GAMBRILL STATE PARK

Special Notice: At this time the Tea Room will be remaining closed for the 2024 - 2025 season. Some major construction projects will be taking place at the Tea Room that require us to not only follow Maryland Historical Trust guidelines and incorporate all of the new ADA regulations as well. This will be a complex undertaking, and we anticipate it taking a full year or more to complete. Thank you for your understanding.

Highlights

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Park Reservations
1-888-432-CAMP (2267)
Fees and Hours of Operation
Park Passes
En español

Gambrill State Park​
8602 Gambrill Park Road
Frederick, MD 21702

Rock Run Campground Address:
8002 Gambrill Park Road, Frederick, MD 21702

Tea Room Address:
8346 High Knob Road, Frederick, MD 21702



 

Information:
​301-271-7574​

Email Gambrill State Park
8 a.m. to sunset, April-October
10 a.m. to sunset, November-March


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Welcome!

Gambrill State Park is a beautiful mountain park, located on the ridge of the Catoctin Mountains in Frederick County. Its most popular feature is the 16 miles of trails for hiking, and mountain biking.

 

The park is separated into two areas, the Rock Run area and the High Knob area.

From the 1600-foot High Knob, three stone overlooks offer breathtaking views of the Frederick and Middletown Valleys, then continue to the northern reaches of the Shenandoah Mountains. The High Knob area also offers wooded picnic areas, three picnic shelters and a large stone lodge, called the Tea Room. The picnic shelters and the Tea Room are available for reservation.

​The Rock Run area​ offers a cozy family-style campground, a picnic area and a small pond for fishing. Gambrill State Park offers an accessible comfort station and campground building.

Trails & Trail Maps: Gambrill has over 16 miles of trails for hiking, and mountain biking​. Many of the trails feature great views. Due to the rocky terrain and steep hills, most of the trails are rated moderate to difficult. However, the White Oak Trail is an easy one-mile loop trail, which makes it a good choice for families with small children.

Picnicking and Picnic Shelters: Picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and playground facilities are available at Gambrill State Park. The High Knob area also offers three rustic log picnic shelters, available for rent from April through October. Reservations must be made ahead of time.

Fishing: A small pond is located in the Rock Run area with a healthy population of largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. Just a short walk from the campground, this pond is perfect for teaching kids to fish as it is classified as a Free Fishing Pond and no fishing license is required.

More information about the park can be found in the unofficial guide to Gambrill State Park https://issuu.com/fredericknews-post/docs/cunninghamgambrillrecguide-2024. This will take you away from the DNR website.

​For additional accessible amenities in Maryland State Parks, visit the Accessibility For All section of this website.


Details about the Park​

Information​

 

Gambrill State Park Information​

Location:
Frederick County
Gambrill State Park
8602 Gambrill Park Road
Frederick MD 21702
Rock Run Campground Address: 8002 Gambrill Park Road
Campground Bathhouse Address: 8170 Gambrill Park Road
Tea Room Address: 8346 High Knob Road
Nature Center Address: 8448 High Knob Road

Contact:
​301-271-7574 or 301-293-4170​
E-mail Gam​brill State Park

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Accessibility:
Accessible campground bathhouse.

Hours of Operation:
​8 a.m. to sunset, April-October
10 a.m. to sunset, November-March

Entry Fees:
$3 per vehicle for MD residents & $5 per vehicle for out of state residents
Please pay at the honor boxes located in the Rock Run, Trailhead and High Knob areas.​>

Hunting Policy:
No Hunting

Pet Policy:
​Pets are allowed in Gambrill State Park in the following areas:

  • Pets are allowed in campground
  • Pets are allowed on all trails
  • Pets are allowed in day-use area

Map of Gambrill State Park

Trails and Trail Maps

 

Biker on trail

Gambrill has over 16 miles of trails for hiking, and mountain biking. 

