Saturdays and Sundays: Nature Center Open
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 14274 William Houck Drive, Thurmont, MD 21788
The Nature Center, next to the lake and near the Falls Trailhead in the William Houck Area, will be open to the public; hours are subject to change. Check in before visiting by calling the park office at 301-271-7574.
Daily park entrance fees are as follows:
Weekdays before Labor Day, $3 for Maryland residents and $5 for out-of-state visitors.
Weekends and holidays through Labor Day, $5 for residents and $7 for out-of-state.
After Labor Day, cost is $3 for Maryland vehicles and $5 for out of state vehicles.
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Saturdays and Sundays: Museum of the Ironworker
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
12610 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont, MD 21788
Learn about the workers who built the historic village and powered the Catoctin Furnace. Exhibits include amazing façade reconstructions and an innovative "under the floorboards" archaeology feature. Free of charge.
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Saturdays and Sundays: Aviary Open
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
6709 Cunningham Falls Park Road, Thurmont, MD 21788
Visit the park's aviary to see the ten birds of prey including a bald eagle, kestrel, various owls, hawks, and more. See the park's land turtles before they start hibernation and the 93-pound snapping turtle in his outdoor pond.
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September Invasive Weed Pulls
September 1: 11 a.m. at the Falls Trailhead, 14274 William Houck Drive, Thurmont, MD 21788
September 24: 9 a.m. at the Manor Area Playground Parking Lot, 6709 Cunningham Falls Park Road, Thurmont MD 21788
Become a weed warrior! Help park staff pull invasive plants and plant natives. Wear long pants, sleeves, leather work gloves, and work boots. Event is weather-dependent. RSVP required to claudia.padilla@maryland.gov. The second date on September 24 will also celebrate National Public Lands Day.
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Saturday, September 3: Solar Viewing at the Lake
2-5 p.m. at South Beach Parking Lot
14274 William Houck Drive, Thurmont, MD 21788
Check out the active sunspots on our favorite star with members of the Westminster Astronomical Society. Rain cancels program. Event free with park entrance fees.
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Saturday, September 3: Night Sky
9-11 p.m. at Dam Overlook Parking Lot
14372 Catoctin Hollow Road, Thurmont, MD 21788
Join the Westminster Astronomy Society to view the night sky with experienced astronomers. Weather-dependent program.
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Monday, September 5 and Saturday, September 24:
Beginner Archery
4-6 p.m.
Manor Area of Cunningham Falls
6709 Cunningham Falls Park Road, Thurmont, MD 21788
Join Frederick County staff for an archery lesson for beginners. Ages 8 and older; participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All equipment will be provided. Cost is $5 per person (cash only) in addition to park entrance fees of $3 per Maryland vehicle and $5 per out-of-state vehicle. Closed-toe shoes are recommended. Manor Area Archery Range is located across street from Manor Area Playground Parking Lot.
Participants must RSVP to dsherwood@frederickcountymd.gov the day before the program. Time slots start every half hour from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Please write ARCHERY as the subject.
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Saturday, September 10: Marvelous Moths
7 p.m. at Amphitheater of William Houck Campground
5783 Campground Drive, Thurmont, MD 21788
Join us as we learn about the many moths that can be found in Maryland, and all the important roles they play! Non-campers are welcome, but must stop at the Camp Office for directions and admittance into the campground.
Saturday, September 17: Life and Legacy of Harriet Tubman
11 a.m. at the Harriet Chapel & Museum of Ironworker
12625 Catoctin Furnace Road (Route 806), Thurmont, MD 21788
Ranger Angela Crenshaw will share the story of Harriet Tubman, the most famous conductor of the Underground Railroad, on the anniversary of her first flight to freedom which took place September 17, 1849. The program will feature the role of faith, family, community, and nature in Tubman’s life’s work. September is celebrated as Underground Railroad Month, and 2022 is the bicentennial year of Tubman’s birth.
From 10 am. until 2 p.m., before and after the 11 a.m. presentation, visitors may enjoy tours of the historic church (c. 1828) and may view the Museum of the Ironworker (across the street) or follow the nearby African American Cemetery Trail. The trail starts at the remains of the Catoctin Iron Furnace, which is a designated site on the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. The event is co-sponsored by Harriet Chapel (Catoctin Episcopal Parish) and the Catoctin Furnace Historical Society.
Saturday, September 17: Summer Sing-along
6:30 p.m. at Amphitheater of William Houck Campground
5783 Campground Drive, Thurmont MD 21788
Join volunteer musician Jim Dorn for a night of songs from the 1960s and '70s. Sing along to Glen Campbell, John Denver, and more, including some original country music. Non-campers are welcome, but must stop at the Camp Office for directions and admittance into the campground.
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Sunday, September 18: History Hike
10 a.m. Meet at Manor Area Visitor Center
6709 Cunningham Falls Park Road. Thurmont, MD 21788
Easy to moderate 2-mile hike including some steep steps. Learn about the furnace and local history. Shine only.
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Saturday, September 10: Summer Sing-a-long
6:30 p.m. at Gambrill Rock Run Amphitheater
8002 Gambrill Park Road, Frederick MD 21702
Join volunteer musician Jim Dorn for a night of songs from the 1960s and '70s. Sing along to Glen Campbell, John Denver, and more, as well as some original country music. Non-campers are welcome, but must stop at the Camp Office for directions and admittance into the campground.
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Wednesday, September 14: Tea Room Open House
4 - 7 p.m. at the Gambrill State Park Tea Room
8346 High Knob Road, Frederick, MD 21702
The Tea Room is a rustic building constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The facility accommodates 55 people and remains a popular venue for events including baby showers, business meetings, family reunions, and weddings. Whether you wish to hold an event or are just curious about the space, all are welcome to this open house event. No RSVP necessary.
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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.
Save Our Pollinators!
Donate today to support butterfly and bumblebee
habitat and education in state parks!
Donations in any amount are a helpful way to make a difference. Thank you!
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 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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