The first A.T. Community in Maryland
Boonsboro, Md.
Come down off the mountain and travel the road that made the nation.
This little gem of a town, sheltered in the valley just west of the A.T., is a perfect spot to rest up, refresh yourself, and enjoy the charming ambiance and hospitality that await you. Boonsboro is proud to be a member of the Appalachian Trail Community and knows how to make folks feel welcome.
Founded in 1792 by George and William Boone (cousins of the famed Daniel Boone), Boonsboro is perfectly placed to start your exploration of fascinating colonial and Civil War heritage sites, including the Historical National Road Scenic Byway and the South Mountain Park Recreational Area. This multi-use state park weaves along the South Mountain ridge for 40 miles from the Pennsylvania line to the Potomac River.
Parks featured in the recreational area along the A.T. include:
- Washington Monument State Park, the location of the first monument dedicated to George Washington, which was built by citizens of Boonsboro over 190 years ago.
- Gathland State Park, which was the former estate of war correspondent George Alfred Townsend. Townsend purchased the land as a retreat and immediately began designing the buildings that would become Gapland, his estate. Townsend’s most famous and longest-lasting project was completed in 1896: the War Correspondents Memorial Arch. It was the first monument in the world dedicated to journalists killed in combat.
- Greenbrier State Park, which offers camping, swimming, fishing, boating, and trails that link to the A.T.
While you’re visiting, don’t forget that the Antietam National Battlefield and the C&O Canal National Historical Park are just minutes away, and it’s not much farther to the exquisite little Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
Boonsboro is a destination for those who love fitness, outdoor sports, and the natural world. The region is riddled with walking paths and hikes in addition to the A.T. Every autumn, Boonsboro welcomes runners from across the world to take on the challenge of the historic JFK 50 Mile Ultramarathon, which begins in Boonsboro Town Square! Outdoor activities abound — from 1K runs to the JFK, bike races, kayaking, tubing, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, camping, and lazing in a hammock. This beautiful region is truly made for everyone to enjoy.
- The Boonsborough Museum of History, referred to as “a miniature Smithsonian,” features everything from rare finds from the local battlefields to Egyptian artifacts.
- The Boonsboro Trolley Museum was the local trolley station from 1902 to 1948.
- Inn BoonsBoro is a painstakingly restored bed and breakfast that was a coach stop before America was founded.
- The town’s crown jewel is its beautiful library, with wraparound glass walls that showcase South Mountain and Shafer Park.
- Crystal Grottoes, not even a mile outside of town, is the only commercial underground caverns in Maryland.
- The lovely Shafer Park hosts year-round festivals, including Boonesborough Days, a two-day festival in September that showcases handmade crafts. One of the town’s best beloved traditions is the annual National Pike Roads Festival in May, which re-enacts an actual wagon train, mules and all, to honor the development of the National Pike which runs right through the center of town, known as ‘The Road That Made the Nation.’
For more local information, visit Boonsboro’s website.
Photos of Boonsboro
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Boonsboro's Main Street is also the Old National Pike, the "road that made the nation."
Boonsboro is located just west of South Mountain State Park, which runs for 40 miles from the Pennsylvania line to the Potomac River.
The Boonsboro farmers market is held every Tuesday from May to October.
The annual Boonsborough Days, a two-day festival held in September, features handmade crafts.
Washington Monument State Park is one of three parks through with the A.T. passes near Boonsboro. Photo by Steve Cantner
An old stone bridge in Boonsboro. Photo by John Canan
Popular Day Hikes along the A.T.
Annapolis Rock
- Access point: Parking lot on Route 40, one-quarter mile east of Greenbrier. Follow blue blazed trail from parking lot to white blazed A.T. Turn left to go south on A.T. (cross foot bridge over I-70). Note: Parking is limited and becomes very crowded on weekends and holidays.
- Hike Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- Hike length: 2.2 miles
- Highlights: Annapolis Rock offers a fine view of Greenbrier Lake and Cumberland Valley to the west. Continue north on A.T. one mile to Black Rock, which also offers a westward view.
- Options for Return: Return by same trail to Route 40.
View of the landscape from Annapolis Rock. Photo by Charissa Hipp
Washington Monument
- Access point: Parking lot on Route 40, one-quarter mile east of Greenbrier. Follow blue blazed trail from parking lot to white blazed A.T. Turn left to go south on A.T. (cross foot bridge over I-70). Note: Parking is limited and becomes very crowded on weekends and holidays.
- Hike Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- Hike length: 3 miles
- Highlights: The first monument to our nation’s first president offers views to the east and west.
- Options for Return: Return by same trail to Route 40 or leave a second car at Washington Monument State Park.
Weverton Cliffs
- Access point: Gathland State Park
- Hike Difficulty Rating: Difficult
- Hike length: 6 miles
- Highlights: Weverton Cliffs offers a view of the Potomac River and the area surrounding Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
- Options for Return: Return by same trail to Gathland State Park or leave a second car at Weverton Road (an additional mile south of Weverton Cliffs on A.T.).
Get Involved
Potomac Appalachian Trail Club
The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) has enhanced the mid-Atlantic outdoor experience since 1927, including 240 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. The PATC maintains trails, shelters and cabins, and they make maps and guidebooks for outdoor adventurers. Learn more and become a member today at patc.net.
Boonsboro Environmental Commission
The purpose of the BEC is to develop and promote a healthy environment through sound conservation and sustainable practices; encourage responsible waste management; and energy and resource conservation; and study other issues that affect the health and well-being of the citizens of Boonsboro. Learn more.
Antietam-Conococheague Watershed Alliance
This group of citizens is passionate about protecting and restoring the Antietam and Conococheague creeks as a healthy environment for recreation, animal habitat and improved water quality. Learn more.
Catoctin Land Trust
This is Maryland’s only land trust dedicated to preserving the woods and waters of the Appalachian Trail landscape. The trust has helped protect over 2,200 acres so far. Learn more.
Boonsboro Town Alliance
The alliance’s mission is to honor and enhance the existing charm of Boonsboro. It seeks to connect community, residents, and business through town-wide events and activities.