All trails begin at the trailhead parking lot on Gambrill Park Road, between the Rock Run area and the High Knob area. If parking at the trailhead is full, visitors must continue up the mountain to High Knob. Many trails can be accessed throughout the High Knob area. Trail maps are available at the nature center bulletin board.

Many of the trails feature great views. Due to the rocky terrain and steep hills, most of the trails are rated moderate to difficult. However, the White Oak Trail is an easy one-mile loop trail, which makes it a good choice for families with small children.

Pets are allowed on the trails, but must be kept on a leash at all times.

All trails close at sunset.

Trail Descriptions

  • White Oak (1 mile) – Easy – White blaze – This easy trail is open to hikers only (no mountain bikes), and is a good choice for families with small children.
  • Red Maple (1 mile) – Easy – Red blaze – 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 (2 miles) – ​Moderate – ​Green blaze – ​Visitors seeking an adventure love this trail. There are several steep slopes and very little level ground, making this trail a challenge.
  • Black Locust (3 miles) – Difficult – Black blaze – This trail truly showcases 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 passes through the High Knob scenic area, mixing several steep slopes with fairly level areas.
  • Yellow Poplar (7 miles) – Moderate – Yellow blaze – The longest of the Gambrill trails, this trail is only moderately difficult. Visitors who have several hours can hike up the mountain and out into the far reaches of the park. Enjoy the view from North Frederick Overlook as you continue north along a moderately sloped ridgeline walk.
  • Catoctin National Recreation Trail (28 miles) – Difficult – Blue blaze – This trail traverses Gambrill State Park, the Frederick City Watershed, Cunningham Falls State Park and Catoctin Mountain National Park. It ends at Mt. Zion Road, 1.3 miles north of Owens Creek Campground in Catoctin Mountain National Park. The Appalachian Trail may be reached by traveling west on Mt. Zion Road for two additional miles to Raven Rock Road. Backcountry camping on the Catoctin Trail is not permitted. Family camping is available at Gambrill State Park, Cunningham Falls State Park in the Manor and Houck Areas and Catoctin Mountain Park. The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club maintains this trail.

Parking for Catoctin Trail

Overnight parking for Catoctin Trail through hikes is only permitted with prior approval from Gambrill SP staff. Any vehicles left overnight may receive a citation. To request permission, please email Gambrill.StatePark@maryland.gov. Be prepared to give:

  • Your Name
  • Your Phone Number
  • Vehicle Make, Model, & Tags
  • Emergency Contact Name
  • Emergency Contact Phone Number
  • Overnight Accommodations​
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Camping and Cabins

 
Camper Cabin in Gambrill State Park

Rock Run Area Campground

The Rock Run area campground is open annually from the first weekend in April to the last weekend in October. Reservations are now required through the entire season. Campers will check in at the bathhouse and pick up camping permits at the bathhouse.

The campground has 13 basic sites, nine tent-only sites and six sites with electrical hookup. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring and lantern post. A dump station is available for sewage and potable water. A bathhouse is located at the center of the campground, with hot showers and flush-toilets. Pets are allowed in the campground, but must be kept on a leash and attended at all times. Gambrill State Park is no longer able to offer Group/Youth Sites. We apologize for any inconvenience.​

Rock Run Campground Address:

8002 Gambrill Park Road

Rock Run Bathhouse Address:

8170 Gambrill Park Road

Camper Cabins

Four camper cabins with electricity are in the Rock Run Campground. Each cabin has a double bed and a set of bunk beds and sleeps four people. Camper cabins have a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post. All cooking must be done outside the cabin. The cabins have no heat. Campers may bring an electric heater or fan. Heat sources should not be left on while the cabin is unattended. No propane heaters are allowed. Campers must provide their own linens. Pets are permitted in Cabin 18.

Reservations are recommended since the camper cabins often fill weeks or months in advance.​

Firewood Alert

Firewood may be purchased onsite at the bathhouse for $5. Please do not bring firewood into the park. The firewood we sell is purchased from a local vendor in order to limit the spread of forest pests such as the Emerald Ash Borer. Help us keep our trees safe by not bringing firewood into the park. For more information, please visit The Maryland Park Service Firewood Policy webpage​.​


No Tent? No Problem!

