Friends of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks

06/11/2026

We are sorry to share that the Cunningham Falls Handicap Fishing Pier is now closed for repairs. We do not have a current timeline for reopening. Thank you for your understanding.

06/10/2026

We have an Invasive W**d Pull coming up! We would love to see you out there! Check the flyer for more details.

06/07/2026

🏕️ Sunday's Park Education Series🏕️

Since we are heading into summer, in this segment we are going to talk about capacity closures, what they are and how to find out about them.

A capacity closure is a temporary shut down of the park due to meeting the maximum limit of cars permitted in the park at one time. Once that happens, the park has to shut down for a period of time until a certain amount of cars leave so they can open back up.

How can you find out if a park is closed to capacity?

Maryland DNR has a website to see all park statuses! This can help you plan your day and know ahead of time if anything is at capacity.

Here's the link: https://dnr.maryland.gov/Pages/park-status-dashboard.aspx

Below is a picture of what the status page looks like and it will tell you all about every state park in Maryland!

Also, you can call the park office to see if the park is a capacity yet or not.

We hope you have a lovely summer and that this information helps you understand a capacity closure a bit more.

Where curiosity meets the outdoors — and adventure begins! Let's get exploring!

06/04/2026

Don't forget we have 2 programs with the Westminster Astronomical Society on Saturday, June 6th!

The Solar Viewing is taking place at South Beach from 2pm to 5pm. Please use 14274 William Houck Dr, Thurmont, MD 21788 to get to South Beach. The program itself is FREE though visitors do need to pay the entrance fee of either $3 per a MD vehicle or $5 per out of state vehicle.

The Night Sky Viewing will take place at the Dam Lot. Please use 14372 Catoctin Hollow Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788 to get to the lot. This will take place from 9pm-11pm. Again, the program is FREE and parking is FREE as well.

Please note events are subject to change and weather dependant. We will provide any updates if there is a cancellation.

We hope to see you exploring the sun and stars!

Did you think the Artemis II mission was super cool? Well we have something to keep that curiosity going!

Solar Viewing and Night Sky programs with the Westminster Astronomical Society are back for the season!!! The society will be hosting the program every first Saturday of each month until October.

We hope to see you exploring the sun and stars this season!

06/01/2026

Do you like scavenger hunts? Looking to visit more MD State Parks this summer? Then Maryland DNR has a program just for you, your friends, and family!!

America in Miniature is a scavenger hunt to get you out and about looking at different state parks and seeing their sites!

Visit https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/MPS-AIM.aspx to learn more

Photo credit: MD DNR

05/24/2026

Looking to volunteer? Do you want to get more volunteer experience? Do you enjoy talking about animals, flora, and nature in general? Then we have something for you!

Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks are looking for volunteers to staff the nature centers and the visitor center! It's a great opportunity to help build communication and customer service skills, learn some new topics, and learn about the parks!

If this seems like something you would be interested in, please contact Lead Ranger Claudia Padilla at [email protected] for some more information!

05/24/2026

We are still looking for Camp Host to help us keep the campground clean for campers!

We are looking for a host in the Houck area for July (no pets allowed) and we have multiple openings in September and October at both Houck and Manor, with some sites allowing pets and others not.

This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to volunteer and give back to their community!

Please contact the park at [email protected] if you are interested!

05/19/2026

05/10/2026

🏹 Ready to hit the bullseye this season?!

The Beginner Archery Program is back in action for this summer in the Manor Area!

Whether your child is picking up a bow for the very first time or already loves the thrill of archery, this is a great program to learn the art of the sport.

Please take a look at the flyer below for more details and how to register.

We hope to see you taking aim at your next adventure!

Where Young Adventurers Become Archers. Let's get to it!

05/01/2026

Don't forget we have 2 programs with the Westminster Astronomical Society on Saturday, May 2nd!

The Solar Viewing is taking place at South Beach from 2pm to 5pm. Please use 14274 William Houck Dr, Thurmont, MD 21788 to get to South Beach. The program itself is FREE though visitors do need to pay the entrance fee of either $3 per a MD vehicle or $5 per out of state vehicle.

The Night Sky Viewing will take place at the Dam Lot. Please use 14372 Catoctin Hollow Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788 to get to the lot. This will take place from 9pm-11pm. Again, the program is FREE and parking is FREE as well.

Please note events are subject to change and weather dependant. We will provide any updates if there is a cancellation.

We hope to see you exploring the sun and stars!

Visit Frederick - Maryland
The Frederick Mom

Did you think the Artemis II mission was super cool? Well we have something to keep that curiosity going!

Solar Viewing and Night Sky programs with the Westminster Astronomical Society are back for the season!!! The society will be hosting the program every first Saturday of each month until October.

We hope to see you exploring the sun and stars this season!