Golden Anniversary for Cunningham Falls Maple Syrup Festival

Due to ongoing efforts by the state of Maryland to contain the effects of the COVID-19 virus, both weekends of the annual Maple Syrup Festival at Cunningham Falls State Park have been cancelled.​

Annual Event Takes Place March 14-15 and March 21-22

Turning sap into syrup

The public is invited to celebrate the 50th annual Maple Syrup Festival at Cunningham Falls State Park this March. This popular event takes place during two weekends, March 14-15 and March 21-22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day at the park’s William Houck Area. 

Sugarmakers will demonstrate the traditional way of simmering sap to syrup starting every half hour from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. For an additional cost, guests can enjoy Maryland-made maple syrup served over a hot pancake and sausage breakfast. Live bluegrass music will fill the heated tent with familiar tunes while kids can join in nature-based crafting. 

Every hour of the festival, guests can take a hayride through the park’s Maple Grove to see exactly how rangers collect sap for the syrup. And as part of the festival’s 50th anniversary, the park will have an antique tractor display.

The event is handicap accessible, and a sign language interpreter will be stationed at the sugar shack for programs on both Sundays. 

Festival-goers are asked to make a $3 donation, the proceeds of which benefit the nonprofit Friends of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill state parks. Breakfast will be served from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. for an additional cost. 

Park hours are from 9 a.m. until sunset. Pets are permitted on a leash, outside only. More information is available by calling the park at 301-271-7574.