You can have an RV or camping trailer delivered and set up on your site prior to your arrival. Contact the park office at (301) 271-7574 for details on how to rent the camper of your choice from a local, experienced RV rental company. This is an extra service and is not included in your camping reservation.​

Tips for Camping in Black Bear Country

Bears do visit our campgrounds. Here are a few simple reminders to help keep you and the bears safe and ensure that you have an enjoyable stay.

  • Never keep food in your tent.
  • Store food and garbage out of a bear's reach by storing food securely in the trunk of your vehicle.
  • Remove your trash from your site daily and place in the campground dumpsters.
  • Remember to secure your pet’s food also
  • If a bear comes into camp, don't feed it! Scare it away by making noise.
  • See a park employee to get more detailed information on how to camp in black bear country or visit: Living With Black Bears.

Click here for Camping Rates​

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Picnicking and Picnic Shelters

 
Pavilion at Gambrill State Park

Picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and playground facilities are available at Gambrill State Park.

The High Knob area also offers three rustic log picnic shelters, available for rent from April through October. Reservations must be made ahead of time. 

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Things to keep in mind:

  • ​Day-use service charges apply to each vehicle, though we can arrange for payment consolidation.
  • The park closes at sunset.
  • Other visitors will likely be in the area.
  • The renter is responsible for removing trash from the shelter and surrounding area.​
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Fishing

 
Fishing pond and bench

A small pond is located in the Rock Run area with a healthy population of largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. Just a short walk from the campground, this pond is perfect for teaching kids to fish as it is classified as a Free Fishing Pond and no fishing license is required. Please be sure to consult the Maryland Freshwater Sportfishing Guide for information about fishing regulations.

Please note that no swimming or wading is allowed in the pond. Pets also are not allowed in the pond.

Fishing Rod Loaner Program

Gambrill State Park has a small cache of children’s fishing rods to loan out to visitors from May until October. If you are interested in loaning a fishing rod, please contact the park at 301-293-4170 or email Gambrill.StatePark@maryland.gov. Please note that bait is not included.

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The Tea Room

 

Special Notice: In an effort to preserve its historical charm, The Gambrill Tea Room will close in 2024, providing the Maryland Park Service with the opportunity to evaluate the rental fee and the building's maintenance needs. The historic and well-loved, Civilian Conservation Corps built structure, dates back to the 1930's. From its beginning to the present, the Tea Room has seen countless family gatherings and celebrations. The Tea Room will continue to provide a warm and welcoming place for families to make memories in the future, at this time we would like to provide it with the attention and care it deserves. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Gambrill TeaRoom

The Tea Room has been a popular feature of Gambrill State Park for over 70 years. The Tea Room is a native-stone building, built by the CCC in the 1930s. It was originally designed for community events and gatherings. Today, the building remains a popular location for weddings, family reunions, business meetings and other special events.

The building is available for rent from April through October and can accommodate up to 50​ people. Pets are not allowed in the Tea Room.

​The Tea Room has a kitchen, a dining room and two restrooms. The kitchen is designed for cooking and serving food, with a refrigerator, sink and conventional oven. Tables, chairs and firewood are also provided.

Tea Room Open House Dates 2023

Open House dates for 2022 have concluded, join us in 2023, see below dates.

​Tea Room - High Knob Area
8346 High Knob Road, Frederick, MD 21702

  • Wed. April 5
  • Sun. May 7
  • Wed. June 14
  • Wed. July 12
  • Wed. Aug. 9
  • Wed. Sept. 6
  • Wed. Oct. 4

All Open Houses are from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Please plan ahead and prepare for your event with these dates in mind. Additional information and a staff member will be readily available to answer any questions you may have. Individual tours are currently unavailable due to limited staffing and frequent reservations.

