Washington Monument State Park

A hidden Gem - I found this Washington Monument when I was looking on Google Map for a place to take my pups. I hesitated a little, because it looked like I needed to travel into the woods to get there. I really wanted to see the monument, so I took my chances. As it turned out, the road to the entrance of the Washington Monument Park was interesting. It is a small road through an old residential neighborhood in the mountains. The entrance with the gate to the park isn't the entrance to take. Take the entrance next to it with a small road. If the park entrance is on your left, pass the entrance and take the first road right after the entrance on your left. Drive ahead, and you'll see the entrance with a metal post for entrance fee. It has envelops provided for you to put the entrance fee in, and a tag for your car. When I got there, the post was filled, and there was a stack of envelops sitting on top. They need to make a bigger post that can take more envelops with entrance fee. I always wonder if someone would steal the money. I hope not. Anyway, once I paid my entrance fee, I drove down the 1 way road into the park. The park is very spacious and clean. It has a visitor center, bathrooms, and plenty of parking. When facing the visitor's center, the trail is on the right. The trail is very well kept, and it has signs along the way with historic information. Before reaching the monument, there is a sign on the right to the Appalachian Trail. Keep walking, and you will see the monument in front of you. The back of the monument (on your right) has an amazing view of the area. You can take the spiral stairs up to the top of the monument for a better view. The entire distance from where I parked - which is passed the visitor's center and the bathroom - is 0.62 miles round trip. The trail is gravel, and in a way, you can take a wheelchair to the monument, but there are some steps at the beginning of the trail.
5 8 years ago (29-03-2018)

It has a beautiful and scenic overlook; there is a nice picnicing area too!
5 8 years ago (01-06-2018)

This was an awesome experience!!! Several people in our group, for physical reason could not hike to the monument so they shuttled us to the site. Mary Ironside and the gentleman in the Information Center were FABULOUS!!!! We really appreciated their help. In today's world you don't get good customer service anymore!!! Thank you for going out of your way and giving us a wonderful tour!! Ladies from VA
5 9 years ago (19-07-2017)

Great short hike. Beautiful views.
4 9 years ago (10-12-2017)

Great place for a great view. The park is a bit off the beaten path but good views and easy hike for the kids. Stroller friendly pay and a play area for the kids
4 9 years ago (22-06-2017)