TOP 10 Gathland state park visitor center in Maryland

Greenbrier State Park, located in Boonsboro, Maryland, is a multi-use park nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. The park features a 42-acre freshwater lake with a white sandy beach, perfect for swimming, canoeing, boating, and fishing. Visitors can explore almost eleven miles of hiking trails that wind through various wildlife habitats and showcase the area's geological history. The park offers 164 campsites in a forest setting, with amenities such as fresh water, bathhouses, and pet-friendly camping loops. The park also features an accessible visitor center, picnic areas, and beach wheelchairs for those with disabilities. In addition to outdoor activities, Greenbrier State Park is part of the South Mountain Recreation Area, which includes several other state parks with historical and recreational significance. Visitors can explore Gathland State Park, South Mountain State Park, Washington Monument State Park, and South Mountain State Battlefield, each offering unique experiences and educational opportunities.

Gathland State Park, located at 900 Arnoldtown Road in Jefferson, Maryland, is a unique institution that serves as a museum, park, and tourist attraction. The park is home to a large stone monument dedicated to Civil War correspondents, making it a significant historical site. The park also features the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, which passes by the monument base. Formerly the mountain home of Civil War journalist George Alfred Townsend, Gathland State Park showcases a collection of buildings and structures designed and constructed by Townsend in the late 1800s. The main hall and lodge have been partially restored, giving visitors a glimpse into the past.