| More parks | WMAs | Outdoor activities | Nature Tourism/Outdoor Adventures | DNR home page |
| Mountain Biking | |
|---|---|
| Location | Gambrill State Park, 301-271-7574 Frederick County Parking available at trailhead lot on Gambrill Park Road, Rock Run Area, High Knob Area and North Frederick Overlook. Restrooms available in the Rock Run and High Knob Areas. |
| Distance | 1 to 7.5 miles |
| Time | Less than one hour to several hours |
| Trail | Trails vary from moderate to strenuous. Many trails have an elevation change of several hundred feet and are very rocky, making mountain biking a challenge. All trails open for mountain biking except for the White Oak Trail. |
| Skill Level | Intermediate |
| Suitable For Families? | Yes, but the trail are steep and rocky. Not for novice mountain bikers. |
| Hazards/Restrictions | None |
| Potable Water | Available in the Rock Run and High Knob Areas. |
| Natural Features | High Knob, elevation over 1,500', offers scenic vistas to the east, south and west. There are numerous rocky outcrops in the predominately hardwood forest. Wildlife includes white-tailed deer, wild turkey and red-tailed hawks. |
| Historic/Cultural Features | Three stone overlooks were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps to take advantage of the views. |
| 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 May through October. The camping area accommodates up to 35 family units. The park also offers four camper cabins. |
| Fees or Permits | Camping service charge |
| Description | Red Maple Trail -- red blaze (1.1 mile – 1.8 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. 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. 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 Valley to the east and Middletown Valley to the west. 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. 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. 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 Federick 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 two 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). |
ResourcesRecommended Gear and Safety Tips
- Gambrill State Park trail guide, available at park office, trail head, Rock Run camground or from a Park Ranger.
- Gambrill Park homepage
- Leave a trip plan with a family member.
- Mountain bikers should always be prepared for an emergency. It is recommended that you carry sunscreen, a small first aid kit, water and a snack, insect repellent, compass, a map of the area and foul weather gear.
- Helmets should be worn at all times.
- The trails at Gambrill are multi-use. Please be aware of and respect other trail users.
- Follow Leave No Trace outdoor ethics.
- Be aware of hunting seasons. Gambrill State Park is not open to hunting, but many trails pass close by private or public lands open to hunting. Bright colors should be worn during hunting season.
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