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Rachel Carson Conservation Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 308 Google reviews · Running trail in Brookeville, Maryland · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Rachel Carson Conservation Park'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.
Forested 650-acre conservation area with trails, named for the influential environmental activist.
What runners say about Rachel Carson Conservation Park
“Watch out for horse poop, it boggles my mind we just accept that horse owners don’t have to clean up after their animals.”
“We enjoyed the breeze on Fox Meadow Loop Trail, the pond in the forest on Hidden Pond Trail and the beautiful stream along Rachel Carson Greenway Trail.”
“the trails are well-maintained and easy—great for a peaceful stroll!”
Great park to hike, walk, bike, horseback riding and bird watching. A group of us walked about 2.5 miles through the various trails and paths for bird watching. Today we saw 19 species, but 167 species have been seen at this park. The paths were well maintained, wide and slightly hilly in some places.
Beautiful trails. Relatively short, so perfect for young children (my 8 and 9 year old daughters love this place, and the 3 year old will do half a mile or so before asking to jump into the carrier).
A delightful hidden gem - this conservation park is only 650 acres but feels much more secluded and wild than you'd expect. Nice and quiet. There's mowed paths through a maintained wildlife friendly meadow with interpretive signage.
Beautiful place!! Walking or hiking. The long trail is about 2.5 - 3milles. 1hora
Trail conditions & character
“We enjoyed the breeze on Fox Meadow Loop Trail, the pond in the forest on Hidden Pond Trail and the beautiful stream along Rachel Carson Greenway Trail.”
“Some sections can get really muddy and as long as you stay within the marked (white tallies on trees) you can't get lost.”
“Great terrain - rock outcroppings, hills and vales, fields, and the Hawlings river with a tunnel of mountain laurel.”
“the trails are well-maintained and easy—great for a peaceful stroll!”
“We enjoyed the breeze on Fox Meadow Loop Trail, the pond in the forest on Hidden Pond Trail and the beautiful stream along Rachel Carson Greenway Trail.”
Plan your run at Rachel Carson Conservation Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- 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.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitemontgomeryparks.org
- Phone(301) 495-2595
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Brookeville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Patuxent River State Park & Freedman’s State Park
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Lois Y. Green Conservation Park
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Rock Creek Regional Park
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Great Seneca Stream Valley Park
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