ⓘ ​ ​Click Here to Sign up for Updates! Choose Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks.​​​​​​​

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Special Events

 

Gambrill State​ Park hosts a few special events annually. In addition to these events, short programming is offered on holiday weekends and as staffing allows.

ⓘ ​ ​Sign up here to receive news about upcoming park programs and events!​​​


Invasive Weed Pull
May 17, 2024 - 10 a.m. -12 p.m.

Meet at Gambrill State Park - High Knob Area.
8346 High Knob Rd,
Frederick MD 21702.

Become a weed warrior and pull invasive plants to allow native plants to take their place. Dress for the weather - wear long pants, sleeves, work gloves, and work boots. Bring any snack/drinks you may need. Weather dependent. Advance registration required, email claudia.padilla@maryland.gov.

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Overlooks

 
the Gambrill/Frederick Overlook

The High Knob area of Gambrill State Park is known for its breathtaking views of the Frederick and Middletown Valleys.

The park has three native-stone overlooks, which were all built by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) in the 1930s.

The Frederick Overlook is popular for weddings due to its massive stone staircase and platform.

Impressive views of the western sky can be seen from the Middletown Overlook, also within High Knob.

Gambrill's North Frederick Overlook offers expansive views to the east of Catoctin Mountain and is situated directly along Gambrill Park Road north of the High Knob entrance.

All overlooks close at sunset.

Please use the Gambrill Overlook Request Form to request information about booking an overlook for your event.​


Nature Center

 
Gambrill Nature Center

The High Knob nature center features information on the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), as well as information on native wildlife.

The nature center also has activity packets available for family activities such as scavenger hunts and self-guided hikes.

The nature center is open by appointment when staffing levels permit. Please contact the park office to schedule access.

Self-Guided Activities

While we can’t offer educational programming at the park right now, consider printing these self-guided activities before visiting!

  • Tree Army: Basic Training 
    • Print this activity and bring it to the park with you to learn about the Civilian Conservation Corps and their role in building Gambrill State Park!
  • Gambrill Geology Trail
  • Self-Guided Tree ID
    • Look for the plaques along the Red Maple Trail to learn about the tree species in Gambrill State Park.

ⓘ ​ ​Sign up here to receive news about upcoming park programs and events!

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Wildlife in Parks

 
Black Bear at Savage River Reservoir

Gambrill State Park and the surrounding recreational land have some incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. From the stone overlooks in High Knob to the wooded trails throughout the ridgeline, visitors have the opportunity to view birds such as eagles and turkey vultures; reptiles such as snakes and turtles; and even mammals such as raccoons and bears. Consequently, these opportunities may result in human-animal conflicts if proper precautions are not taken. Here are some tips on how to recreate responsibly around wildlife.

Black Bear Country

Garrett, Allegany, Washington and Frederick Counties in Maryland are all home to black bears. Recreating in these counties presents the possibility that visitors may see a black bear while hiking, camping, picnicking, etc.

Department of Natural Resources staff work to minimize human and bear conflicts. For more information about recreating in Black Bear Country, visit the Living with Black Bears webpage.​

Snakes in Parks

Maryland is home to a large diversity of wildlife including many species of snakes. Snakes are rarely aggressive towards humans. If you encounter a snake simply maintain a safe distance and move away from it. Remember, it is illegal to kill a snake in the state of Maryland.

Only two kinds of snakes inhabiting Maryland are venomous: the copperhead and the timber rattlesnake. Both species have been documented in the park.

View the venomous snake poster - which includes pictures and prevention measures​

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History

 
The new CCC statue at Gambrill State Park

Gambrill State Park was named in honor of the late James H. Gambrill, Jr., a well-known citizen of Frederick. Mr. Gambrill was a conservationist who first brought attention to the beauty of the area in the early 1900s. He believed that it was in the public’s best interest to develop the area into a park. Following his lead, a group of local citizens joined together to purchase the land. The group then donated the land to the city of Frederick to be used for a park. The city of Frederick soon after gave the land to the State of Maryland for the development of Gambrill State Park.

