Washington Monument State Park Guide: Hike to the First Washington Monument in Maryland
Washington Monument State Park surprised me. And that is saying something.
I am constantly criss-crossing Maryland looking for fun things to do with kids. It takes a lot to catch me off guard. But this small Maryland state park on the summit of South Mountain absolutely did.
Why? Because it has something very special: the first completed monument dedicated to President George Washington in the United States. Not the iconic Washington Monument on the National Mall. The original Washington Monument. Built by the citizens of Boonsboro in 1827.
And yes… you can walk right up inside it.
If you are looking for a low-effort hike, panoramic views, Revolutionary War and Civil War history, and a great western Maryland day trip, this is a great place to spend a few hours.
Related: You can also see the Washington Monument in DC for FREE!
Quick Park Info: Address, Hours & Admission
If you are planning a visit, here is the practical stuff you need to know.
Washington Monument State Park
6620 Zittlestown Road
Boonsboro, MD 21713
- Managed by: Maryland Park Service (Maryland Department of Natural Resources)
- Main parking area located off Monument Road
- Elevation: Summit of South Mountain
- Closest towns: Boonsboro and nearby Frederick
Hours of Operation
- Open daily, typically 8:00 AM to sunset
- The monument interior may close during inclement weather or icy conditions
- Always check the Maryland Department of Natural Resources gov website for current park status
Related: Check out our picks for the best playgrounds in Frederick County
Admission / Service Fee
Washington Monument State Park is part of the Maryland State Park system.
- In-state residents: Small per-vehicle service fee (seasonal rates apply)
- Out-of-state residents: Slightly higher per-vehicle fee
- Exact rates and updates available through the Maryland Park Service reservations system
There is no separate fee to climb to the top of the monument.
You can also reserve picnic shelters through the Maryland State Department of Forestry booking platform, which has become a much more intuitive booking experience in recent years.
Related: Check out this guide to all the best Maryland State Parks for families!
Why This Monument Matters (The History You’ll Actually Want to Know)
Here is what makes this park so unique.
In 1827, the citizens of Boonsboro decided to honor the memory of George Washington—the first president and often called the father of our country. On July 4, 1827, Revolutionary War veterans, townspeople, and even a drum corps gathered for a grand ceremony.
They built a rugged stone tower at what they believed was the ideal site: the summit of South Mountain.
This structure became the first monument ever completed in honor of George Washington in the United States.
That predates the towering obelisk on the National Mall by decades.
The original monument was smaller than what you see today. It was later rebuilt and restored multiple times. During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps restored it to something closer to its original size. That restoration is largely what stands today.
During the Civil War, this summit played an important role in the Maryland Campaign. The monument was used as a signal station during the first major Civil War battle fought on northern soil—the Battle of South Mountain. Nearby Fox’s Gap and Turner’s Gap were key conflict points. The overview of the Battle of South Mountain becomes much more meaningful when you are standing on that summit.
The Washington County Historical Society and even the Hagerstown Daily Mail have documented the monument’s long history of community pride.
It is hard not to appreciate the layers of history here—Revolutionary War veterans honoring President George Washington, Civil War soldiers using the tower strategically, and the Civilian Conservation Corps preserving it during the Great Depression.
That is a lot of American history packed into one small stone tower.
Related: Check out the Marty Snook Mythical Woods Playground in nearby Hagerstown
The Monument Trail: A Short, Doable Climb
The park’s main feature is the Monument Trail.
From the main parking area, the hike is short. The elevation gain is noticeable but not overwhelming. This is not a grueling trek. Most kids can handle it without complaint.
Along the way, you will see interpretive wayside signs that talk about George Washington’s life, the monument’s history, and the significance of the site.
It is a beautiful trail, especially in fall when western Maryland lights up with color. Even in winter, the bare trees open up incredible views.
When you reach the base of the monument, the payoff is immediate.
Climbing to the Top of the Monument
Yes, you can go inside.
The spiral stone staircase is narrow and steep. There is a handrail. Younger kids will need supervision. But climbing to the top of the monument is part of the fun.
When you step out onto the upper platform, the panoramic views stretch across Maryland, into Pennsylvania, and even toward West Virginia on a clear day.
You can see farmland, rolling hills, and the Shenandoah River valley in the distance.
It is one of those unexpectedly spectacular views that makes you pause for a second.
This is also a great spot for migratory birds. Bring binoculars if you are into bird watching.
Appalachian Trail & Other Trail Connections
Washington Monument State Park plugs directly into sections of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
There are signs marking the Appalachian Trail North and South right near the monument. If you are feeling ambitious, you can turn your short Monument Trail hike into something longer.
The park also connects conceptually to other nearby historic sites:
- South Mountain State Battlefield
- Gathland State Park
- Greenbrier State Park
If you are building out a full history-themed day trip, you could easily combine Washington Monument State Park with Fox’s Gap or Turner’s Gap stops for a deeper look at the Maryland Campaign.
For more advanced hikers, there are alternate route options and longer, more rugged segments along South Mountain.
Skill levels vary, but the park itself is accessible and manageable for most families.
Picnic Areas, Playground & Visitor Center
Washington Monument State Park may be small, but it is thoughtfully laid out.
There are picnic tables scattered near the monument and a picnic pavilion you can reserve for youth groups or gatherings. Picnic shelter reservations can be made through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources system.
There is also:
- A small visitor center
- Restrooms
- A small playground
- Accessible paths near the picnic areas
It is not massive. But it is enough to turn a quick hike into a relaxed afternoon.
If you want a full park day, bring lunch and hang out for a while.
Make It a Full Day Trip
The location makes this an easy day trip from nearby Frederick or even farther into Western Maryland.
Here is what I would do:
- Hike the Monument Trail and climb to the top.
- Pack a picnic or reserve a picnic shelter.
- Drive about 10 minutes to South Mountain Creamery. Get a scoop of ice cream. Pet the baby calves.
- Stop by Middletown Park so the kids can burn off extra energy on the multiple playgrounds and walk around the pond.
It is low stress and it feels very manageable.
And if you are already exploring western Maryland, it pairs beautifully with Greenbrier State Park or a longer Appalachian Trail hike.
Park Policies & Planning Tips
A few practical notes:
- Follow posted park policies to protect cultural resources.
- Check the gov website for hours of operation, day use reservations, and park status updates.
- Shelter reservations, park passes, youth group bookings, and statewide park programs are all managed through the Maryland Park Service system.
- No dashboard camping. Overnight camping is not available here.
- Food truck vending opportunities are rare but occasionally tied to events statewide park programs.
If you have questions, contact the park’s main office or speak with a park ranger on site.
Related: Check out this guide to the best ice cream in Maryland!
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Yes.
Washington Monument State Park is not flashy. It is not a full-day adventure park.
But it is a great spot. A perfect place for a short hike, a quick history lesson, and some unexpectedly incredible views.
Standing inside the first monument ever built to honor President George Washington feels different. It feels local. Community-driven. Personal.
It is easy to forget that before the towering obelisk on the National Mall, before massive federal projects, before national spectacle—there were just citizens of Boonsboro hauling stone up a mountain to honor the memory of George Washington.
That alone makes it worth the walk.
And the second time you go? You might appreciate it even more.
