On Nov. 1, the MD Department of National Resources implemented a statewide ban on open air burning. Consistent with the state order, campfires and charcoal grilling are prohibited within Catoctin Mountain Park until the risk of wildfire is reduced.

Fire Restrictions

President Franklin D. Roosevelt created programs to give people a chance to rebuild their lives from the Great Depression. The Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps gave this land a second opportunity and through re-growth, a new role as a recreation area.

Rock formation with mountains in the background

Chimney Rock Vista

A stone and wood building with plants and flowers in front

Visitor Center

A slender-bodied, red salamander with black spots across its body.

Eastern Mud Salamander

A fast flowing stream cutting through a green forest.

Big Hunting Creek

Historic Camp Misty Mount

A large angular boulder that resembles the shape of a wolf.

Wolf Rock

A rocky outcrop nestled amongst trees overlooking a valley.

Blue Ridge Summit

Multiple bright sun rays shining through a forest with log cabins.

Sun Rays Through the Forest at Misty Mount

Two riders, on horseback, walking through a forested trail.

The Horse Trail

A large rocky outcropping overlooking a mountainside with fall foliage.

Chimney Rock in the Fall

Catoctin Mountain

Hiking trails and parking areas are open year round, dawn to dusk, but may close as a result of security or safety concerns.  Consult the park's website for updates: http://www.nps.gov/cato/index.htm.  The visitor center, camps, and campgrounds have separate hours.  Please see descriptions for those facilities elsewhere.

Catoctin Mountain Park

Hiking

This loop is combines all three major tail systems on the east side of the park including the most strenuous trail in our park as the trail is steep, narrow and at times can be slippery. When hiking along the trail, hikers will follow yellow, pink, and oragne blazes depending on the section. A trail map and compass are strongly advised. This trail features three of the most well known rock formations at Catoctin Mountain Park: Hog Rock, Chimney Rock, and Wolf Rock. Each of these rock formations are great places to stop and enjoy lunch or just take in the scenery. The loop also passes by the Cunningham Falls, Thurmont Vista, and Blue Ridge Summit.

From Parking Lot at Park Headquarters (off Md. 77) Est. Time 0.2 M to Trailhead intersection (moderate incline) 10 minutes 1.1 M to Chimney Rock (steep, narrow incline) 35 minutes 0.5 M to Wolf Rock (moderate incline) 15 minutes 1.2 M to Thurmont Vista (moderate incline) 40 minutes 1.2 M to Blue Ridge Summit Vista (moderate decline/incline) 40 minutes 0.7 M to Hog Rock (moderate incline) 20 minutes 1.0 M to Cunningham Falls (moderate and steep decline) 35 minutes 1.2 M to Visitor Center (moderate incline) 40 minutes 1.0 M to Trailhead intersection (moderate decline/incline) 30 minutes 0.2 M to Parking Lot at Park Headquarters (off Md. 77) 10 minutes Total: 8.3 Miles, 4.5+ Hours

Admission to the park is FREE, but for those who qualify, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm">Senior Passes, Military Passes, Access Passes, and Every Kid in a Park</a> passes are available at the visitor center.

A large rocky outcrop overlooking a summertime forest.

Summer foliage at Chimney Rock

Access this trail from any of these parking lots: Visitor Center, Park Headquarters, Wolf Rock, Thurmont Vista, or Hog Rock. The loop makes a complete circle back to any of these access points. Access to this loop off of Md. 77 is from the parking lot in front of the National Park Service Headquarters-also known as Camp Peniel. There is an additional parking lot directly across from the Catoctin Mountain Park Headquarters. When parking at these parking lots, visitors will need to pick up the trailhead 20 ft west on Md. 77 on the right hand side of the road. The trailhead is marked by a sign that reads: Chimney Rock 1.1 M / Wolf Rock 1.5 M. The second place to begin this loop is from the parking lot at the Visitor Center. The trailhead starts at the end of the paved parking lot on the left. The Third place visitors can access this trailhead is 0.5 miles up Park Central Road from the Visitor Center at the Wolf Rock Parking Lot. The Forth place visitors can access this trailhead is from the Thurmont Vista Parking Lot around 1 mile up Park Central Road from the Visitor Center. The Fifth Place visitors can access this trailhead is from the Hog Rock Parking Lot around 2 miles up Park Central Road from the Visitor Center. Note: The Thurmont Vista and Hog Rock Parking Areas are closed during winter. The Cunningham Falls are located within the boundaries of Cunningham Falls State Park and State Park regulations and guidelines apply.