The Civilian Conservation Corps

Most of the buildings and facilities within the park were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. The CCC was a federal program that was created during the Great Depression.

The goal of the program was to create jobs for young men and to help restore the nation’s struggling natural resources.

The Civilian Conservation Corps

 

The early 1930s was a dark time in American history. The Great Depression was in full swing. Millions of people were unemployed, hungry and struggling to survive. An estimated 12 million to 15 million people were out of work – that’s one in every four workers!

In an effort to create jobs for some of the millions who were unemployed, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt developed a new program in 1933, called the Civilian Conservation Corps, or the “CCC.” In addition to creating jobs, the purpose of the CCC was to help restore the nation’s struggling natural resources. The CCC recruited young, unemployed men ages 17 to 25 to live and work in camps supervised by the U.S. Army. These young men—nicknamed “CCC boys”—went to work building parks, restoring forests, planting trees, fighting forest fires and restoring watersheds across America.

The Local “CCC Boys”

One of the nation’s first CCC camps was located in Frederick County, Maryland, just a few miles from Gambrill State Park. In the spring of 1933, approximately 200 “CCC boys” arrived at the camp, ready for work. For the first seven months, the “boys” lived in army tents, while they worked on constructing a mess hall, barracks and other buildings for the camp. Once they finished building the camp, the “boys” went to work on a number of projects throughout the area.

The Development of Gambrill State Park

A top priority for the local CCC camp was the development of Gambrill State Park. When the “boys” began working at Gambrill in 1933, there were no roads, no picnic areas, no buildings and no water supply. By 1940, the “CCC boys” managed to build essentially all of the facilities that exist in the park today. They built the roads, three stone overlooks, three wooden picnic shelters, the Tea Room, the ranger’s residence and part of the nature center building. Without the CCC, Gambrill State Park would not exist as it is today.

Friends of Group

Volunteer Opportun​ities

 
Water with Tree Line

Message from Park Manager, Mark Spurrier

Volunteers are an integral part of the operations of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks. From serving as a camp host, to helping out with maintenance projects, a special event, or as a supportive member and advocate through our Friends of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks, there are options tailored to varying levels of availability and skill set. To search for volunteer opportunities at this state park and all of the state parks in Maryland, please view the Volunteer with Maryland State Parks webpage and then click on Opportunity Search in the Volunteer Menu on the left side of the page. Below are examples of possible opportunities:

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Gardening/Invasive Plants

Be a part of the larger effort to encourage the growth of native trees and plants while removing invasive plants in the parks.

Maintenance

From trash pick up, to cleaning out gutters or campsites, be prepared to get some exercise and get dirty.

Special Events

​Maple Syrup Festival,​ the Maryland Iron Festival, Spirits of the Furnace, Traditional Village Christmas, 5k/10k Race, First Day hikes and more. There are many special events in the park which require extra help, from set and clean up to parking cars, serving food, serving as a tour guide and more.

Camp Host

Enjoy meeting your fellow campers? Camp hosts receive a free campsite in exchange for working for 20 hours per week per person. The work to be done includes but is not limited to: welcoming new campers, keeping the campsites clean, keeping the campground in good condition, keeping bathhouses clean and in working order, answering questions asked by campers, and letting the campers know what is happening in the park/area over the period of the campers stay. Minimum commitment of 1-month stay required. Visit the Camp Host section of the DNR website for more info.

Aviary

Assist in the feeding and cleaning of animal enclosures at the park’s aviary which houses non-releasable raptors and reptiles. Patience and willingness to get dirty and messy, commitment to a weekly shift and a year commitment is needed. Must be at least 18 years old and able to lift a minimum of 20 lbs. regularly and 50 lbs. occasionally or with help.​

Trail Work

Like to get your hands dirty or hike? Volunteer to join one the trail stewardship program. Check trails on a regular basis and report any issues, downed trees or signage issues. Occasional trail work days are set to clear and repair trails throughout the year. The ability to work outside in all weather conditions on rugged terrain is a must.

