Park Quest 2022: On the Trail of the Civilian Conservation Corps
Intro to Quest:
This year’s quest will take you back in time to the early day of Fort Frederick State Park. You will begin your journey as a new “enrollee” in the Civilian Conservation Corps camp at the park. You will learn all about the camp, the work, and activities you can take part in as a Member of the CCC.
Quest Materials
Quest Information:
Your Park Quest adventure at Fort Frederick State Park will begin in the visitor center. Here you will be given a packet with your trail map, and questions for your hike (if you haven’t printed them out already). You will also need to pick-up a compass if you don’t have your own or a compass app on your smartphone. You can watch our 10 minute orientation film before starting your journey. Once you leave the visitor center you will follow the story of a new “Enrollee”. Along the way, you will take compass bearings to get from place to place, answer questions, and complete the assigned activities. Once you have reached the Fort, take a break and enjoy some of the regularly scheduled daily programs going on in the fort (on days the fort is staffed.) Afterward, finish the activities in your book. Once you have completed your quest, return to the visitor center to get your Park Quest stamp.
The quest trail is approximately 1 1/2 miles long and should take about 2 hours to complete. The terrain is varied and uneven in many places. Sturdy walking or hiking shoes are best for this hike. Park staff are available to help anyone with special needs, but due to limited staffing you must call the park ahead of time to make accommodations.
The quest may be completed Mon – Fri 8am to 4pm and weekends after Memorial Day 9am to 5pm. All quests must be turned in by 4pm weekdays and 5 pm on the weekends. Please allow yourself adequate time to complete your quests. Your Park Quest passport gets you into the fort for no extra charge. Make sure to bring a camera or digital recorder to capture the fun memories of your day! Also remember your sunscreen, insect repellant, and water. Pets on a leash are welcome to accompany you on most of your quest, but they are not allowed in the buildings or in the Fort.
Come for Park Quest but stay for the day! There is plenty to do with trails to hike, several bodies of water to fish, and a 22 mile long paved bike trail. We also offer a shaded picnic area with lots of tables, and playground equipment for your enjoyment. Many different historical and natural programs are given throughout summer. You may call our visitor center at 301-842-82155 for details or visit our website www.dnr.state.md.us to download a calendar of events. If you like to camp we offer a peaceful campground with 23 unimproved sites situated on the banks of the Potomac River.
Directions to Fort Frederick
From the east take I-70 west to Route 56 exit 12. At the end of the ramp make a left and the park entrance is located on the right one mile from the interstate exit.
From the west take I-68 east to I-70 east to Route 56 exit 12. At the end of the ramp make a right and the park entrance is located on the right one mile from the interstate exit.
If you have any questions you may contact the visitor center at 301-842-2155.
Fort Frederick State Park
11100 Big Pool Road
Big Pool, MD 21711
A little Fort Frederick History
American history from the colonial period to the present can be discovered at Fort Frederick State Park. Our 585 acre park features a unique stone fort that served as Maryland’s frontier defense during the French and Indian War. The fort is unique because of its strong stone wall, large size, and roomy barracks.
Fort Frederick also saw service during the American Revolution as a prison for British soldiers. For the next 131 years, the fort and surrounding lands were farmed. During the Civil War, Union troops were often stationed near the fort to guard the C & O Canal. In 1922, the State of Maryland acquired the fort. During the Great Depression of the 1930's, a company of the Civilian Conservation Corps restored the fort and began development of the state park. In 1975, the park reconstructed two soldier’s barracks inside the fort. These barracks are open seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day and on the weekends in the spring and fall. You will find historic exhibits in the Fort barracks, CCC Museum and Visitor Center.
