Hiking Gambrill State Park
My favorite place for a day hike in Frederick is Gambrill State Park. When my wife and I go we usually take on the Black Trail. It is about 3.5 miles long and pretty difficult. Basically the whole trail is either up or down hill. There are some brief rock filled portions but most of it is your basic wooded trail. Some trail highlights include: scenic overlooks of Frederick and Middletown; and a fresh water spring.
If the Black trail doesn’t sound like your cup of tea there are five other trails in Gambrill. They vary in length, from one to seven miles, and difficulty (easy, moderate, and difficult). I also recommend hiking shoes or at least trail running shoes for the more rocky trails like the Black trail.
Another great thing about Gambrill State Park is that you can bring your dog (leash required). My dog loves tearing up and down the trails while showing me how out of shape I really am compared to him. Other amenities of the park include a nature center, picnic areas, restrooms, and drink vending machines. You can also mountain bike and camp at Gambrill.
To get to the Scenic overlooks and where we usually pick up the Black trail go to the High Knob Scenic Area. Here you have to make a 2 dollar donation per car. This is the large parking and picnic area at the top of the mountain. From the Middletown Scenic overlook turn right and follow the black hashes painted on the trees.
Are there any other areas you like to take day hikes in Frederick? If so share them in the comments.
What about fishing? Do you know any good areas to go fishing? Just for like a catch and release, nothing fancy.
There are a couple parks in Frederick County that allow fishing. Try Greenbrier, Cunningham Falls, and Catoctin Mountain parks. I am not sure how good the fishing is or what you will catch but its worth a try.
A good place to fish is off of hamburg rd in frederick. U can get a lot of bass. All u need is a worm.
hey chris, where off of hamburg rd are you talking about? i mostly fish at cunningham falls lake. its pretty good for bass
Thank u for this very helpful info. I was googling around for a picnic spot and got here. Is this also the best spot for a picnic in Frederick (we have a 2 yr old as well)? THANKS!
They do have picnic areas at Gambrill and I think even a play area, but maybe the best place would be Baker Park. Multiple picnic and play areas for kids.