Situated along the historic Appalachian Trail, Washington Monument State Park is the first monument in the country erected to the 'father of our country,' George Washington. A rugged stone tower was dedicated in 1827 to the first President, who traveled through western Maryland during his early years as a surveyor, by the citizens of Boonsboro. The restored 34-foot stone monument and observation tower are open daily dawn-dusk.
The park lands offer a museum, picnic shelters, playing fields and playground equipment, cross-country skiing and hiking trails, and numerous opportunities for birdwatching, since the Cumberland Valley is a migratory bird flyway. An annual count of migrating hawks and eagles is made at the monument by bird enthusiast. Located 4 miles east of Boonsboro, just north of Route 40.