TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS

All trails begin at the Trailhead Parking Lot on the east side of Gambrill Park Road (about half-way up the mountain between the Rock Run Area and the High Knob Area, on the right side of the road). Some of the traits can be accessed at Rock Run, High Knob, and the North Frederick Overlook. All trails are day use only; there is no overnight parking . Park hours are 8a.m.to sunset, April to October, and 10a.m.to sunset, November to March. Please lock your valuables in the trunk or glove compartment of your car; thefts have occurred in this area.

All trails, except the Catoctin Trail, are loop trails, and return to the Trailhead Lot. All trails, except the White Oak Trail are open for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Please respect other trail users.

WHITE OAK TRAIL: white blaze (I mile - 1.6 kilometers) This easy trail is open only to hikers (no mountain bikes), and is a good choice for families with small children.

RED MAPLE TRAIL: red blaze (2.0 miles - 3.2 kilometers) Fairly easy to walk this trail connects the campground with the rest of the park. One short section of the trail is somewhat steep. A timber stand improvement demonstration area is located along the trail, just west of Gambrill Park Road. The trail is maintained by The Trail House, an outdoor store in Frederick.

GREEN ASH TRAIL : green blaze (2.0 miles - 3.2 kilometers) True hikers will love this trail. There are several steep slopes and very little level ground, making this trail an adventure. As you hike the trail, imagine what it was like to cross the Appalachian Mountains on foot in the 1700's. The trail is maintained by Wheel Base, a bike shop in Frederick.

BLACK LOCUST TRAIL : black blaze (3.3 miles - 5.3 Kilometers) This trail is moderately easy to walk. Several steep slopes are mixed with fairly level areas. This trail truly shows the beauty of Gambrill State Park, from its wooded slopes to the breathtaking views of both Frederick to the east and Middletown Valley to the west. The trail is maintained by the Sierra Club, Catoctin Chapter.

YELLOW POPLAR TRAIL : yellow blaze (4.6 miles - 7.4 kilometers) The longest of the Gambrill trails, this trail is only moderately difficult to walk. Hikers who have several hours can enjoy the beauty of nature. Bringing you up the mountain and out into the far reaches of the park, the trail passes two beautiful stone overlooks built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930@s. A rest room is located near the trail in the High Knob Area. The trail is maintained by M.O.R.E. (Mid-Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts).

CATOCTIN TRAIL : blue blaze (26.5 miles - 42.4 kilometers) This trail traverses Gambrill State Park for approximately 3.0 miles, and continues north through the Frederick City Watershed, Cunningham Falls State Park, and Catoctin Mountain (National) Park. The trail ends at Mt. Zion Road, 1.3 miles north of Owens Creek Campground in Catoctin Mountain Park. The Appalachian Trail may be reached by traveling west on Mt. Zion Road to Raven Rock Road for 2 miles. Camping is permitted only at Rock Run Campground (Gambrill State Park), the Manor and Houck Campgrounds (Cunningham Falls State Park), and Owens Creek Campground (Catoctin Mountain Park). Back count[y camping is not permitted. If you need to leave a vehicle overnight somewhere, please check with the authorities of that area. The Trail is maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.

IN AN EMERGENCY, OR TO REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY, CONTACT A PARK RANGER AT 1-800-825-PARK

Pay phones are located at the bathhouse in Rock Run Campground and at the Dan-Dee Restaurant on Route 40.

All Maryland State Forests and Parks are Trash-Free! Please carry out what you carry in.

Help keep our traits beautiful and safe. Become a volunteer and help maintain them. Donate to the Trail Stewardship Program. Your donation goes directly to maintain trails at Gambrill State Park. Fore more information, contact our headquarters at Cunningham Falls State Park, (301) 271-7574,14039 Catoctin Hollow Road, Thurmont, MD 21788.