Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park

Long Branch Nature Area’s 18 acres include a managed meadow, two ponds, demonstration gardens, and a mixed hardwood forest of oak, hickory, tulip poplar, and blackgum. The park is located along Long Branch Stream that flows into Four Mile Run, a tributary to the Potomac River. An extensive paved foot and bicycle path follows Long Branch downstream through thickets of speckled alder, ironwood, and witch hazel, to its confluence with Four Mile Run, located in Glencarlyn Park. At Glencarlyn Park check “Sparrow Swamp,” where a variety of waterfowl and wading birds have been observed. Pick up a trail map and bird checklist at the Nature Center.