Fourth Friday Forest Walks

The Frederick County Forestry Board offers guided tours along the Red Trail of Gambrill State Park, a public recreation area located on Catoctin Mountain near the city of Frederick.   

We invite you to join volunteers from the Forestry Board, as we explain differences between trees, ecosystems, forest succession, and answer your questions.

2024 dates:  3/22 (Canceled!), 4/26, 5/24, 6/28, 7/26, 8/23, 9/27, 10/25, 11/22, and 12/27. 

• The forest walk follows the one mile red hiking trail on Gambrill Heights and will take approximately 90 minutes;

• Registration and a release form (within the registration) are required for this walk;

• The red trail has some rough terrain including areas of steep climbs and descents, and  possible rolling rock underfoot;

• Please bring any medications you may need in case of an emergency (antihistamines, water epipen, etc.); 

• Please wear long pants and solid footwear as there can be poisonous vines and unsure footing;

• This forest walk is donation based- all proceeds help us sponsor Frederick High School Students to the annual Natural Resources Careers Camp ; 

• The groups are limited to 20 people at a time so that everyone can hear; and

• Private walks can be arranged for, including for schools.