State Parks and National Parks

Gathland State Park

Historic Gathland State Park was once the mountain home of George Alfred Townsend, a Civil War correspondent who wrote under the pen name "Gath."

An amateur architect, Townsend designed and constructed buildings as a favorite hobby, and several of his unique structures still stand in this park.

The main attraction is the War Correspondents' Arch, a large stone monument Townsend built in 1896 as a memorial to his fellow journalists.

The 140-acre park is located in Crampton’s Gap, one of three gaps fought over during the 1862 Civil War Battle of South Mountain.

From April through September, the park's museum is open and living history events are held on the grounds.

In addition to its historical significance, Gathland State Park is celebrated for its natural beauty. Traversed by the Appalachian Trail, the park spans scenic South Mountain, offering impressive views of the area's valleys.

Maryland has 37.5 miles of the interstate hiking trail.

Gathland State Park is located in Washington and Frederick counties, one mile west of Burkittsville, off MD Route 17.

Photo credits in order: Photo by Tammy McCorkle. courtesy of Gathland State Park.