Gathland State Park
Website
This park is an excellent choice for the nature lover offering picturesque hiking trails and many picnicking sites. Visitors can view a century-old stone monument dedicated to war correspondents. Gathland is located one mile east of MD 67 on Gapland Road south of Boonsboro. For information call 301-791-4767.

South Mountain State Park
Website
This state park runs along the ridge of South Mountain from Pen-Mar to Weaverton, linking many of the local parks and the Appalachian Trail. Camping is limited to shelters along the trail. For information call 301-791-4767.

Washington Monument State Park
Website
This park is home to the first monument built in honor of George Washington in addition to offering camping for youth groups, picnicking, and shelters. Located four miles east of Boonsboro, the park also has access to the Appalachian Trail. For information call 301-791-4767.

Fort Frederick State Park
Website
The focal point of this state park is the restored 1756 fort used during the French and Indian War, providing visitors with a historical perspective of that time period. The nearby C & O Canal runs through the park complementing such activities as hiking, biking, camping, boating and picnicking. Other services include interpretive programs and concessions. For information call 301-842-2155.

Other Area Parks

Hagerstown City Park
Website
301-739-8577, ext. 169
Often called ``America's second most beautiful municipal natural park," the park's centerpiece is a 50-acre lake, home for more than 250 waterfowl. Home of the Jonathan Hager House, Mansion House Art Center and Washington County Museum of Fine Arts.  Fitness trails. Call for information on other city parks and playgrounds.

Woodland Way County Park
240-313-2700
Park site with picnic tables and ballfields.

Hager Park Frederick St.
at Memorial Blvd.

Camp Harding County Park
240-313-2700
Named after President Warren G. Harding who, along with notables such as Harvey Firestone, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, camped here in the 1920s.

C & O Canal National Park
Website
301/739-4200
42% or 77+ miles of this 184-mile park along the Potomac River, extending from Georgetown in Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, MD, are in Washington County.  Many historic locks and aqueducts remain.  The Williamsport boat basin is rewatered.

Clear Spring County Park/Recreation Area
240-313-2700
Located at the former Clear Spring High School site, this park offers softball, baseball, football/soccer field, tennis courts, a picnic pavilion, restrooms, parking and a play area.

Devil's Backbone County Park
240-313-2700
Scenic park along the Antietam Creek, featuring a waterfall. Park also contains picnic pavilion and walking trails.

Doub's Woods County Park
240-313-2700
Heavily wooded park with performing arts pavilion, picnic areas, picnic pavilion, swings, and outdoor chapel.

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Website
304/535-6298
A beautiful park that occupies three states. Site of John Brown's Raid. Town portion offers interpretive programs and private shops.  Open year round.  Admission.

Martin Snook Memorial Park
240-313-2700
Named after the late Wash. Co. Commissioner. Site of Halfway Park Days in May.  Contains Par Fitness Trail, tennis courts, playing fields and lighted ballfields.  Swimming pool open Memorial Day to Labor Day, 12:30-8 p.m. daily.  Admission to pool.

Mt. Briar Wetland Preserve
240-313-2700
Located on Millbrook Road off Rt. 67, this extraordinary environmental site is one of the most unique, non-tidal wetland areas in Maryland.  Floating boardwalk allows for walking through the park.

Pen Mar County Park
240-313-2700 Buildings & Grounds
240-313-2805 Recreation Department
This redeveloped 42-acre park provides a panoramic view of the Cumberland Valley.  An amusement park in the early 1900s, it includes pavilion sites for dances, concerts and other entertainment on Sundays throughout the summer, including Everybody's Day in August. For information about the Pen Mar Concert Series Schedule see
Calendar of Events.