Washington Monument State Park
Discover the first monument dedicated to George Washington, offering stunning panoramic views atop South Mountain.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere, fewer visitors
Washington Monument State Park
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere, fewer visitors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the first monument dedicated to George Washington, offering stunning panoramic views atop South Mountain.
"Breathtaking vistas and a significant historical site make this a must-visit Maryland gem."
🚶♀️ Easy Monument Walk
A short, 5-minute gravel path leads to the monument from the parking lot. Great for most ages!
⛰️ Appalachian Trail Section
The AT runs through the park, offering a longer hiking option for enthusiasts.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Original Washington Monument
Summit of South Mountain
The first monument dedicated to George Washington, a historic stone tower with panoramic views.
Panoramic Vistas
Summit of South Mountain
Breathtaking overlooks offering views of West Virginia and numerous Maryland towns.
Appalachian Trail Access
Park grounds
Hike a section of the famous Appalachian Trail, connecting to the monument and offering a true wilderness experience.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds
Accessibility and Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🚶♀️ Easy Monument Walk
A short, 5-minute gravel path leads to the monument from the parking lot. Great for most ages!
⛰️ Appalachian Trail Section
The AT runs through the park, offering a longer hiking option for enthusiasts.
📸 Capture the Views
The summit provides incredible vistas; bring your camera for stunning panoramic shots.
💧 Water for Hikers
The park area down the way has water, a welcome perk for backpackers on the AT.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy Monument Walk
A short, 5-minute gravel path leads to the monument from the parking lot. Great for most ages!
⛰️ Appalachian Trail Section
The AT runs through the park, offering a longer hiking option for enthusiasts.
📸 Capture the Views
The summit provides incredible vistas; bring your camera for stunning panoramic shots.
💧 Water for Hikers
The park area down the way has water, a welcome perk for backpackers on the AT.
🚻 Restroom Check
Public restrooms are available, but confirm seasonal operating hours before your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views and the historical significance of the first Washington Monument. The easy, short walk to the summit is a major plus for accessibility. Some reviewers noted that restroom facilities might have seasonal closures, and while the path is generally easy, it can be a bit challenging for wheelchairs.
"The view is great - you can see West Virginia and many Maryland towns that are marked on a chart. A short walk from the park (longer walk from Pen Mar if you are in the Trail) but a nice stop. You can walk up inside the monument too. The park down the way has water! A nice perk for backpack hikers."
Tamie Why Wait Getaways
"Nice views with very peaceful environment. The walk is 5 minutes on a gravel pathway from the parking lot. You could take a wheelchair but might be little hard to push."
AAA -
"This is a beautiful and challenging hike. It's very doable but has lots of steep inclines. The Washington monument area is informative and affords amazing vistas!"
Rhea Simpson-Weber
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Washington Monument State Park is located atop South Mountain near Boonsboro, Maryland. It's accessible by car, with a dedicated parking area. For those hiking the Appalachian Trail, the monument is a direct stop along the path.
Yes, there is a parking lot available at the park. It's a short walk from the parking area to the monument itself.
Public transportation options to Washington Monument State Park are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle. mentions a long-distance run to the DC monument, highlighting the park's distance from urban centers.
Yes, the park is situated directly on the Appalachian Trail, making it a popular stop for thru-hikers and day hikers alike.
From I-70, take exit 32 for MD-66 South towards Boonsboro. Continue on MD-66 S, which will lead you towards South Mountain. Follow signs for Washington Monument State Park. The exact route may vary depending on your starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to enter Washington Monument State Park. It is a free-to-access state park.
Washington Monument State Park is generally open year-round during daylight hours. However, specific facilities like restrooms may have seasonal closures.
The park and the monument are free to visit. There are no separate tickets or fees required to access the monument or enjoy the park's grounds.
Yes, you can walk up inside the stone tower of the Washington Monument in Maryland.
There are no age restrictions for visiting Washington Monument State Park or climbing inside the monument. The short walk makes it accessible for most ages.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can hike to the first monument dedicated to George Washington, enjoy panoramic views from the summit, and walk a section of the Appalachian Trail. Informative signs about Washington's life are also present.
The summit offers breathtaking, unobstructed views of West Virginia and numerous Maryland towns. It's a fantastic spot for photography.
The hike from the parking lot to the monument is a short, easy walk on a gravel path, generally considered very doable for most ages.
Yes, public restrooms are available, but it's advisable to check their operating status, as they may be closed seasonally. Portable toilets are sometimes provided.
Absolutely! The short, easy walk to the monument and the historical significance make it a great outing for families. The views are also a big hit with kids.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views from the summit are spectacular, offering wide-angle shots of the surrounding landscape. The stone monument itself also makes for a great historical photo subject.
Yes, the monument is well-preserved and easily accessible, allowing for clear shots from various angles. Consider capturing it against the backdrop of the sky or surrounding trees.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Midday provides clear, bright light for capturing details of the monument.
Drone usage is typically regulated in state parks. It's best to check the official Maryland State Parks website or contact the park directly for current drone policies before flying.
The summit area around the monument provides the primary viewpoints. Explore slightly off the main path (while staying safe) for unique perspectives of the monument and the expansive landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The panoramic views from the top are sure to captivate kids and adults alike, offering a sense of wonder and discovery. Pack some snacks and water, and enjoy a memorable outing that combines history, nature, and stunning scenery.🚶♀️ Hikers and Backpackers
You can easily integrate a visit to the historic monument into your AT trek. The park also provides water access, a crucial amenity for backpackers. 📸 Photographers
The accessibility of the site means you can spend ample time composing your shots and waiting for the perfect light. Remember to check drone regulations if you plan on aerial photography. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Significance of the Monument
+1 It stands as a testament to early American patriotism and the enduring respect for the nation's first president. The park itself is a Maryland and National Historical Monument, preserving this significant piece of American history.Walking the short trail to the monument, visitors will find signs detailing key milestones in George Washington's life. This educational aspect adds depth to the visit, allowing travelers to connect with the history in a tangible way. It’s a unique opportunity to see where the tradition of commemorating Washington with monuments began, offering a different perspective than the iconic obelisk in the capital.
This historical context makes Washington Monument State Park more than just a scenic overlook; it's a journey back in time. It’s a place where you can stand at the site of the very first tribute to Washington, appreciating the foresight and dedication of those who built it. The park provides a quiet, reflective space to consider the foundations of the United States and the figures who shaped its early years.
Experiencing the Appalachian Trail
This provides an excellent opportunity for both long-distance backpackers and day-trippers to experience a segment of this iconic trail.Hikers can easily incorporate a visit to the monument as part of their AT journey. The trail leading to the monument from the parking lot is a short, accessible spur, but the main AT path offers more challenging terrain and longer distances. This proximity allows visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of South Mountain while also engaging with a significant piece of American hiking heritage.
Whether you're a seasoned thru-hiker or just looking for a scenic walk, the Appalachian Trail section at Washington Monument State Park provides a memorable outdoor experience. It’s a chance to step onto a path trodden by thousands and to enjoy the wilderness that the AT traverses, all while having the historical monument as a rewarding destination.
Capturing the Views and the Monument
The stone monument, the first dedicated to George Washington, is itself a compelling photographic subject. Its rustic charm and historical significance make it a focal point against the expansive sky or the surrounding natural beauty.
Consider framing shots that include both the monument and the sweeping views to tell a complete story of the location. The park's accessibility means you can easily find various angles to capture its essence.While the primary viewpoints are around the monument, exploring slightly off the main paths (safely, of course) can reveal unique perspectives. Remember to check local regulations regarding drone usage if you plan to capture aerial shots, as policies can vary.
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