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Maryland
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Maryland State Parks

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Gambrill State Park
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GAMBRILL STATE PARK
GAMBRILL STATE PARK
14039 Catoctin Hollow Road
Thurmont, Maryland   21702

Phone: 301-271-7574
Reservations: 888-432-2267
Gambrill State Park has its beginnings when public-spirited conservationists of Frederick County purchased this tract of land on Catoctin Mountain and donated it to the City of Frederick to be used for a municipal mountain park. On September 7, 1934, the City presented the acreage to the State for use as a state park, which was later named to honor the late James H. Gambrill, Jr., a Frederick resident and leading advocate of the conservation of natural resources. This is a Maryland State Park. For full information go to the official webpage. (Link on the right side)
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Picnickingyes
 Swimming Beachyes
 Bike Trailsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Camping
Camping is permitted in the upper portion of the Rock Run area, where a modern washhouse with showers and hot water is available from April through mid-October. The camping area accommodates up to 30 family units. The park also offers four camper cabins. Senior citizen rate applies only on non-holiday Sunday through Thursday nights.



Picnicking
Picnic tables, grills, shelters, modern restrooms and playground facilities are available at Gambrill State Park. The High Knob area offers three shelters, available for rent from April through October, as well as a lodge-type native stone shelter, The Tea Room. The balcony of the Tea Room faces beautiful vistas, while a huge stone fireplace dominates the interior. The building accommodates 75 people and has a kitchen designed for cooking and serving food. Pets are not allowed in the picnic areas or the Tea Room.
Bicycling
Be aware, the park offers challenging mountain biking trails. The Yellow Poplar Trail is particularly demanding.

The Red Maple trail provides a moderate challenge for bikers with its steep inclines and rocky terrain.

For beginners, White Oak trail might be suitable due to less elevation changes compared to other routes in this area.

Remember that all bike paths are shared-use; hikers may also use these trails so proceed cautiously at all times.

Ensure you're well-prepared before tackling any of the cycling options within this location - they can test even experienced riders!

Always wear appropriate safety gear when riding on these rugged terrains as accidents could occur unexpectedly.

Check weather conditions prior your visit since some tracks become more difficult after rain or snowfall events.

Note: Trails close during hunting season (November-December), please plan accordingly!
Trails
For those interested in hiking and observing nature and wildlife, there are 13 miles of wooded trails. A wide variety of birds, wildflowers, ferns, trees and shrubs can be viewed along these trails. Leashed pets are allowed on all trails.
Birding
The park offers diverse birding opportunities with over 100 species recorded. It's a hotspot for migratory birds. Birdwatchers can explore three trails, each offering unique habitats and avian populations. The Yellow Poplar Trail is particularly popular among bird enthusiasts due to its dense woodland setting attracting various songbirds.
Nature Programs
A Nature Lodge is located in the High Knob area. Scheduled nature walks and evening campfire programs are conducted periodically throughout the summer season. Schedules are posted at various locations within the park.

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Area Campgrounds
Crow's Nest Campground
335 West Main Street
Thurmont, MD
301-271-7632
Ole Mink Farm Inc
12806 Mink Farm Road
Thurmont, MD
Maple Tree Camp
20716 Townsend Road
Gapland, MD
301-432-5585
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Orvis-Hunting Creek Outfitters
29 N Market St
Frederick, MD
(301) 668-4333
Fox's Sport & Bait Store
501 S Market St
Frederick, MD
(301) 663-3697
Area Cabins and Lodges
Ole Mink Farm Recreation Resort
12806 Mink Farm Rd
Thurmont, MD
(301) 271-7012
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
From Washington: Take I-270 north to Frederick, which transitions into U.S. Route 15, and continue to Route 40 west (West Patrick Street). Exit to the I-70 west/Route 40 split, bear right and continue on Route 40. Turn right on Gambrill Park Road and follow one mile to the Rock Run Area entrance on your left to reach the campground. Continue on Gambrill Park Road to reach the trail parking lot and to the top of the mountain to reach the scenic overlooks, pavilions and the Tea Room.

From Baltimore: Take I-70 west to Frederick and follow to U.S. Route 15 and then to Route 40 west exit. Follow Route 40 west to Gambrill Park Road on your right as above.

From Pennsylvania: Take U.S. 15 south to Frederick. Take Route 40 west exit and follow to Gambrill Park Road on your right as above.

From Hagerstown: Take I-70 east to Myersville Maryland Route 17 exit (exit #42). Turn left on Route 17 and follow through Myersville to Route 40. Turn right on Route 40 and continue to Gambrill Park Road on your left. Turn left and proceed one mile to the park.

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Maryland
113

Maryland State Parks

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