Gathland State Park is a state park situated on South Mountain in Maryland, offering a combination of natural landscapes and historical significance. The park's terrain features mountain woodlands, with some sections providing views of Elk Ridge and the Potomac River, and streams winding through the woods. Outdoor enthusiasts can find varied environments, from rugged and rocky trails to shaded wooded paths, suitable for several sports like hiking, jogging, road cycling, touring cycling, and more.
58
Routes
4.7
(64)
Average rating
834
People visited

5.0
(2)
20
hikers
18.8km
05:16
430m
240m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
(3)
17
hikers
12.2km
03:30
280m
300m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
(4)
13
hikers
1.54km
00:34
130m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
hikers
16.0km
04:46
530m
370m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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4.8
(4)
65
riders
18.2km
01:26
30m
30m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(4)
75
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
77
riders
61.9km
05:21
180m
180m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(4)
75
riders
40.7km
02:56
70m
70m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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12
runners
19.5km
02:12
40m
40m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
runners
11.0km
01:11
20m
10m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
runners
11.2km
01:28
240m
240m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
runners
11.7km
01:29
220m
220m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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1
riders
54.4km
02:48
680m
680m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

72.5km
03:59
600m
600m
Hard road ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

70.5km
03:34
870m
870m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5
riders
71.6km
05:48
1,480m
1,480m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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4.8
(8)
17
riders
26.8km
01:50
50m
50m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

21
riders
85.4km
04:53
930m
930m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(7)
10
riders
27.9km
02:21
100m
100m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

8
riders
172km
11:12
580m
580m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Gathland State Park provides opportunities for various outdoor activities including Hiking, Jogging, Road cycling, Touring cycling, and Gravel biking. The park features mountain woodlands and access to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. More than 2,000 visitors have shared experiences, resulting in an average rating of 4.66 out of 5 stars on komoot.
Hiking in Gathland State Park includes sections of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, offering varied experiences from short walks to more challenging, rocky terrain. Well-maintained trails also wind through the park's mountain woodlands. For more information, refer to the Hiking in Gathland State Park guide.
Yes, Gathland State Park offers easy hiking options, including shaded wooded paths suitable for more relaxed walks. These trails provide a gentle introduction to the park's natural beauty. A guide for Easy hikes in Gathland State Park is available.
Gathland State Park is home to the War Correspondents Memorial Arch, a National Historic Monument dedicated to journalists of the Civil War. The park also preserves original buildings from George Alfred Townsend's estate, including Gapland Hall, which serves as a visitor center, and Gapland Lodge, housing a museum about the Battle of Crampton's Gap.
While the Appalachian Trail is for foot traffic, the surrounding area offers road cycling routes. These routes may include both paved and unpaved segments, catering to different fitness levels. Explore options with the Road Cycling Routes in Gathland State Park guide.
Yes, gravel biking is an available activity in Gathland State Park and its vicinity. Routes may feature a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces. Information on suitable routes can be found in the Gravel biking in Gathland State Park guide.
Gathland State Park offers family-friendly options, particularly with its easier hiking trails and historical sites. The park's uncrowded nature provides a peaceful environment for visitors of all ages. A dedicated guide for Family-friendly hikes in Gathland State Park is available.
From various points within Gathland State Park, visitors can enjoy views of Elk Ridge and the Potomac River. The park's location on South Mountain provides elevated perspectives of the surrounding natural landscape. Mountain woodlands characterize the terrain.
Komoot offers several guides for Gathland State Park, covering various sports and difficulty levels. These include guides for Hiking, Running Trails, Road Cycling Routes, and Gravel biking.
The official website for Gathland State Park is hosted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). It provides detailed information about the park's facilities, history, and regulations. The website address is dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/Gathland/GathlandStatePark.aspx.
For direct inquiries, the phone number for Gathland State Park is +1-301-791-4767. This contact can be used for questions regarding park operations, hours, or specific visitor information.

