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Gambrill State Park is located just west of Frederick off of
Route 40 west. The park trails are for horse packing, mountain
biking and hiking. Several loops overlap each other to
make several different circuits. Expect to see and share the
trails with mountain bikers.
Personally the loops are unimaginative and poorly maintained
except for the section of the Catoctin Trail (which is also the
black and green blaze). The Black Locust Trail is decent with
some nice climbs and overlook of Frederick. The Green Ash and
Red Maple trails are a poor hike though scrub with no views of the
forest or surrounding areas. There is an overlook of the surrounding
area at the campground the Green Ash takes you through. Below
are trail descriptions from the DNR site, however I do not agree
with their exuberance about the trails. (except for the Catoctin
Trail)
 | WHITE OAK TRAIL - white blaze (1 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 (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. 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 Valley 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 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). 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. |
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See my section of Trails Hiked for my own
descriptions.
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