State parks are always fun for a day trip adventure but Gathland State Park in Jefferson Maryland offers so much more than the traditional park. This amazing state park offers a blend of hiking, mountain biking, history, and even architecture. This unique state park near Washington DC will amaze you!
Gathland State Park was once the mountain home of George Alfred Townsend who was a journalist during the Civil War and it is ripe with history.
In the 1800s, Townsend constructed many different buildings and structures. Two of those structures, the Main Hall and Lodge, were partially restored in the 1950s.
The first major battle of the Civil War in Maryland, Battle of South Mountain, was fought not far from Gathland and you can often find Civil War re-enactors at the park.
The history is deep here, offering different memorials and markings of the history, including a Memorial Arch for the deaths of the Union and Confederate soldiers.
You can visit the museum on site which features artifacts from Townsend’s life and career and many artifacts from the Battle of South Mountain. It's a fantastic to learn more about the history of the area.
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail passes through Gathland State Park so many visitors hike parts of the trail or camp overnight on the trail after touring the memorial and buildings.
Gathland State Park is only a 90 minute drive outside of Washington DC at 900 Arnoldstown Road, Jefferson MD 21755. It’s closed during the winter but makes for a great trip for history lovers or anyone from the area.
