Friends of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks

08/26/2026

08/06/2026

🚨🚨We regret to inform you all that this event has to be cancelled due to the A/C not working in the Visitor Center. We apologize for the inconvenience. 🚨🚨

08/05/2026

📰: DNR Closes Additional Areas of Cunningham Falls State Park Following Second Beaver Attack

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is closing additional areas of Cunningham Falls State Park around Hunting Creek Lake after a fisherman reported that he was bitten on the leg by a beaver in the South Beach Day Use area of the park at about 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5.

The injured fisherman in today’s attack, a 19-year-old male, appeared to have sustained a bite to the ankle and transported himself to Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown for treatment. Natural Resources Police will follow up with him after treatment to obtain additional information about the incident.

Following the attack today, NRP officers caught and euthanized the beaver, which is being delivered to the Frederick County Health Department. The Maryland Department of Health’s laboratory will conduct rabies testing and expects to have results available later this week.

This is the second incident of this nature at Cunningham Falls State Park within the past two weeks following a July 26 beaver attack on a 13-year-old swimmer. That beaver was caught and tested positive for rabies. Read more: https://ow.ly/CNhZ50ZwMSR

07/31/2026

For the safety of our visitors, swimming at Cunningham Falls State Park will continue to be prohibited this weekend while we complete additional measures to ensure the lake is safe for recreation. We appreciate your patience and understanding and will share updates as they become available..

07/31/2026

Happy World Ranger Day to our amazing Rangers who take care of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks! We appreciate all that you do!

The Maryland Park Service would like to take a moment to recognize all of the State Park Rangers working at our State Parks, protecting our resources today and every day.

World Ranger Day is celebrated worldwide on July 31st to commemorate Rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work Rangers do to protect the planet’s natural treasures and cultural heritage.

Let’s pause for a moment to reflect on the courage and sacrifice that Rangers make; by honoring Fallen Rangers and standing with Rangers who bravely undertake their role on the frontline.

07/31/2026

Just a reminder

Attention hikers and bikers:
On Sunday, August 2nd, the ShedEnduro Mountain Bike Race will utilize the trails at Gambrill State Park. The trails will remain open to the public, but expect increased mountain bike traffic during this time.

07/18/2026

Thank you! It's always a pleasure working with Gnarly Artly Design Shop on new T-shirt designs! Stop by our porch sales at the Houck Nature Center this weekend to pick up your next shirt!

07/17/2026

Attention hikers and bikers:
On Sunday, August 2nd, the ShedEnduro Mountain Bike Race will utilize the trails at Gambrill State Park. The trails will remain open to the public, but expect increased mountain bike traffic during this time.

07/10/2026

We are still looking for Camp Host to help us out in the campgrounds for the season! If you are interested, please email the park for more information and for applications!