Washington Monument State Park

Had a very good time visiting the the historic park. There a a super superb view from the thop of the tower. the park staff ande crew are always very friendly and helpful. They are not CRUDE at all. Am very glad that Franklin D. Roosevelt’s CCC boys restored the very fiirat Washington. Monument back in the 1930’s.

Washington Monument State Park might aptly be described as the Khloe Kardashian of the state park system, overshadowed by more glamorous and alluring counterparts – and yet an indispensable complement to the whole, and somewhat entertaining in its own right. Lest I get carried away with a bad metaphor (too late!), let me just say that it’s difficult to rate this park, because while interesting and scenic, I don’t think most visitors would stay more than half an hour. It is however, an interesting and worthwhile stop for history buffs, serious hikers, or people who enjoy a panoramic view from the mountaintops.
The main feature of this park is, well, the Washington Monument… not THE Washington Monument, but a smaller monument built by the citizens of Boonsboro in 1827 in honor of the first president. Visitors hike up a short but steep hill, which is lined with signs bearing facts about George Washington’s life. The monument stands at the top of a mountain, looking out over West Virginia, Hagerstown, and Boonsboro. The view is terrific on all sides, and a handy sign indicates the general direction in which you are looking.
The Appalachian Trail runs through the park, and the trailhead going north toward Greenbrier State Park is on the path up to the monument. I have hiked this several times, but have only gone a short distance (due to time constraints). The section of the trail at Washington Monument is extremely steep. For an easier hike, you can park at the South Mountain Inn on Alt 40, on the lefthand side, and catch the trail going south.