Gambrill State Park — Attraction in Frederick

This is a very nice park with plenty of hiking trails and plenty of parking. Suggest parking at the lower lot on Gambrell Park Road and taking the black trail up to High Knob Road where the tea room stands. From there, you can take in the South Frederick overlook, and, on the other side of the knob, Middletown overlook. There’s also a North Frederick overlook about a half mile away The trails are fairly well kept, with enough vertical to make it interesting. Bathrooms are in good shape, all had toilet paper and hand soap. A plethora of picnic tables and grills are available. The tea room can be rented out for special occasions, I had a friend who had a wedding reception there. But it’s not very large. There are some pictures of the inside in this review. There is also a Tibetan meditation center farther up Gambrill Park Road, which I did not get a chance to check out.

Access to the park is fairly easy from the Baltimore National Pike. Beware if your GPS tries to take another route there, there are lots of dirt roads north of the park and I ran into obstruction getting there and had to backtrack. The park was fairly empty on a clear autumn day, and lots of folks brought their dogs. I did not get a chance to visit the campgrounds, but would like to do that at a later date. There is an entry fee of a couple dollars, but it’s on the honor system when I went. Well really enjoyed my time there, and will definitely be heading back to spend some more time...

Gambrill State Park is an absolute gem nestled in the mountains just outside Frederick, Maryland. From the moment you drive up the winding road to the top, you’re treated to breathtaking scenic views that make you feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful stroll, the park offers an excellent variety of trails for all skill levels. The well-marked paths wind through lush forests, rocky overlooks, and quiet, shaded areas that are perfect for soaking in nature.

The scenic overlooks—especially the one at High Knob—are a must-see. On a clear day, the panoramic views stretch for miles, offering some of the most stunning vistas in the region. It’s a fantastic spot for photography, a picnic, or just sitting quietly with your thoughts. The park is beautifully maintained, with clean restrooms, picnic areas, and well-kept facilities.

It’s also a great place for families, with plenty of space for kids to explore and enjoy the outdoors. We loved the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to reconnect with nature. Highly recommend for a weekend getaway or a day trip—Gambrill State Park is a true...

I love this park. It has plenty of hiking trails that vary from easy and kid friendly, to very difficult and rocky. I hike here regularly and love the scenic views. The park is relatively large and some of the trails can be up to 8 miles in length.

The views on these trails are simply phenomenal. In the spring you're sure to find plenty of blooming bushes and trees, beautiful flowers, and a good number of healthy pollinators. During the fall when the leaves change color, it's amazing. I hike this place regularly during the fall, winter, and spring seasons and am never disappointed. I have seen plenty of wildlife as well, so be prepared for that.

There is also an available camp ground at the lower entrance that is pretty nice and worth camping at. You wouldn't regret it. Has grills and a relatively clean bathroom.

You must pay to enter this park. It's $3 for in-state residents and $5 for out of state. Do the right thing and pay people. It's how they gather enough funds to maintain such a beautiful park as this. It's cheap and easy. Failure to pay can cost you a massive fine, and they cruise around and...