Saturdays and Sundays: Museum of the Ironworker
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
12610 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont
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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Invasive Weed Pulls:
Thursday, October 5, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Thursday, October 19, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Sunday, October 29, noon - 2 p.m.
Become a weed warrior and pull invasive plants to allow native plants to take their place. Dress for the weather -- wear long pants, sleeves, work gloves, and work boots. Bring any snack/drinks you may need. Weather dependent. Advance registration required; to register, email claudia.padilla@maryland.gov.
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Friday, October 6: Campfire Program
6 p.m. at William Houck Campground Amphitheater
5783 Campground Drive, Thurmont
Join park staff around the campfire at the amphitheater to learn about reptiles and meet some of the park's Scales & Tales ambassadors (snakes and turtles). Attendees not staying in the campground must register by emailing justin.calhoun@maryland.gov and stop at Camp Office to gain admittance. This event is weather dependent.
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Saturday, October 7: Solar Viewing at the Lake
2-5 p.m. at South Beach Parking Lot
14274 William Houck Drive, Thurmont
Check out the active sunspots on our favorite star with members of the Westminster Astronomical Society. Rain cancels program. Event is free with park entrance fees.
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Saturday, October 7: Night Sky Viewing
8-10 p.m. at Dam Overlook Parking Lot
14372 Catoctin Hollow Road, Thurmont
Join the Westminster Astronomy Society to view the night sky with experienced astronomers. This program is weather dependent.
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Fall Fest: October 13 and October 14
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Catoctin Village
12610 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont
Free event featuring apple butter boiling, blacksmithing, traditional food, tours, and children’s activities.
Visit www.catoctinfurnace.org for more information.
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Sunday, October 15: Aviary Tour
11 a.m. Meet outside Manor Area Visitor Center
6709 Cunningham Falls Park Road, Thurmont
Join park staff to learn about the park's animal ambassadors, including live reptiles and raptors. Park either down the hill from the Visitor Center or at the playground at the top of the hill. Weather dependent.
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Saturday, October 21: Spirits of the Furnace
6:30-9 p.m. at Catoctin Furnace Village,
12610 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont
A spooky, dramatized guided night tour through the historic Catoctin Iron Furnace and Village, with stops in historic structures and along the landscape. Refreshments will be available at the Museum of the Ironworker. Bring a flashlight and wear shoes appropriate for walking on uneven terrain. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. All proceeds will benefit the preservation and interpretation of the historic village. Admission must be purchased in advance and space is limited (tours every half hour with 15 per group). Reservations can be made at www.catoctinfurnace.org. Weather dependent.
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Sunday, October 22: Bird Walk
9 a.m. Meet at Houck Nature Center
14274 William Houck Drive, Thurmont
Join the park staff on an easy-to-moderate hike and learn about the different species of birds found at the park. Bring your own binoculars if you have them. Weather dependent.
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Unless otherwise noted, events are free with park entrance,
fun for all ages, and held rain or shine.
Off season fees for Gambrill, Manor Area and William Houck Area:
$3 per Maryland vehicle, $5 per non-resident vehicle; to be paid at park entrance honor box stations, exact change or check only.
Children under 18 must be with an adult. Dress for the weather/activity, wear sunscreen and insect repellent, bring plenty of water and snacks, and check for ticks.
Please call 301-271-7574 for additional information or ADA accommodation.
Wednesday, October 4: Tea Room Open House
4-7 p.m. at the Gambrill State Park Tea Room
8346 High Knob Road, Frederick
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.
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Friday, October 27: Fourth Friday Forest Walk
10-11:30 a.m.
Meet at the Gambrill State Park Trailhead Lot
Join the Frederick Forestry Board for a guided walk along the red trail of Gambrill State Park and learn about forest ecosystems, succession, and tree identification. Please be aware that there are steep and rough terrain sections of the trail. Register on the Forestry Board website to receive detailed location instructions.
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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.
First Responders & Law Enforcement Discount:
$40 off the Annual Park Pass, which provides unlimited day-use entry to all Maryland State Parks, plus free boat launching and discounts on concessions and boat rentals.
Offer good for Maryland residents only.
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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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