<h3>Visit All of the East Side </h3>   This loop is a combination of all of the three major loops in the park and completes an 8.5 mile loop. The loop makes a complete circle back to any of these access points. While hiking this loop visitors will experience Cunningham Falls, Hog Rock, Blue Ridge Summit, Thurmont Vista, Wolf Rock, and Chimney Rock. This loop combines moderate and strenuous trails for a great day of hiking. Smaller trail loops can be incoporated on this lager loop to extend the hike. Please use caution when walking along rock surfaces. These areas can be slippery. Closely supervise children at all times. Watch for rattlesnakes in the areas of Chimney Rock and Wolf Rock. Wolf Rock, Chimney Rock, & Hog Rock formations are pet free areas.

If you hike with your pet in Catoctin Mountain Park, it must be on a leash 6 feet or less. This is to protect you, your dog and the wildlife and plants in the park. To be safe, you need to walk, not run, because there are tree roots and rocks on the trails and someone could get hurt if he/she goes too quickly.

This loop contains the most strenuous trail in our park as the trail is steep, narrow and at times can be slippery. It is also the longest trail network in the park.

Covering the majority of the sites on the east side of the park, the 8-Mile Loop Trail provides hikers with a good challenge and rewards them with all of the best scenic points along the mountain ridge.

<h3>The park is open daily from dawn until dusk.</h3>

8-Mile Loop Trail

Scenic Views

Trails

Waterfalls

Camping

Misty Mount Cabins for 3, 4, or 6 people...................................$50.00 Lodges Sleep 8 people...........................................$100.00 Cabin 16 Sleeps 6...................................................$140.00 Dining Hall Friday - Saturday..................................$360.00 Dining Hall Sunday - Thursday...............................$110.00 Camp Greentop Entire Facility, Per Night: Friday - Saturday............$1000.00 Entire Facility, Per Night: Sunday - Thursday.........$600.00 Good Luck Lodge #64............................................$100.00 Staff Quarters #58..................................................$120.00 Cabin #71...............................................................$120.00 Infirmary #57...........................................................$60.00 Camp Round Meadow Camp Round Meadow Friday - Saturday Rates......$1000.00 Camp Round Meadow Sunday - Thursday Rates...$600.00

A brown, wooden cabin amongst a grove of green trees.

Misty Mount Cabin

Camp Misty Mount is a cabin rental facility for individuals, families, or small groups. This historic cabin camp was completed in 1937 by the Works Progress Administration. The camp is surrounded by hardwood forests on the slopes of Catoctin Mountain Park. The region is part of the Blue Ridge Province and offers scenic mountain views and clear streams. The historic stone and wood cabins were built in 1936 as part of a federal Great Depression-era jobs plan to build recreational camps. Camp Round Meadow is a group camp featuring 4 heated dorms that sleep 30 people each (total 120). Each dorm has bathrooms with flush toilets, hot showers, and electric outlets. Cots with vinyl mattresses are provided. Campers bring bedding, toiletries, toilet paper and towels, and cleaning supplies. Brooms and mops are provided. Additional facilities include a dining hall, gymnasium, classrooms, a conference room, and a small outdoor gazebo. Camp Greentop is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a Historic District. This cabin camp facility is a perfect location for organized groups to hold retreats and conferences. Camp Greentop is a cabin camp facility for large groups.The camp has space for 140 people to sleep on twin beds. there are 12 cabins that sleep 10 each, 1 lodge that sleeps 12, and 3 smaller cabins. Campers bring their own linens. Cabins do not have heat or AC. There is overhead lighting but no electric outlets. Hot showers and flush toilets are centrally located.

Catoctin Mountain features three cabin campgrounds based on size. Misty Mount is ideal for families and smaller groups, Greentop works well for organized groups seeking privacy, and Round Meadow sleeps large groups in dorms.

Service Animals Only.

Reservations can be made up to six months in advance. Check availability and make your reservation at <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233241">recreation.gov </a>or call 1-877-444-6777.

Lodging in the park can facilitate groups both large and small.

Cabin Camping

Great Depression

Fishing

The Lewis Pond is available for bass and sunfish fishing. statewide fishing regulations apply at the pond and there are no tackle restrictions.

A small pond in front of an autumn forest.

Lewis Pond

The Lewis Pond is a small water body backed up next to the base of the mountain with forested banks on one side, and mowed grass along the other.

The Lewis Pond offers a quiet and peaceful opportunity to go freshwater fishing. The Lewis Pond does not have fly fishing only regulations like Big Hunting Creek and follows statewide freshwater fishing regulations which can be found at: <a href="http://www.eregulations.com/maryland/fishing/freshwater-fishing-regulations/">Freshwater Fishing Regulations | Maryland Fishing Regulations – 2021</a>

The Lewis Area parking lot is closed during winter months.

