Gambrill Mill Picnic Area

Gambrill Mill Picnic Area

NPS / Claire Hassler

Quick Facts

Location:

Frederick, Maryland

Significance:

Battle of Monocacy

Designation:

National Battlefield, National Register of Historic Places, National Historic Landmark

Amenities

7 listed

Benches/Seating, Cellular Signal, Parking - Auto, Picnic Table, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead, Wheelchair Accessible

The Gambrill Mill Picnic Area sits 75 feet east of the parking area at Gambrill Mill, four miles south of Frederick on Route 355. Parking is available with two van accessible spaces. A 50-foot walkway leads up to the mill, with a bench located to the left of the walkway near the door. The building is not open to the public and there are no bathroom facilities. A picnic table is located in front and to the right of the mill. To the left of the mill is the mill pond that is 0.35 acres. There is a bench facing the pond and picnic tables. The picnic area is a level, grassy area. 

The pond is home to a variety of fauna seasonally, including frog, turtles, fish, blue and green heron, and many other species of birds. A large snapping turtle has also been seen on occasion in the pond. Snapping turtles have extremely strong bites, and they can be faster than you expect, so please keep your distance if you see one. Black snakes and garter snakes are also known to hang out around the mill and mill race. They are not typically aggressive unless you get too close, just be on the look out and walk the other way if you see one. 

The field to the right of the service road across from the mill is the only designated recreational area in the park. The following recreational type activities are permitted: kite flying, frisbee, playing catch (football, baseball, etc.), bean bag toss, sledding. For more information about what and where activities are allowed in the park, check the Superintendent's Compendium.

The use of portable self-contained gas grills is permitted in the Gambrill Mill and Visitor Center picnic areas. Charcoal grills are prohibited except in park residential areas or administrative staff areas. Use of grills in other areas requires authorization from the Superintendent. 

Fishing is allowed in the pond, with a valid Maryland-issued fishing license. Nets are not allowed. Check the Superintendent's Compendium for more details about fishing regulations in the park.

Swimming or wading are not allowed in the pond. Swimming and wading are allowed in the nearby Monocacy River and Bush Creek. No life guards are on duty; therefore, visitors should exercise good judgement about river conditions and their own abilities before entering the water. 

The mill as it stands today is a two-story stone building, similar to a bank barn in its design, two-story on the north-side of the building and one-story on the south side. From 1991 to 2007 the bottom floor served as the park visitor museum. The visitor center is now located on the other side of the river and out of the flood plain. 

Duration:

3 minutes, 31 seconds

Two Medals of Honor were earned for actions during the Battle of Monocacy. This video discusses the two Vermont soldiers that received the Medals of Honor and covers the final shots of the Battle.