RECREATION GUIDE RECREATION GUIDE

FORT FREDERICK STATE PARK

301-842-2155 dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/ Pages/western/fortfrederick.aspx

11100 Fort Frederick Rd., Big Pool, MD

World-famous 1756 British colonial stone fort! C&O Canal runs through the park. Hiking, biking, camping, boating, picnicking, interpretive programs, concessions and annual events.

GATHLAND STATE PARK

301-791-4767 dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/ gathland.aspx

900 Arnoldstown Road, Jefferson, MD

Located on the site of the Civil War Battle of South Mountain. Hiking, picnicking and a stone monument. Museum chronicles George Alfred Townsend’s life and Civil War artifacts.

GREENBRIER STATE PARK

301-791-4767 dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/ Pages/western/greenbrier.aspx

21843 National Pike, Boonsboro, MD

Park circles a 42-acre lake for swimming, fishing and boating. Activities include picnicking, camping, interpretive programs, concessions, hiking trails and playgrounds.

HAGERSTOWN CITY PARK

301-739-8577, Ext. 169 hagerstownmd.org

501 Virginia Ave. and Key St., Hagerstown, MD

Fifty acres of trees, flowers and open spaces surround three man-made lakes. Park includes concession stand, picnic areas, pavilions, playgrounds, tennis court, walking trails, GeoTrail and a band shell.

HAGERSTOWN CULTURAL TRAIL

301-739-8577 hagerstownculturaltrail.com

60 Hood St, Hagerstown, MD 21740

The Hagerstown Cultural Trail connects the downtown Arts & Entertainment District with City Park and the Museum of Fine Arts. Features include public art experiences, gathering spaces, and historical interpretation.

INDIAN SPRINGS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

301-842-2702 dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/publiclands/ western/indiansprings.aspx

North & West of Clear Spring, MD (Blairs Valley Rd.) Fossils and artifacts found here reflect the region’s Native-American settlement history. Little Conococheague Creek fills the 31-acre Blairs Valley Lake. Fishing and other recreational activities. Open year-round.

MARTIN L. “MARTY” SNOOK MEMORIAL PARK

240-313-2700 www.washco-md.net/parks_facilities/p-

MartySnookPark.shtm

17901 Halfway Blvd., Hagerstown, MD

Numerous facilities including a large pool, softball and baseball fields, tennis courts, a basketball court, picnic pavilions, tables and grills. Walk through the Mystical Woods Play Area, bring your pet and enjoy the new Central Bark Dog Park, and Fitness Area!

MARYLAND HEIGHTS AT HARPERS FERRY NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK

304-535-6029 | nps.gov/hafe Harpers Ferry Rd., Knoxville, MD

A huge part of this national park, at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, is located in Washington County. Maryland Heights offers a strenuous hike with breathtaking views.

PANGBORN PARK

301-739-8577, Ext. 169 hagerstownmd.org/321/Pangborn-Park

591 Pangborn Blvd., Hagerstown, MD

Fishing pond, walking trails, pavilions and playground.

PEN MAR PARK

240-313-2700 www.washco-md.net/parks_facilities/pPenMarPark.shtm

14600 Pen Mar/High Rock Rd., Cascade, MD

Historic park offers pavilions, tables, museum, dance pavilion, grills, play equipment, horseshoes and panoramic Washington County views.

PINESBURG SOFTBALL COMPLEX

240-313-2807

15329 Clear Spring Rd., Williamsport, MD

For girls’ fast pitch fields w/ dugouts, concession stand and bleacher seating.

POTOMAC RIVER & POTOMAC HERITAGE NATIONAL

SCENIC TRAIL

304-535-4014 nps.gov/pohe.com

Enjoy freshwater fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass, tiger muskie, crappie, channel catfish, redbreast sunfish, walleye and carp.

SHAFER PARK

301-432-5141 town.boonsboro.md.us

Boonsboro, MD

Hosts Boonesborough Days, Boonsboro Rescue Co. Carnival and the Summer Concert Series. Play area, pavilions, and basketball courts.

SOUTH MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

301-791-4767 dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/ western/southmountain.aspx

21843 National Pike, Boonsboro, MD Park features more than 10,000 acres for year-round hiking along the Appalachian Trail. Camping limited to shelters along the trail.

WASHINGTON MONUMENT STATE PARK

301-791-4767

Four miles east of Boonsboro dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/ washington.aspx

6620 Zittlestown Rd., Middletown, MD

Home to the first monument built in honor of George Washington. Camping for youth groups, picnics and shelters. Appalachian Trail access, picnic shelters.

WESTERN MARYLAND RAIL TRAIL

301-842-2155 dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/ Pages/western/washington.aspx

Hancock, MD

Hiking and biking trail built on 26+ miles of abandoned railroad bed. Parallels Potomac River and C&O Canal. Interpretive programs and special events. Open 8am-sunset year-round.

& BIKING SPOTS

Nature inspires us! It feeds our souls and enriches our well-being. Not coincidentally, taking time off to explore and spend time in nature heals us. The variety of hiking and biking trails throughout the county’s vast park lands are abundant in Washington County.

The Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail follows along scenic and challenging terrain. Some of the most spectacular views along the AT can be seen at High Rock, Annapolis Rock, Weverton Cliffs, and Black Rock Cliff. Another challenging but well-known hike to an impressive overlook is at Maryland Heights overlooking historic Harpers Ferry, WV. State park trails at Greenbrier and the Washington Monument offer more moderate hiking opportunities.

Antietam National Battlefield

Antietam National Battlefield is recognized as one of America’s most pristine battlefields and has a paved 8.5-mile tour road and a network of 10 trails connecting most of the Battlefield. There, you can also experience the geography that dictated the battle.

OUTFITTERS & EXCURSIONS

RIVER & TRAIL OUTFITTERS/ C&O CANAL BICYCLING

301-834-9950 | rivertrail.com

604 Valley Rd., Knoxville, MD Family-run, full-service outfitter offers quality outdoor trips including rafting, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking, and rock climbing.

SHEPHERDSTOWN PEDAL & PADDLE

304-876-3000 | thepedalpaddle.com

C&O CANAL TOWPATH

The C&O Canal Towpath is the region’s most popular cycling and hiking route. Be sure to stop at one of our Canal Towns. Hancock, Sharpsburg and Williamsport offer amenities to cyclists using the C&O Canal, ranging from bicycle lanes to bicycle racks and cycling shops to B&B’s that are bikefriendly. For a list of great bike-tour routes in the county, visit: www.visithagerstown.com.

Western Maryland Rail Trail

The Western Maryland Rail Trail has over 22 miles of paved trail through the scenic Maryland countryside. It’s perfect to travel on foot or by bicycle.

115 W. German St., Shepherdstown, WV Wide selection of bicycles available for rent for the whole family.