Washington Monument State Park, Middletown

Washington Monument State Park is interesting for two reasons: 1) The Appalachian Trail goes through it proving that there is natural beauty in Maryland. The views in this park into the valley are beautiful. 2) The OG Washington Monument. More than 50 years before the Washington Monument was built on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the people near Middletown, Maryland built a stone tower on a hill called the Washington Monument. 500 people built it in one day and it still stands as the very first monument named after George Washington. As you walk up to the monument, you can learn about key dates associated with the first president. There's a small visitor's center that walks people through the history of this state park (note: the center is closed during the winter).

A beautiful park with an absolutely amazing view at the top where the monument is located. The Appalachian Trail runs along the top of the mountain. Has camping for youth as well. The view is worth a trip for sure. Also, along the trail to the monument there are signs recording Washington's history. Wonderful open grass space near parking with a playground, several buildings to have a picnic located along the foot trail to the monument. Pictures are worth a thousand words!