Westmoreland State Park

About Westmoreland State Park

The park's Horsehead Cliffs offer spectacular views of the Potomac River, and its 1,299 acres are home to some of Maryland's most popular hiking and biking trails. Westmoreland State Park, which bears his name, is located on the west side of the west side of Washington D.C., north of downtown Washington. The park stretches along the eastern edge of West Point National Park in West Virginia and borders the US Army Corps of Engineers' Horsehead Camp.

In addition to the scenic beauty of Westmoreland, the park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, camping and fishing. The visitor centre, open in summer, offers hiking and cycling trails, as well as a picnic area and picnic tables. Visitors can also stay in cabins in the parks or camp at Horsehead Camp Campground, a 1,300-hectare campground.

Westmoreland is also a refuge for the Potomac River, and the park was founded in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The project created many jobs at a time of great hardship and Westmorelands State Park was one of six original state parks that opened in June 1936.

Most of the roads and paths in the park were originally dug by hand and are located in Westmoreland County, Virginia, north of Washington, D.C.

The swimming pool is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and guests will not be reimbursed for swimming under any circumstances. The bath and the concessions are located in the pool area and the baths are open on Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Pedal boats and rowing boats are available for hire from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but motorboats are not allowed. A boat ramp is available at the boathouse, which is sold out, as well as pedal boats, rowers, kayaks and canoes.

Fishing in the saltwater of the Potomac is possible all year round, but requires a permit and a boat launch fee of at least $1,000 per year. Annual boat moorings and fees can be purchased from the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at (301) 888-5555 or (800) 762-4500.

One of the most common sport fish found in the river is the bluetongue, the largest freshwater fish in West Virginia and the second largest in North America. Rock Spring Pond offers a variety of fish, including catfish, bream, perch and cappie.

The historic 1936 Civil Conservation Corps facility sits 150 feet above Horsehead Cliffs overlooking the scenic Potomac River and features exposed beams on the ground. The large conference room, measuring 27 by 44 feet, can accommodate up to 60 people who want to have lunch or meet in the classroom.

The toilet in the middle is wheelchair accessible And there is a toilet and shower room for the disabled as well as access to the toilets of the park. There is also a toilet with shower, shower cabin and toilet for people with special needs and handicapped access.

For more information, contact the Westmorland State Park Public Information Office at (866) 888-5477 or visit the park's website.

The park overlooks the Potomac River and is located in Westmorland County, Virginia, north of Fredericksburg, Maryland. Take the US-360 from Tappahannock, east of Warsaw, or take the RT. From Frederickburg or I-95 to the park entrance at the west end of the road.

From Richmond, take US-360 East, then follow signs to Tappahannock and stay on the road until you are about 6 miles from Montross. From Tidewater, take either the 17 north of T-Mobile and turn right at the park entrance.

Follow signs and turn right at the park entrance, then left onto US-360 East and follow signs to Tappahannock Road, about 6 miles from Montross.