Have you checked out the view from the top of the Washington Monument?
No, not that Washington Monument. I’m talking about the original one, located in Maryland!
There is a short and easy trail in Washington Monument State Park that leads to the first completed monument dedicated to George Washington. The trail also offers a gorgeous view of the surrounding area!
It’s a perfect trail for kids, and it is wide and flat enough for an off-roading stroller or wheelchair. And since it partially follows the Appalachian Trail, you can make the hike as long or as short as you’d like.
If you’re thinking about visiting Washington Monument State Park in Boonsboro, Maryland, the guide below has everything you need to know. So, let’s start planning your next adventure!
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Washington Monument in Boonsboro, MD
History
The Washington Monument in Boonsboro, Maryland, was originally built in 1827, beating the DC version by over twenty years. According to local lore, over 500 people hiked up South Mountain to build and dedicate the monument. It was built over two days, starting on July 4th. It stood 30 feet high and had a circumference of 54 feet at its base.
Over the years, the monument fell into ruin. In 1920, the Washington County Historical Society purchased the site and then deeded it to the State of Maryland in 1934. It was then that the tower was rebuilt to what it looks like today.
What to Know Before You Visit
Admission
Maryland charges a fee to enter its state parks. As of publication, the fee to visit Washington Monument State Park, per vehicle, is $2 for Maryland residents and $4 for out-of-state residents, cash only.
Parking
There is a large parking area at Washington Monument State Park near the trailhead that can accommodate about two dozen cars. If that lot is full, you can use one of the other lots in the park.
Amenities
There is a bathroom with running water and several picnic tables near the main parking lot.
Wildlife
The Washington Monument in Maryland is a natural area and can wildlife like black bears and copperhead snakes. Be mindful of your surroundings.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Remember, as you visit this park, to respect nature. Stay on established paths, pack out your trash (including food waste), and leave what you find behind.
The more popular these destinations become, the more we need to be diligent about keeping our parks and lands clean and safe for all. You can learn more here.
Easy Trail to the Washington Monument and Overlook in Maryland
| Trail Location: | Washington Monument State Park in Middletown, MD |
| Trail Length: | .5 mile, out and back |
| Trail Difficulty: | Easy |
| Trail Type: | Out and back |
| Elevation Gain: | 75 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes |
Trailhead to Washington Monument
The trailhead to the Washington Monument in Maryland is marked with a large sign reviewing the history of the Battle of South Mountain and the monument’s history.
Next to that sign, you will see a sign marking the Appalachian Trail (which runs through the park) directing you to the monument.
What to Expect Along the Trail
As you follow along the Appalachian Trail towards the Washington Monument and overlook, you can read about some of the major milestones in George Washington’s life. Signs are placed every hundred feet or so.
This part of the Appalachian Trail is easy for everyone to complete. The trail is wide and flat and accessible for strollers and some wheelchairs.
After about 2/10 miles, the trail splits. Follow the signs for the Washington Monument towards the left. After a few hundred feet, you’ll see the monument and the overlook.
At the Overlook
When we visited, the monument was open so that we could climb the stairs to the top. From there, we had sweeping views of Boonsboro and even the Antietam Battlefield in the distance. You don’t have to climb the stairs to enjoy the view, making this a great trail for all abilities.
Other Hikes Near Washington Monument State Park
As noted above, the Appalachian Trail runs through Washington Monument State Park. If you wanted a longer hike, you could pick up the Appalachian Trail north of Washington Monument State Park at the US-40 parking lot and hike about three miles to the monument.
You could also hike to Annapolis Rock and Black Rock, one of the best hikes in the area, after visiting the Washington Monument, which is a short drive to the US-40 parking lot.
Other popular hiking spots a little further away from Washington Monument State Park include the Weverton Cliffs section of the Appalachian Trail in Knoxville and the Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock loop at Catoctin Mountain Park.
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