March 14, 15, 21, 22: 50th Anniversary Maple Syrup Festival
10 a.m. - 2 p.m at the William Houck Day Use Area (14274 William Houck Dr. Thurmont, MD 21788)
Celebrate the 50th annual Maple Syrup Festival with park staff and volunteers at Cunningham Falls State Park! Gather around the Sugar Shack where sugar-makers will demonstrate the traditional way of simmering sap to syrup starting on the half hour, every hour. Devour Maryland-made maple syrup served over a hot pancake and sausage breakfast. Live bluegrass music will fill the heated tent with familiar tunes while your kids join in nature-based crafting. Don’t forget to take a hayride through the Maple Grove to see exactly how park rangers collected sap. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Festival, we are bringing back the antique tractor display!
Proceeds from the Maple Syrup Festival benefit the nonprofit Friends of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks. Park hours are from 9 a.m. until sunset. Breakfast will be served from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. for an additional cost. Hayrides will leave on the hour of every hour. A sign language interpreter will be stationed at the Sugar Shack on both Sundays. Pets are permitted on a leash, outside only. This event is ADA-accessible. Suggested donation of $3 per person.
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March 28: Invasive Weed Pull
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Falls Trailhead in the William Houck Area (14274 William Houck Dr. Thurmont, MD 21788)
Help the park and join your local community to pull invasive plants on our trails. Bring leather work gloves if you have them, wear clothing suitable for the weather, and bring water and bug repellent. Port-a-pot is available onsite. No cost. Event is weather dependent so be sure to RSVP so we can notify you if plans change: claudia.padilla@maryland.gov.
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Unless otherwise noted, events are held rain or shine, free and fun for all ages; donations are always welcome. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
Dress for the weather/activity, wear sunscreen and insect repellent, bring plenty of water and snacks, and check for ticks.
Please call 301-271-3676 for additional information or to register.
Cunningham Falls staff also manages Gambrill State Park.
 Annual Pass Available for Purchase
$75 for Marylanders; $100 for out-of-state visitors
Our annual State Parks and Trails Passport grants unlimited day-use admission and boat launching at state parks, and a 10 percent discount on state-operated concessions and boat rentals.
To enhance convenience and value, this year's pass will arrive in a self-contained packet with a detachable hang-tag, and will be valid for a full year from the month of purchase.
Our network of 75 state parks include more than 900 miles of trails for biking, hiking and horseback riding, as well as unique water access and camping facilities.
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