Interpretation/Education

Volunteers can learn and help deliver interpretive and educational programs to the park’s visitors, including but not limited to hikes, campfire programs, animal programs, historical programs, craft programs and more.

Visitor Center/Nature Center

Serve as a friendly face and answer basic park questions with shifts in the Visitor or Nature Centers.

Friends of Cunningham Falls & Gambrill State Parks, Inc.

Consider joining this ​organization to support both parks. The Friends generate the financial support necessary for supplementing the park's budget. All proceeds go directly back into the park. The members consist of local residents, representatives of the surrounding business community, campers and people like you who care about the park and want to be a part of making a difference for its future. Contact for the Friends: James Baker, President; baker89james@gmail.com​ or visit their website.

​Group and/or Corporate Volunteering

If your company or civic group is looking for an opportunity to give a day of service in an outdoor setting, let us know. Invasive plant removal, trash pickup, and plantings are a few examples of what groups have done for us in the past.


Contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Claudia Padilla, at claudia.padilla@maryland.gov to talk about opportunities to serve your natural resources, your neighbors and yourselves. Your contribution is priceless. ​

Driving Directions

 

Driving Directions:
​Gambrill State Park is located approximately 51 miles northwest of Washington, D.C., and 53 miles west of Baltimore on Catoctin Mountain. From U.S. 70, exit onto U.S. Route 40 at Frederick. Travel approximately six miles. Turn right onto Gambrill Park Road and follow it approximately one mile to the park entrance.​

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Other Things to Check Out!

​​Nature Center:
The High Knob Nature Center features information on the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), as well as information on native wildlife. Activity packets are available for family activities which include scavenger hunts and self-guided hikes.

The nature center is open by appointment when staffing levels permit. Please contact the park office to schedule access.​

Parking for Catoctin Trail

Overnight parking for Catoctin Trail through hikes is only permitted with prior approval from Gambrill SP staff. Any vehicles left overnight may receive a citation. To request permission, please email Gambrill.StatePark@maryland.gov​.​​ Be prepared to give:

  • Your Name
  • Your Phone Number
  • Vehicle Make, Model, & Tags
  • Emergency Contact Name
  • Emergency Contact Phone Number
  • Overnight Accommodations​​​

Path into the forest. Beautiful, tall trees and a paved path with a bridge
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Self-Guided Activities​

Gambrill has over 16 miles of trails for hiking, and ​mountain biking. We also have these these self-guided activities, print off your sheets before visiting.

  • Tree Army: Basic Training
    Print this activity and bring it to the park with you to learn about the Civilian Conservation Corps and their role in building Gambrill State Park!

  • Gambrill Geology Trail
    If you’ve been to the park before, you may have noticed it’s pretty rocky. Take a tour to learn about the existing rocks in the park​ and the ones that have eroded away.

  • Self-Guided Tree ID​​
    Look for the plaques along the Red Maple Trail to learn about the tree species in Gambrill State Park.
view from an overlook, you can literally see for miles, sky, mountains, farms and forests  

Park Highlight

Overlooks
The park has three native-stone overlooks, which were all built by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) in the 1930s. The rocks exposed in Gambrill State Park are about 550 million years old. Learn more about the geology of the region.​​

  • The High Knob area of Gambrill State Park is known for its breathtaking views of the Frederick and Middletown Valleys. Middletown Overlook ​offers sprawling scenic views to the west. The spot is one of the best places in Maryland to enjoy a sunset behind the Middletown Valley. There are information signs at the overlook.
  • The Frederick Overlook is popular for weddings due to its massive stone staircase and platform.
  • Gambrill's North Frederick Overlook offers expansive views to the east of Catoctin Mountain and is situated directly along Gambrill Park Road north of the High Knob entrance.

All overlooks close after sunset.​ To request an overlook for your event, please fill out an Overlook Request Form​​.

​5​ Other State Park Locations Near Gambrill​