When we moved to West Virginia, I was looking over the map at places that might count as “local adventures,” and I saw the Rumsey Monument on the edge of Shepherdstown. Kirk was “it’s not much to look at,” but was basing that on 30+ years ago. I finally found time to visit Rumsey Park and discovered a hidden gem that is actually walkable from town. The park now belongs to the city, but for a short time, it was a West Virginia state park.
The park is also part of the Washington Heritage Trail; see here for more information.
When you drive into the park, you’ll find a circular driveway with four parking spots (one of which is designated for handicapped use only). There are picnic tables on the lawn under the trees. It is a very inviting park.
If there is no parking available, you can drive out of the park. Additionally, on-street metered parking is available, with rates as low as 25 cents for 30 minutes. I have learned to carry quarters for parking in Shepherdstown and Charles Town, here in Jefferson County. You can pay online, but let’s be real, quarters are just easier! Parking in the park is free, however.
There are paved pathways around the park that anyone can enjoy and see the views of the Potomac River below.
Rumsey Monument. Yes, it’s got stairs. It’s not bad to walk up.
The extra elevation gives great views! You are about 400 feet above the river. There was the start of smoke from the Canadian forest fires beginning to drift in, and obscuring some of the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The view is of the James Rumsey Bridge (which crosses into Maryland, and yes, is also named after Rumsey), the Potomac River, and the old covered bridge abutments, plus to the right, the old train bridge. The C&O trail is just across the river.
The Blue Ridge Mountains skim the edge of the Eastern Panhandle, on the edge of the Shenandoah Valley (with it going through Maryland across the river). I was intrigued to learn that, having hiked in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Tennessee years ago, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Please keep an eye out, as I saw poison ivy on several trees. So, staying on the pathways is for your good.
The railroad bridge heads mostly north-ish, going through Maryland. It goes behind where we live, the sounds of the lonely trains are something I love to listen to.
We walked up to the monument, and I noticed that the trail continued.
Having a steam engine was a significant advancement in transportation in the past.
The trail heads downhill gently.
Random lilies are growing on the edge of the forest.
Looking back up the trail.
The trail comes to a 45-degree angle. This part was made of old railroad ties. On the other side was a trail that kept going, along the ridge. Kirk mentioned that when he was in college, it was popular to take a trail down to the railroad bridge. That’d be a steep trail, dropping 400 feet quickly – if that was even the trail he remembered. I decided to stay on the obvious “rea” trail.
It goes to a newer build, of wooden steps to come down easily.
The rock wall is very pretty in this cool forest.
So many small ferns growing.
The stairs drop you out onto a green meadow area, and you can walk back to your car.
It is a pleasant way to spend a short time. Just keep an eye out for the Nope Rope of Poison Ivy and keep that in mind.
~Sarah