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Gabrill State Park, Black Locust Trail


Highlights:

Nice wooded trail, scenic overlooks, fantastic Mountain Laurel
Near:Thurmont, MD
Scenery:
Distance:3.3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:612 ft
Hike Time:2 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Loop


Summary: Black Locust Trail warmly invites the hiker as the trail opens to the northwest with a gentle rise and an abundance of magnificent Mountain Laurel. However, this initial impression belies some of the rougher terrain that awaits the less sure footed explorer. While the northward trek towards Bootjack Spring was an easy to moderate jaunt for both myself and my 8 year old son, both the gain and the sometimes very rocky path made this portion of the hike less than pleasant for my 5 year old daughter. She was clearly testing the limits of her agility. Fortunately, beginning at North Frederick Overlook the remainder of the hike is more leisurely with an overall descent back south towards the trailhead.

The trail is highly characterized by scenic overlooks, Tulip Poplars, Oaks, Locusts, and the ever present Mountain Laurel, which being in full blossom added greatly to the scenic appeal. An overall recommend trail with careful consideration for the younger hikers.

Trailhead: Trailhead located on east side of main trail parking lot off Gambrill Park Road. Trailhead is clearly marked as Black Locust Trail and trees and markers along trail identify the route with black arrows. (Lat:39.46201 Lon:-77.49122)
Trail Guides for Gabrill State Park, Black Locust Trail:
Gambrill State Park Trail Guide
by Maryland Department of Natural Resources (Maryland Department of Natural Resources)

Hikes in Western Maryland
by Golightly  (Golightly)

Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer,
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses,
Ranger Contact: Maryland Department of Natural Resources. 301-271-7574
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Brian Talbert, who has posted  20 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here.
Trail Reviews  Submit your own review
Reviewed by Team Us on 1/19/2006
This was a great hike with breathtaking overviews of Frederick! I would suggest parking in the lot, crossing the street, and beginnning the hike in the opposite direction. The incline would be in the opposite direction, making the hike more enjoyable. There are a few other hikes off of the parking lot, we have hiked another trail and it was good too! Watch out fo bikers as well!


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Maryland Hiking, Maryland Trails, Maryland Hikes, Frederick County Hiking, Frederick County Trails, Frederick County Hikes

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