More parks | WMAs | Outdoor activities | Nature Tourism/Outdoor Adventures | DNR home page

Arch at the entrance of Gathland State Park.
Gathland State Park
Quick List
 Gathland's History
 State Park Amenities
 State Park Events
 Please Leave No Trace
Gathland State Park was once the mountain home of George Alfred Townsend, a Civil War journalist. It is the site of a unique collection of buildings and structures that he designed and constructed, some of which have been restored. A large, stone monument dedicated to war correspondents is an outstanding attraction at this day use park. (140 acres) The Appalachian Trail traverses the park and passes the monument base. Maryland has 41 miles of the interstate hiking trail. Click here to read information about the Maryland portion of the Appalachian Trail. The park includes all of Crampton's Gap, which was the southern most gap fought over during the battle of South Mountain. Fought September 14, 1862, it was the first major battle of the Civil War fought in Maryland.

Make sure you pick up a map of the park.

Features:
Shelter at the park Historic interest, hiking trail, picnicking, visitors center.

[Disabled accessible]Gathland State Park offers an accessible museum and shelter. The shelter can accommodate up to 100 people and is available May 1 - October 31. To reserve this shelter, contact our Reservation Service at 1-888-432-CAMP (2267). For additional accessible amenities in Maryland State Forests and Parks, visit the Accessibility For All section of this website.

There are ongoing interpretive programs throughout the summer featuring Civil War re-enactors. The annual "Living History" weekend always occurs the first weekend after Labor Day and portrays various aspects of the soldiers' life including infantry, cavalry, and artillery demonstrations.

The Friends of South Mountain State Battlefield mission is to "protect, preserve and interpret the historical, cultural and natural heritage residing within South Mountain State Battlefield." The private, non-profit Friends group works to create public-private partnerships to bring additional resources to protect and interpret the heroic Civil War battle action that took place at Crampton's, Fox's and Turner's Gaps on September 14, 1862 and other historical sites.

[Re-enactors at Gathland State Park.] The Friends are supporting the creation, development and staffing of two Civil War museums at the north and south ends of the Battlefield, are supporting reenactments of the Battles of South Mountain, lighting of the War Correspondent's Arch, and many community education projects. Your membership, active participation, donations and suggestions are welcomed. For more information about Friends of South Mountain State Battlefield, please visit our website at: http://www.friendsofsouthmountain.org/index.html

Volunteers give interpretive tours, and have special events and fundraisers. We are in the process of establishing a George Alfred Townsend reference library, and a museum depicting the Battle of South Mountain. Membership dues are $10/year/individual or $15/year/family. A newsletter is published quarterly. New members, volunteers and contributions (tax deductible) are always welcome.

Contact: The Friends of South Mountain State Battlefield
6620 Zittlestown Road
Middletown, Md 21769

Location - In Washington and Frederick Counties, 1 mile west of Burkittsville, off MD Route 17. [Gathland State Park is located in Washington and Frederick Counties]

Gathland State Park
c/o Greenbrier State Park
21843 National Pike
Boonsboro, MD 21713-9535
Phone (301) 791-4767
Fax (301) 791-0962

DNR Home

Funding for Maryland's State and local parks and conservation areas is provided through The Department of Natural Resources' Program Open Space. Established in 1969, Program Open Space symbolizes Maryland's long term commitment to conserving natural resources while providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities.

Last Updated on November 19, 2009

Photographs by Gathland State Park Staff and Tom Darden