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.
Because DC is not a state, we don’t get access to cool state parks like many other states do. But we’re lucky enough to live in an area that offers plenty of fascinating national parks around the area to visit! Here are 10 under-appreciate national parks near DC that you should visit. You might just find your new favorite national park to visit in Washington DC.
Piscataway Park is part of the National Capital Parks-East program and is 20 miles southwest of downtown DC. The park is made up of wetlands, meadows, and woodlands and is home to bald eagles, beavers, and other wildlife. It also includes the National Colonial Farm, where visitors can learn about the history of the farm and the surrounding park. Read more about Piscataway Park in a previous article.
Catoctin Mountain Park is also located north of DC in Maryland. The park has 25 miles of hiking trails, gorgeous streams, and incredible views of the surrounding area. You can hike the mountain or explore the surrounding trails. Learn more about this national park to visit in Maryland in a previous article.
Fort Washington has a rich history as being the first, and at one time, the only fort protecting DC. This peaceful park is right along the Potomac River and offers bird watching, wildlife, fishing, a three-mile hiking trail, and plenty of history for its visitors. Visit the official website of Fort Washington Park.
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13551 Fort Washington Rd Fort Washington, MD, 20744
This park was originally called the Copawamsic Recreation Area when it opened in 1936 as a place children could live during the Great Depression. In 1948 it was renamed Prince William Forest Park and has been one of the area’s best kept secrets. You can camp, hike, bike, and fish in this fun park in Northern Virginia. Read more about this national park to visit in Virginia in our previous article.
The National Park Service and Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture teamed up to create an artistic and cultural park unlike any other. Ride the carousel; enjoy cultural presentations and dances, and don’t miss the puppet show. This park is perfect for families with young children. Plan your visit to this national park to visit near Washington DC.
Anacostia Park is one of DC’s largest parks and recreation areas. Known as the city’s urban oasis, Anacostia Park has playgrounds, a roller skating rink, biking, and jogging trails and water activities on the Anacostia River. Visit the Anacostia Park website for more information.
Oxon Cove Park and Oxon Cove Farm is technically more than a national park. It is a national historic district, but it’s too fun to not include on the list. Visit this living farm museum, and learn about how the farm transformed from a plantation home during the War of 1812 to the park it is today. Find out why this is one of the best parks near Washington DC.
Technically, George Washington Memorial Parkway is a national parkway designed for recreational driving. Congress protected the sites along the road as a "park and playground" for DC. Jones Point Park is one of these sites. Located on the Potomac River, this park features fishing piers, garden plots, playgrounds, fields, and the Jones Point Lighthouse. Visit the website of Jones Point Park.
Also a part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway parks, Lady Bird Johnson Park is the perfect quiet place to enjoy nature. In the spring, thousands of daffodils and tulips emerge and in the fall, the trees show off gorgeous fall foliage colors. It’s a great place for a picnic or for a photo session. Learn more on the official website of Lady Bird Johnson Park.
Turkey Run Park is part of the Potomac Gorge ecosystem, and hikers and nature lovers will enjoy a diverse combination of flora and fauna, streams, riverbanks. It’s a perfect place to hike and observe nature. Check out the Turkey Run Park website for more information.
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700 George Washington Memorial Parkway McLean, VA, 22101
What is your favorite national park to visit in Washington DC? Tell us about it in the comments! If you love these hidden gems, you will love this secret garden in DC!
With close proximity to the beautiful natural splendors of both Maryland and Virginia, Washington DC has no shortage of beautiful state parks to explore. No matter what time of year it might be, it's always a great time to witness the natural beauty galore in seven of the best state parks around Washington DC. Check them out and let us know your thoughts:
Seneca Creek State Park is 6,300 acres along 14 miles of the beautiful Seneca Creek in Montgomery County. The gorgeous 90 acre Clopper Lake is surrounded by forests, flowers and fields and makes for a perfect spot for a picnic. Learn more on the official website!
In Fairfax, Virginia, Mason Neck provides many outdoor activities for the whole family. There is miles of trails, a canoe launch, a playground and a picnic area. You can bird watch, rent bikes and explore the ponds and forest around the park. It also just so happens to be the best spot to watch the sunset around here, too.
This park is along the Patuxent River in Howard and Montgomery counties. Patuxent River is popular for fishers and hunters and there are also miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding, exploring the beauty of the area. Learn all about it on the official website.
You’ll be transported back to the past at Sky Meadows State Park. Set on historic farm land in Virginia, you can hike the 24 miles of hiking trails, bike the 9 miles of bike trails, access the Appalachian trail and learn about the post-Civil War life at year-round history programs offered by the park rangers. Read more about this Virginia gem in this article.
If you feel the draw of the mountains, head to Gambrill State Park, which is located on the ridge of the Catoctin Mountains in Frederick, Maryland. The park has two areas: the Rock Run area and the High Knob area. The High Knob area is a three stone overlook with beautiful views of the valleys and surrounding towns. The Rock Run area has a campground, picnic area and small pond. There is plenty to do.
In the picturesque Shenandoah Valley, the Shenandoah River State Park is right on the Shenandoah River and offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and park land. You can camp, picnic, hike and adventure around the area. This state park is awesome for scenic drives, too!
Seven Bends is the entry to the Shenandoah Valley. Surrounded by the Massanutten Mountains, the park has acres of open fields, open fields and wild life. It’s a peaceful slice of paradise to visit. Learn more about Seven Bends on its official website.
