say about Bear Branch Nature Center
“There is a small picturesque lake on the other side of the park and more trails.”
“It is easy to add distance by winding through the "wilderness" trails, although just a warning they are not the most clearly marked.”
This is a wonderful place to take your kids to learn about nature. There is a bee hive you can see through. Lots of nice trails to explore. There is a associated nature school neighboring.
The kids had a great time playing on the playground. They have a really nice setup. I would love to go back and check out the trails.
We can spend hours here. My kids love the nature center and the playground. We always end our visits with a pleasant hike.
The nature Center itself is a bf ery interesting place. I didn't get it a chance to fully tour the facility but will definitely do in the future. Various animals, I'm assuming preserved by a taxidermist, are in the main room as well as fish tanks.
Trail conditions & character
“I did a nice long 7.5 mile loop that had one water crossing (didn't mind at all) but there's lots of neat stuff to see, and the raptor cages were incredible.”
Plan your run at Bear Branch Nature Center
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Distance5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitecarrollcountymd.gov
- Phone(410) 386-3580
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 12–5 PM |
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