Hiking Trails
Gambril State Park hosts several hiking trails that go up and through Catoctin Mountain. Each trail is blazed, and each is maintained by a different area volunteer group. Descriptions below are adapted from the official trail guide offered by the State of Maryland.
White Oak Trail - white blaze (1 mile – 1.6 kilometers) This trail is open only to hikers (no mountain bikes).
Red Maple Trail - red blaze (1 mile – 1.8 kilometers) This trail connects the campground area with the rest of the park. One short section of the trail is somewhat steep. The trail is maintained by The Trail House, an outdoor store in Frederick.
Green Ash Trail - green blaze (2.0 miles – 3.2 kilometers) There are several steep slopes and very little level ground on this trail. The trail is maintained by Wheel Base, a bike shop in Frederick.
Black Locust Trail - black-on-white blaze (3.3 miles – 5.3 kilometers) This trail features several steep slopes mixed with fairly level areas. This trail truly shows the beauty of Gambrill State Park from its wooded slopes to the views of both Frederick Valley to the east and Middletown Valley to the west. The trail is maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, West Virginia Chapter.
Yellow Poplar Trail - yellow blaze (7.1 miles – 7.4 kilometers) The longest of the Gambrill Trails. 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 stone overlooks built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. 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 (4.8 km), and continues north through the Frederick City Watershed, Cunningham Falls State Park, and Catoctin Mountain Park (CMP). The trail ends at Mt. Zion Road, 1.3 miles (2.1 km) north of Owens Creek Campground in CMP. Along the trail within Gambrill State Park, camping is permitted only at the Rock Run Campground.
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