6 miles, Level 5 rating. Suitable for intermediate to advanced hikers.  Located atop South Mountain, the rugged stone tower is the first monument dedicated to the memory of George Washington. 

This is an out-and-back hike along the Appalachian Trail. The trail is rocky at times but well-maintained. It has some gradual ups and down with the steepest climb just as we reach the monument. The elevation gain is around 1,000 feet. The monument is a great location to spot migratory birds including hawks, eagles, and falcons. 

On July 4, 1827, nearly the entire village of Boonsboro trekked up South Mountain to build and dedicate the first completed monument in the United States to memorialize General and President George Washington. Upon completion, the monument stood 30 feet high and had a 54-foot circumference at the base.

During the Civil War the monument was used on several occasions as the location of a signal station. The signal system used flags to make left and right swinging motions which read as a "1" or a "2." To the untrained eye, the flag movements looked uncoordinated and earned the nickname of the "Wig Wag" system. Signalmen also used signal pistols and rockets that produced different colored smoke when fired.

During the Great Depression, the Washington County Historical Society deeded the monument to the Maryland State Dept of Forestry. After a year-and-a-half of labor, the CCC rebuilt the monument. It was rededicated on July 4, 1935.  

As with all WWO hikes, there will be a leader and a sweep, and no one will be left behind.

After you complete your registration, you will receive a confirmation email with additional event details and start location.

There is limited space, so please register early. Although this hike is FREE for Premium Members, you do need to register.