| North Central Maryland.
Two separate areas of Gambrill State Park provide recreational facilities & activities for visitors of all ages. The Rock Run area is located at the park entrance. The High Knob area is located at the top of Catoctin Mountain.
Three native stone overlooks, strategically located on the 1600-foot summit of High Knob, midway between the Mason-Dixon Line & the Potomac River, offer excellent & exciting views of the surrounding area. On a clear day, looking north, a visitor can see the rugged tree-covered mountains of the Frederick City Municipal Forest, one of the State's best managed watersheds. Looking south, one can see Crampton's Gap, a Civil War Landmark & the site of Gathland State Park, & the Middletown & Monocacy Valleys. South Mountain, where many engagements between Confederate & Union troops took place during the Civil War, can be seen to the West.
Picnicking - Picnic tables, grills, shelters, modern restrooms & 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 & has a kitchen designed for cooking & serving food. Pets are not allowed in the picnic areas or the Tea Room.
Hiking & Nature Trails - For those interested in hiking & observing nature & wildlife, there are 13 miles of wooded trails. A wide variety of birds, wildflowers, ferns, trees & shrubs can be viewed along these trails. Leashed pets are allowed on all trails.
Interpretive Programs - A Nature Lodge is located in the High Knob area. Scheduled nature walks & evening campfire programs are conducted periodically throughout the summer season. Schedules are posted at various locations within the park.
Fishing - A small pond, located in the Rock Run area is popular for fishing for large mouth bass, bluegill & channel catfish.
Camping - Camping is permitted in the upper portion of the Rock Run area, where a modern washhouse with showers & hot H2O is available from April through October. The camping area accommodates up to 30 family units. The park also offers four camper cabins.
Gambrill State Park offers an accessible shelter, nature center, campsites, & the Tea Room. |
Campground: Gambrill State Park in Thurmont Maryland *