Friends of
Cunningham Falls and
Gambrill State Parks
GOOD NEWS!
The Houck Area at Cunningham Falls State Park will has now reopened all water access effective Monday, August 24
TWO POSITIONS:
Treasurer and Secretary for the Friends Board of Directors
If you, or someone you know has an interest in serving our parks and would be willing to take on these important leadership roles, please contact Carol Abraham Burger, Friends President at: friendspresident2026@gmail.com
The Treasurer serves as both a member of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, making this a wonderful opportunity for someone who wants to make a meaningful contribution to our organization and our parks.
The Secretary serves on the Board and Executive Committee. This position is essential in maintaining our meeting records and supporting the governance of the Friends.
MISSION STATEMENT
To support and enhance the programs and recreational offerings
of Maryland's Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks
through charitable contributions and in-kind donations.
Meet Our Sponsors
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Welcome
to our organization
The Friends of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks, Inc. is a dedicated support group for both Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks.
Our members include local residents, business representatives, campers, and people like you - individuals who care deeply about these parks and want to play a role in protecting and enhancing their future. The parks rely on this strong base of volunteers to help maintain the high level of service that the community has come to expect.
Our mission is to generate the financial and volunteer support needed to supplement the parks’ budgets. Every dollar raised goes directly into improving the parks.
Your support can be seen in projects like the renovated Nature Center at the High Rock Scenic Area of Gambrill State Park, tree plantings, new safety gear, updated vehicles and gators, new rescue/patrol boats, motors and trailers and heavy equipment.
We also proudly support, and host cherished events such as the Annual Maple Syrup Festival, the Friends Porch Sales at the Houck Nature Center, Fall Hayrides with Campfire and S’Mores in the Park, Fall Walk in the Park. and Tea in the Tea Room.
Become a Friend!
Join us in making a lasting impact. Your involvement helps ensure that Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks remain treasured destinations for generations to come.
Our Officers - 2026
Carol Abraham Burger, President
Jim Burger, Vice President
Alan Rogers, Treasurer
"Directors at Large"
Kathy Byrne / Gail Fowler / Stuart Frazier / Mary Miller / Laura Patterson / Jim Sholly / Chris Trone
A Message from the Park Manager
Sarah Rodriguez, Park Manager
Cunningham Falls & Gambrill State Parks
“Volunteers are a critical aspect of the daily operation of both Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks.”
Whether you're interested in serving as a camp host, joining a trail maintenance crew, helping out at special events, or supporting our mission as a member of the Friends of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks, there is a role perfectly suited to your time and talents.
You may even bring a skill we didn’t know we needed -
until you took the initiative to share it!
I invite you to contact our Lead Ranger, Claudia Padilla, by email at claudia.padilla@maryland.gov to request an inquiry form and learn more about opportunities to serve your natural resources, your neighbors, and yourselves.
Your contribution is priceless.
Volunteer Opportunities
Photo credit: John Zuke
BECOME A CAMP HOST!
Requirements:
20 hours/week per volunteer
One month minimum commitment
Must have own RV /camper, no tents
18 years or older
Must pass background check
Position requires bending, stooping, and lifting up to 40 lbs.
Customer service experience
Availability Friday-Sunday
Latest News
AUG 24, 2026 - Exciting news for
Gambrill State Park visitors!
Gambrill State Park is pleased to offer a new QR code-based payment system for your convenience. Visitors can now pay their day-use fees on-site by scanning the QR code posted at the park and completing the transaction securely on their mobile device. This electronic payment option supports credit cards and provides a quick, contactless alternative to our traditional cash honor box.
Park Volunteers
April 2026
Here's a wonderful photo of a volunteer workgroup that visited the park over the weekend of April 18th, led by Volunteer Anne Kerns.
Special Notice - Closed -
The Gambrill Tea Room
In an effort to preserve its historical charm, The Gambrill Tea Room will be closed until further notice, providing the Maryland Park Service with the opportunity to evaluate the rental fee and the building’s maintenance needs. Learn more.
Award - State of Maryland Governor’s Citation
On March 16, 2024, the Friends of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks were presented with a State of Maryland Governor’s Citation. This was a high honor for the Friends and an exciting opportunity to meet and socialize with our elected officials.
Friends of CFGSPs Continue Sponsorship of Library Park Pass Program
The Board of Directors of the Friends of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks, Inc. has unanimously voted to continue sponsoring the Frederick County Public Libraries Park Pass Program for another year.
This innovative partnership — developed by Deb Spurrier, Emmitsburg Branch Manager, FCPL and Mark Spurrier, South Central Regional Manager, Maryland Park Service — allows Frederick County residents to check out a Maryland State Park pass (including via the Bookmobile) for free entry to any Maryland State Park for up to one week.
The 6- and 8-month impact reports demonstrated tremendous success, expanding equitable access to Maryland’s natural resources and connecting more families to the outdoors.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Deb and Mark for their vision and leadership in creating this program. We also thank Park Manager Sarah Rodriguez and her team at Cunningham Falls State Park for their partnership and operational support in helping make this initiative possible.
Together, this collaboration between the Library, the Park, and the Friends ensures that Maryland’s State Parks remain welcoming and accessible to all.
