Explore the natural side of Waterford on the Phillips Farm! The Waterford Foundation offers two trails for you to explore- the Phillips Farm Interpretive Trail and the Western Trail.
The Phillips Farm Interpretive Trail is an approximately 1.3 mile trail along the Eastern bank of the Catoctin Creek with the option of going back to the c.1800s mill dam! This trail is mostly flat, and loops through the Village of Waterford. The side trail to the mill dam includes two water crossings. Check out the trail guide at the link below, or at the PDF available here!
This trail project was funded by a generous grant from the Peter M. Howard Memorial Fund through the Piedmont Community Foundation and the volunteer efforts of Rob Hale, John Souders, and then Committee Chair Mimi Westervelt.
Phillips Farm Interpretive Trail: entrances behind the Waterford Mill (40105 Main Street) and the Second Street School (15611 Second Street).
Western Trail: View the historic Village of Waterford from a higher vantage point while walking through a meadow and trees on the Western Trail. The Western Trail is approximately one mile and on an incline.
This trail is being piloted as part of a project by the Open Spaces Subcommittee of the Waterford Foundation. Get the map to the Western Trail below!
Western Trail: entrance at the Phillips Farm Interpretive Pull Off (across the street from the Water Treatment Plant, 40024 Old Wheatland Rd, Waterford VA)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I park? For the Phillips Farm Interpretive Trail, street parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis on Main Street in front of the Waterford Mill, on Liggett Street, and besides the Second Street School. Non-street parking is available at the Waterford Old School (40222 Fairfax Street, Waterford VA). For the Western Trail, parking is available at the Phillips Farm Interpretive Pull Off.
Where can I use the bathroom? Bathrooms are available at the Waterford Foundation offices at the Waterford Old School (40222 Fairfax Street) when the offices are open Tuesday-Friday 10am-2pm.
Where can I get printed copies of the Phillips Farm Brochure and the Waterford Walking Tour Booklet? Printed copies are available for free at the Waterford Foundation offices at the Waterford Old School (40222 Fairfax Street) when the offices are open Tuesday- Friday 10am-2pm.
Are there any trash cans? No, the Phillips Farm Trail and all Foundation owned properties follow a leave no trace policy to best preserve the Waterford National Historic Landmark for years to come! We ask that you take all trash and waste with you as you leave.
Are dogs allowed? Yes, we love your furry friends! We ask that you keep your pets on their leash and remove their waste to help protect the trails.
Who takes care of the Phillips Farm Trail? The Phillips Farm Trails are maintained by the Waterford Foundation and overseen by the Preservation Strategy Committee of the Waterford Foundation.
Rules of the Phillips Farm Trails:
Phillips Farm Trails: Open Dawn to Dusk
- For your safety, please stay on the posted trail
- The Phillips Farm is a special and historic place. To help us protect this area and the animals, plants, and cultural resources here for people to enjoy for years to come, the Waterford Foundation follows leave no trace, take only pictures. Please carry out what you carry in, and leave no trash or waste behind. Please do not collect or distribute plant or animal life or feed the wildlife.
- Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash. Please remove their waste.
- No swimming or wading. Flash floods and impaired water quality are possible.
- Honor the prohibition against: camping, smoking, firearms, fires, fireworks, drugs, and alcohol
- No trapping, hunting, horseback riding, biking or using recreational vehicles