Fort Frederick State Park Quest
Maryland Women in Conservation: the Trees and the Forest at "Old Fort Frederick"
The Fort Frederick State Park quest will begin near the Visitor Center at a self-guided billboard/outdoor cabinet station (look for the words Park Quest). The quest will include tree identification along with a hike through “The Maryland D. A. R. Forest Planting on Fort Frederick State Forest [sic].
Along the trail, discover some specific Maryland women in conservation that have made an impact on the life of this state park through conservation and reforestation efforts. An “additional attractions” hike will then swing around the East side to the front of the Fort for a look at the progeny of the Wye Oak that was planted at Fort Frederick.
Basic Conifer Dichotomus Key
Basic Common-Broadleaf Dichotomus Key
Fort Frederick State Park
Fort Frederick State Park was acquired by the State of Maryland in 1922. It was one of the first state parks to be established in Maryland. The fort was built in 1756 during the French and Indian War and served as a prisoner of war camp during the American Revolution. During the civil war, an artillery piece was placed inside the fort walls by the Union Army in an attempt to guard the canal, the river crossing, and the B&O Railroad.
The state Daughters of the American Revolution lobbied the governor and the state legislature in the early days of the park’s existence. They sought funding to restore the fort’s walls and together, with the Maryland Board of Forestry, reforested the park with hundreds of memorial tree plantings.
Today, the park holds interpretive events throughout the year and boasts: a campground, several trails, a picnic area with playground, pavilion rentals, a beautiful visitors’ center, park store, access to the C&O canal towpath and the Potomac River.
Come for Park Quest but Stay for the Day
There is plenty to do with trails to hike, several bodies of water to fish and a 22 mile long paved bike trail. We also offer a shaded picnic area with lots of tables and playground equipment for your enjoyment. Many different historical and natural programs are given throughout summer. If you like to camp we offer a peaceful campground with 23 unimproved sites situated on the banks of the Potomac River.
Address:
Fort Frederick State Park
11100 Fort Frederick Road
Big Pool MD 21711
Contact:
Visitor Center: 301-842-2155
Driving Directions:
Fort Frederick State Park is located in Washington County, off Route 70 Exit 12 (Big Pool). Travel one mile east on State Route 56 to the park's entrance.
From the east, take I-70 west to Route 56 exit 12. At the end of the ramp make a left and the park entrance is located on the right one mile from the interstate exit.
From the west, take I-68 east to I-70 east to Route 56 exit 12. At the end of the ramp make a right and the park entrance is located on the right one mile from the interstate exit.
