Washington Monument State Park

No, not that Washington Monument, and not this Washington Monument either. No, this is the first completed monument dedicated to our nation's first President, and it's on a mountain in Maryland.

Washington Monument State Park is located near Boonsboro, MD, on South Mountain. The monument was built in 1827 by the townspeople of Boonsboro. Unfortunately it fell into disrepair not long after. The Union Army used the mountain as a signaling station during the Civil War.
During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps rebuilt the monument to its present form. It was finally designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1972.


Getting there can be a little tricky, so I recommend you check your route on google maps prior to heading to the park. The parking lot is a short distance from the summit, and a short trail takes you to the monument. Along the trail are signs highlighting events in Washington's life. You can take the stairs inside the monument to the top of the tower and enjoy the stunning views both to the east and west. On a clear day looking to the west, you can see Antietam Battlefield.



The Appalachian Trail runs directly through the park, and you can easily include a short hike along the AT as part of your visit. Just follow the white blazes in either direction.



along the Appalachian Trail on South Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain is a registered National Natural Landmark located about 10 miles south of Franklin, Maryland. It is a good example of a 'monadnock', an isolated hill or mountain which rises abruptly from the surrounding land. Sugarloaf is privately owned, but because of a trust which maintains the mountain and grounds, admission is free. There is parking both at the base of the mountain, and in a couple parking areas near the summit.

The mountain was used by the Union Army as an observation and signal station during the Civil War.
FDR briefly considered using Sugarloaf as the Presidential retreat, which is now on Catoctin Mountain (Camp David).
Sugarloaf has a pretty good variety of trails. We hiked up to the summit on the Green trail, which was fairly steep. For much of the green trail, you hike up several sets of stone stairs, including the last rise up to the summit. Take your time and rest as you need to.
If you're not as daring, you can take the red trail to the summit, which is still steep in places, but not nearly as steep at the stone stairs. The Yellow Trail, which circles the base of the mountain, is a horse trail, so if you have an equine friend, you can enjoy a nice ride.

Climbing the stone stairs on the Green Trail

The view from the summit is pretty nice. We were on the west side, so we could see the Potomac River and Virginia beyond.

From Sugarloaf Mountain 5-25-2014

Enjoying the view, despite the Dickerson Power Plant smoke stacks

From Sugarloaf Mountain 5-25-2014