> Canonical: https://marylandparks.org/parks/gathland-state-park
> Content revision: 2026-10-15T21:13:06.686Z

[State parks](https://marylandparks.org/types/state-park)[Frederick](https://marylandparks.org/counties/frederick)[Washington](https://marylandparks.org/counties/washington)

# Gathland State Park

Frederick · Washington · Maryland Department of Natural Resources

PLAN YOUR VISIT

## The practical details.

**Managing agency**: Maryland Department of Natural Resources

**Address**: 900 Arnoldstown Road Jefferson MD 21755

**Telephone**: [301-791-4767](tel:3017914767)

**Hours**: April through September: 8 a.m. to sunset;; October through March: 10 a.m. to sunset.

[Official park information](https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/gathland.aspx)[Reservations](https://parkreservations.maryland.gov/)

We have not yet verified entry fees, accessibility details. Confirm these with the managing agency before traveling.

Check notice timestamps and official updates. Conditions can change between source checks.

## Weather & forecast

National Weather Service · [Official forecast ↗](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.397755000000004&lon=-77.643215)

## About Gathland State Park

A large stone monument dedicated to the memory of Civil War correspondents is the outstanding attraction of this day-use park. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail traverses the park and passes the monument base. Gathland State Park was once the mountain home of George Alfred Townsend, a Civil War journalist. In the late 1800s, Gathland featured a unique collection of buildings and structures designed and constructed by Townsend. Two of the structures, the main hall and lodge, were partially restored in the 1950s.

## Find your way.

Map points represent park land, not verified visitor entrances. Follow the managing agency’s entrance directions. Tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors.

This point represents park land, and may not be a public entrance. Follow official entrance directions.

[Official visitor information & directions ↗](https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/gathland.aspx)

## Read before you roam.

[THE FIELD GUIDE

### How to read park closures & visitor notices

Check the affected area, source, dates, and last verification before planning a Maryland park visit.

Read the guide](https://marylandparks.org/guides/understanding-park-notices)[THE FIELD GUIDE

### Pests, treatments & Maryland park visits

Understand pest notices, treatment schedules, and the difference between regional guidance and a documented park impact.

Read the guide](https://marylandparks.org/guides/pests-and-park-visits)[THE FIELD GUIDE

### Plan a Maryland park day

A practical sequence for choosing a park, checking access, reading the forecast, and finding official visitor information.

Read the guide](https://marylandparks.org/guides/planning-a-maryland-park-day)

## Sources & verification

Park facts and notices are checked separately. Missing facility information does not mean a facility is absent. Official visitor page checked Oct 15, 2026.

- [Maryland state park directory](https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/parkmap.aspx) · Oct 15, 2026

- [Maryland DNR lands](https://mdgeodata.md.gov/imap/rest/services/Environment/MD_ProtectedLands/FeatureServer/0) · Oct 15, 2026

[Suggest a correction](https://marylandparks.org/about#corrections) · [Markdown version](https://marylandparks.org/parks/gathland-state-park.md)

## Nearby parks.

Within 35 miles in a straight line. Travel distances and entrances vary.

[All parks](https://marylandparks.org/parks)

[Frederick

### Storage Building Park

Town of Burkittsville](https://marylandparks.org/parks/storage-building-park)

[Frederick

### Creekside Park

Town of Burkittsville](https://marylandparks.org/parks/creekside-park)

[Frederick

### Harry Pleifer Park

Town of Burkittsville](https://marylandparks.org/parks/harry-pleifer-park)