Gambrill Mill Trail

A boardwalk curves through the forest. — Gambrill Mill Trail
NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

Half of this loop trail consists of an accessible boardwalk with several benches. An overlook at the end of the boardwalk provides a view of the Monocacy River and bridges significant to the battle. Waysides exhibits describe the significance of the area. The trail follows a wood line, native meadow, Bush Creek, and an old wagon road that Federal troops used to retreat from the battle. The non-boardwalk portion of the trail is grass and dirt and uneven at times. Please be aware of potential groundhog holes.

Trail info

Trailhead: Gambrill Mill (Tour Stop #4)
Trail blaze color: Blue
Distance: 0.5 mile loop
Surface: Boardwalk for first .18 miles clockwise starting from the parking lot, remaining trail is mowed path. Note that because the trail is in a low-lying area, portions of the trail may become flooded.
Trail width: 6 feet
Grade: 1% typical, 4% maximum
Cross slope: 4% typical, 8% maximum

History

The Gambrill Mill was historically part of a large land holding originally owned by James Marshall. At its peak, the mill could produce up to sixty barrels of flour per day. During the Battle of Monocacy, Union forces were positioned in battle lines in the yard of the mill. The building was set up as a field hospital, although as Major General Lew Wallace declared in his autobiography, "the place appeared well selected for the purpose, its one inconvenience being that it was under fire." As the Federal forces fell back towards Baltimore, Confederate troops moved in and occupied the mill and the surrounding area.