Washington County Parks
- Fort Frederick State Park
- Gathland State Park
- Greenbrier State Park
- Sideling Hill Exhibit Center
- Washington Monument State Park
- South Mountain State Park
Fort Frederick State Park
11100 Fort Frederick Rd.
Big Pool, Md. 21711
301-842-2155
Fort Frederick was erected in 1756, during the French and Indian War, and is considered the best-preserved pre-Revolutionary War stone fort in the country. The fort's stone wall and two barracks have been restored to their 1758 appearance. The historic C&O Canal passes through the park and is popular with hikers and bicyclists.
Size:
561 acres.
Directions:
In Washington County, near Indian Springs, off I-70 via MD Route 56.
Features include:
- Boat launch
- Flatwater canoeing
- Boat rentals
- Campsites
- Food/drinks
- Camp store
- Fishing
- Historical interest
- Visitors Center
- Campfire programs
- Picnicking
- Shelter
- Hiking trails
- Cross country skiing
Gathland State Park
c/o Greenbrier State Park
21843 National Pike
Boonsboro, Md. 21713
301-791-4767
Gathland State Park was once the mountain home of George Alfred
Townsend, a Civil War journalist. It is the site of a unique collection of buildings and structures that he designed and constructed, some of which have been restored. A large, stone monument dedicated to war correspondents is an outstanding attraction at this daily use park.
Size:
140 acres
Directions:
In Washington and Frederick counties, 1 mile west of Burkittsville, off MD Route 17.
Features include:
- Historical interest
- Visitors Center
- Picnicking
- Hiking trails
- Cross country skiing
Greenbrier State Park
21843 National Pike
Boonsboro, Md. 21713
301-791-4767
Greenbrier is a multi-use park providing many kinds of recreation. It has a 42-acre man-made lake and beach, bathhouse, and modern campsites.
Size:
1,288 acres
Directions:
In Washington County, 10 miles east of Hagerstown, on U.S. Route 40. Accessible from I-70 via the Myersville Interchange.
Features include:
- Boat launch
- Flatwater canoeing
- Boat rentals
- Campsites
- Dumping stations
- Food/drinks
- Camp store
- Electric hookups
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Visitors Center
- Campfire programs
- Picnicking
- Hiking trails
- Cross country skiing
Sideling Hill Exhibit Center
c/o Fort Frederick State Park
11100 Fort Frederick Rd.
Big Pool, Md. 21711
301-842-2155
Visitors to the Sideling Hill Exhibit Center can view one of the best rock exposures in the Northeastern United States. Highway construction cut through the mountain exposing almost 850 vertical feet of sedimentary rock, which was formed nearly 350 million years ago. The four-story exhibit center features interpretive exhibits, an orientation program and tourist information.
Directions:
In Washington County, 6 miles west of Hancock, on I-68.
Features include:
- Visitors Center
- Picnicking
Washington Monument State Park
c/o Greenbrier State Park
21843 National Pike
Boonsboro, Md. 21713
301-791-4767
This day use park gets its name from the first monument dedicated to George Washington. It is a rugged stone tower, erected on a craggy mountainside by the citizens of Boonsboro in 1827.
Size:
147 acres
Directions:
In Washington County, 3 miles southeast of Boonsboro, off Alternate Route 40.
Features include:
- Historical interest
- Visitors center
- Campfire programs
- Picnicking
- Shelter
- Hiking trails
- Cross country skiing
South Mountain State Park
c/o Greenbrier State Park
21843 National Pike
Boonsboro, Md. 21713
301-791-4767
This natural environmental area follows the ridge of South Mountain and extends from Pen Mar to Weverton. It includes 40 miles of the 2,050-mile-long Appalachian Trail, which runs from Maine to Georgia. The area provides excellent hiking, primitive camping for trail hikers and exciting vistas.
Size:
8,039 acres
Features include:
- Campsites
- Hunting
- Historical interest
- Picnicking
- Shelter
- Hiking trails
- Cross-country skiing
This information is provided by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. For specific information regarding fees, pets, camping, cabins, special events or programs, such as Junior Rangers, Outdoor Adventures, Outdoor Discovery Camps, the Drug-free Trail or the Maryland Conservation Corps, contact the individual parks or the Department of Natural Resources' State Forest and Park Service headquarters in Annapolis at 410/974-3771. For camping availability, call 410/461-0052. In the event of an emergency, call 410/461-0050. To report suspicious activities, call Park Watch at 1-800-825-PARK.
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