Map:
Trail Location: 14039 Catoctin Hollow Thurmont, MD 21702
Trail Length:
Counties:
Trail Surface(s):
Trail 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. 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 Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, West Virginia 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 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). 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.
Parking and Trail Access: From Washington: Take I-270 north to Frederick, which transitions into U.S. Route 15, and continue to Route 40 west
(West Patrick Street). Exit to the I-70 west/Route 40 split, bear right and continue on Route 40. Turn right on Gambrill
Park Road and follow one mile to the Rock Run Area entrance on your left to reach the campground. Continue on
Gambrill Park Road to reach the trail parking lot and to the top of the mountain to reach the scenic overlooks, pavilions
and the Tea Room.
From Baltimore: Take I-70 west to Frederick and follow to U.S. Route 15 and then to Route 40 west exit. Follow Route 40
west to Gambrill Park Road on your right as above.
All trails, except the Catoctin Trail, are loop trails, and return to the Trailhead Lot. All trails, except the White Oak Trail, are
open for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Please respect other trail users.
Seasonal Restrictions:
Reviews and Tips:
Amenities: