Introduction To Quest
Hiking through history has never been so fun. On this quest your team will have to step back in history, learning to communicate without cell phones or computers! Civil War soldiers had to send messages to each other from miles away, without the other side understanding their messages. Learning the secret code and team work were needed to get the job done. Everything depended on their success: their lives, their fellow soldiers, their country! Just like signalmen in 1862, your team will hike to the Washington Monument, signal codes to each other, and decode the messages. Good Luck!
Quest Information
The quest is available daily from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The quest begins at the Washington Monument State Park day use area. Teams hike up to the monument, and finish at the park museum.
Park information
Located atop South Mountain, Washington Monument State Park is named for the first completed monument dedicated to the memory of George Washington. The Washington Monument is a rugged stone tower that was initially erected by the citizens of Boonsboro in 1827.Most of the Washington Monument’s hiking trail is part of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Visitors are welcome to hike the AT from Maine to Georgia or for just a few miles. Picnic sites with tables and grills are available or you can rent a picnic shelter for your family or group. There is a multi-purpose field for pick up games and playground for children. The monument makes it an ideal site for spotting migratory birds such as hawks, eagles and falcons. The peak time is mid-September. The monument museum features historical artifacts related to the history of Washington Monument and the Battle of South Mountain. The museum is open in spring, summer and fall.
Washington Monument State Park
6620 Zittlestown Road
Middletown, MD 21769
301-791-4767
Directions to Washington Monument State Park
From points east:
Washington Monument State Park can be reached off Interstate 70 westbound to Exit 49, MD Alternate Route 40. Travel westbound (turn left) on Alternate 40 for approximately 9 miles. At the top of South Mountain, turn right on Washington Monument Road. After 1 mile, the road intersects with Zittlestown Road at a four-way stop. Go straight to enter the park.
From points west:
Washington Monument State Park can be reached off Interstate 70 eastbound via Exit 35, MD Route 66. Go south on Route 66 (turn right) and travel approximately 6 miles to MD Alternate 40 in the town of Boonsboro. Go east on Alternate 40 (turn left) and travel approximately 4 miles to the top of South Mountain. Turn left on Washington Monument Road. After 1 mile, the road intersects with Zittlestown Road at a four-way stop. Go straight to enter the park.
