Westport Town Farm offers an easy, 1-mile hike through acres of former farmland by the east branch of the Westport River. Right off of Drift Road, Westport Town Farm is very easy to find. Across from the parking lot, you’ll see the old farmhouse.
After getting out of the car, Benny was excited to see the farmhouse. We go hiking a lot through old farm fields, but it isn’t often that the old farmhouse is both standing and in good condition. He was almost ready to run across the street without looking, but thankfully I came to the rescue and pulled on his shirt before he walked out in front of passing car. Note to parents with little kids: Drift Road isn’t too busy, but don’t take any chances!
After my heart rate returned to normal, and I gave Benny a scolding, we carefully crossed Drift Road to look at the farmhouse. One sign stated that there was a Trustees of the Reservation office there, and another sign said there was a private residence in the back. Benny wanted to knock on the private residence’s door, but I told him that wouldn’t be polite. I swear, keeping this bear out of trouble is a full-time job!
Westport’s “Poor Farm”
It’s really easy to find the hiking trail. As you pass the farmhouse, you’ll see this sign. We were interested in what the “poor farm” was all about. Apparently, the Westport Town Farm used to be the Town of Westport’s “poor farm.” Back in the day, a “poor farm” was where those who had fallen on hard times lived. They would work these town-owned farms, eating what they were able to harvest and selling vegetables to raise money for supplies. Unfortunately, life on a poor farm was anything but glamorous. If you’re interested in the roles poor farms played in American history, check out the article “Poor Farms” part of history article by SouthCoastToday.com.
This land is still owned by the Town of Westport, hence it’s being called the Westport Town Farm. The Trustees of the Reservation, who manage and care for the land, lease the property from the town. They operate a small garden. When we visited, it was early in the season, so there wasn’t much grown in the garden. We’d love to return and see what has grown at the end of the season!
The Hike
Look at that view! The scenery that greets you at the beginning of the walk is absolutely stunning. And that field! I mean, if I were a cow, I would love to graze in a meadow like that! When I told Benny that, he started mooing for a good five minutes. Lesson learned.
As you continue down an old farm lane, there’ll be stonewalls on your left and woods on your right. Soon, you’ll either have to go right or left. The good news: It’s basically a loop. Go either way, and you’ll end up back where you started.
Along the way, you’ll see a few other intersecting paths. If you’re easily lost, you should download the Trustees of the Reservation’s Westport Town Farm map.
Walking the loop
On a whim, we decided to go left. This section of the path was covered in a sea of yellow buttercups. We’ve never seen so many buttercups at once!
The path continues past more fields, and Benny started his mooing again. He finally stopped when we were able to find a spot to admire the Westport River.
After we were finished taking in the view, we finished the loop and walked back to the car.
Should you visit?
Yes. The Westport Town Farm is an easy hike with amazing views. Its wide paths are well maintained, and there are picnic benches available. It’s a great, family-friendly area. If you’re looking for a beautiful, off-the-beaten-path place to have a picnic or go for an easy walk, this is the place.
While we didn’t see any animals while we were there, the Trustees’ website states that fields have livestock. Either there are no longer animals, or the animals would be brought in later in the season.
More info on the Westport Town Farm
As I mentioned earlier, it’s really easy to find the farm. It’s located on Drift Road. Look at the map below.
It’s open year-round, and the open fields make it a bird watcher’s paradise. Dogs are permitted. Mountain biking isn’t, however. Please respect the property and leave your bikes at home. For more information, check out the Trustees’ Website.
Subscribe and join us on our adventures!
Check out our map of places we’ve been in New England!
Find New England Travel Guides and Books. This is an affiliate link, and we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Check out our map of places we’ve been in New England!
Find New England Travel Guides and Books. This is an affiliate link, and we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Save it to Pinterest! Sharing is caring!
Another Westport activity:
If you’re in the area, why not check out Gooseberry Island?
Your article was excellent as always, and very interesting and quite beautiful. We will surely go and visit. Benny was adorable and adventurous. He looked so cute sitting in the buttercups!!
Thanks! We’re glad you enjoyed reading about our Westport adventure! 🙂