Gathland State Park – Lambs Knoll loop from Burkittsville

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

United States

Maryland

Frederick County

Gathland State Park – Lambs Knoll loop from Burkittsville

Hard

3.3

(28)

hikers

Gathland State Park – Lambs Knoll loop from Burkittsville

05:18

17.9km

510m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 12, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

South Mountain State Battlefield

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

229 m

Gathland State Park

Highlight • Historical Site

Gathland State Park provides water, restrooms, and a picnic shelter, making it a good place to rest. There are also several historical buildings and ruins.

Tip by

390 m

National War Correspondents Memorial Arch

Highlight • Monument

The National War Correspondents Memorial (sometimes referred to as the War Correspondents Memorial Arch) was built in 1896 by George Townsend, a Civil War journalist, to commemorate those who died …

Tip by

5.97 km

View of White Rocks

Highlight • Viewpoint

Enjoy tremendous views across the South Mountain State Park from this scenic viewpoint along the well-known Appalachian Trail.

The trail to White Rocks is a little overgrown and rocky, but …

Tip by

6.38 km

Lambs Knoll

Highlight • Summit

You can take a path off the Appalachian Trail to the summit of Lambs Knoll where you'll find old communications towers and a fire tower.

Tip by

9.23 km

Rocky Run Shelter

Highlight • Mountain Hut

There are two shelters here. You reach the new building first and by continuing on the trail down hill, you'll see the much older and smaller building which dates from …

Tip by

13.2 km

Appalachian Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The beginning and end section of this segment of the Appalachian Trail between Gathland Picnic Shelter and White Rocks gains a fair bit of elevation at the start and end, …

Tip by

17.9 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

17.5 km

321 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

17.5 km

328 m