Frederick County Parks
Cunningham Falls State Park
14039 Catoctin Hollow Rd.
Thurmont, Md.
301-271-7574
Cunningham Falls, the scenic Catoctin Mountains, features shaded glens, mountain streams and winding trails, and a 43-acre lake. Cunningham Falls is a 78-foot cascading waterfall in a rocky gorge. Wheelchair accessible facilities include one camper-cabin, five camper-ready sites and 150 campsites. Bathhouses, however, do not yet meet current access standards.
Size:
4,946 acres
Directions:
In Frederick County, about 15 miles north of Frederick, Cunningham Falls has two separate recreation areas: the Manor Area is located on U.S. Route 15 and the William Houck Area is 3 miles west of Thurmont, off Route 77, on Catoctin Hollow Road.
Features include:
- Boat launching
- Flatwater canoeing
- Boat rentals
- Campsites
- Camper cabins
- Dumping stations
- Food/drinks
- Camp store
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Historical interest
- Picnicking
- Shelter
- Swimming
- Hiking trails
- Cross country skiing
Gambrill State Park
21843 National Pike
Boonsboro, Md. 21713
301-791-4767
Gambrill has long been a popular park, with well-placed scenic overlooks offering splendid views of the historic countryside. A rustic building may be rented for large group activities and camping is available.
Size:
1,137 acres
Directions:
In Frederick County, 6 miles northwest of Frederick, off I-70.
Features include:
- Campsites
- Dumping stations
- Fishing
- Visitors Center
- Campfire programs
- Picnicking
- Shelter
- Hiking trails
- Cross-country-skiing
Gathland State Park
21843 National Pike
Boonsboro, Md. 21713
301-791-4767
Gathland State Park was once the mountain home of George Alfred Townsend, a Civil War journalist. It is the site of a unique collection of buildings and structures that he designed and constructed, some of which have been restored. A large, stone monument dedicated to war correspondents is an outstanding attraction at this daily use park.
Size:
140 acres
Directions:
In Washington and Frederick counties, 1 mile west of Burkittsville, off MD Route 17.
Features include:
- Historical interest
- Visitors Center
- Picnicking
- Hiking trails
- Cross-country skiing
This information is provided by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. For specific information regarding fees, pets, camping, cabins, special events or programs, such as Junior Rangers, Outdoor Adventures, Outdoor Discovery Camps, the Drug-free Trail or the Maryland Conservation Corps, contact the individual parks or the Department of Natural Resources' State Forest and Park Service headquarters in Annapolis at 410/974-3771. For camping availability, call 410/461-0052. In the event of an emergency, call 410/461-0050. To report suspicious activities, call Park Watch at 1-800-825-PARK.
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