The Lewis Pond offers a quiet and peaceful opportunity to go freshwater fishing.

The park is open daily from dawn until dusk.

Fishing at Lewis Pond

Fish

Fly Fishing

Big Hunting Creek is a catch-and-return, fly fishing stream.

A man in waders and fishing gear standing in a creek.

Big Hunting Creek can be accessed from parking lots and pulloffs alongside MD Rt. 77 by Park Headquarters, the Visitor Center, as well as Cunningham Falls State Park. Parking along MD Rt. 77 is also permitted as long as vehicles remain within the roadside median boundary.  

Big Hunting Creek has played a prominent role in the development of recreational trout fishing in Maryland. The stream has long been popular among fly fishermen. Big Hunting Creek was first in the State of Maryland to be designated as a fly-fishing only stream. Later it became Maryland's first catch-and-return trout stream.   BIG HUNTING CREEK REGULATIONS: <ul> <li>Maryland fishing license and trout stamp are required.</li> <li>All trout caught must be released.</li> <li>A person may NOT use or possess any natural bait, baitfish, fishbait, scents or natural or synthetic devices capable of catching fish except artificial flies or streamers.</li> <li>Only artificial flies and streamers constructed in a normal fashion using natural and/or synthetic materials on a single hook with the components wound on or about the hook.</li> <li>A person may fish only with conventional fly fishing tackle. The use of spinning, spincast, and casting reels is prohibited.</li> <li>Fly fishing is permitted throughout the year.</li> </ul> OWENS CREEK FISHING REGULATIONS: Maryland fishing lisence and trout stamp required. All brook trout must be released. Along Foxville Deerfield Road <ul> <li>No tackle restrictions.</li> <li>Keep only 2 brown trout per day.</li> </ul> Along Rt. 550, down stream of Buck Lantz Road <ul> <li>March 1-May 31-Put and take (5 fish a day) with no tackle restrictions.</li> <li>June 1-February 28-Catch and release only, artificial lures only.</li> </ul>

Rock Climbing

Wolf Rock provides large enough rock formations for climbers to bring technical gear to scale up it's walls.

A rock climber wearing multiple harnesses and straps.

Safety Climbing Gear

Wolf Rock is a boulder field featuring a wolf-shaped boulder. The whole field is the size of a football field, but parts are grown over and parts are inaccessible due to crevasses. Please use caution while exploring the Wolf Rock area.

Catoctin Mountain Park is a place of geologic and natural beauty. Visitors have enjoyed the rock formations here for many years, through a variety of recreational activities. These activities include hiking, scrambling, bouldering, and climbing. The park’s beautiful rock faces are an irreplaceable resource. To make sure you have a great experience and ensure that those after you do as well, please review the following guidelines, rules, and regulations. <h4>Participation Guidelines</h4> Bouldering and Climbing at Catoctin Mountain Park have become increasingly popular. The following guidelines have been developed to help protect park resources and ensure visitors will be able to continue to participate in these activities in the future. Participation in any park activity is at your own risk. <ul> <li>Roped climbing is permitted only at Wolf Rock.</li> <li>The use of permanently fixed equipment is not permitted.</li> <li>Climbing activities are only allowed during daylight hours.</li> <li>Activities should only be conducted with the proper equipment and when conditions are safe.</li> <li>Equipment should not impede travel on established trails or damage natural features. Place equipment that is not in use on durable surfaces when possible.</li> <li>Vegetation should not be removed to “clean” or improve a route.</li> <li>Commercial use and/or use by guiding services requires commercial use authorization. Email cato_superintendent@nps.gov</li> <li>Stay on designated trails whenever possible.</li> <li>Park in designated areas only.</li> <li>Practice Leave No Trace principles.</li> </ul>   <h4>Wildlife</h4> Be aware of snakes as their habitat includes rocky areas. Copperheads and Timber Rattlesnakes can be found at Catoctin Mountain Park, and both species are venomous. They will not openly attack and will only strike when threatened or provoked. Please respect their habitat and maintain a safe distance. All wildlife at Catoctin Mountain Park is protected by law. <h4>Climbing</h4> Roped climbing is allowed only at Wolf Rock. The following activities are prohibited: <ul> <li>The placement of bolts, pitons, or any fixed or permanent anchors.</li> <li>Chipping, gluing, or drilling.</li> <li>Leaving climbing equipment or ropes unattended.</li> <li>Using non-climbing specific hardware (i.e. concrete anchors, home-made equipment).</li> </ul> Trees as Anchors: <ul> <li>Anchoring on trees is permitted at Wolf Rock if the equipment does not cause physical damage to trees or plants.</li> <li>Equipment must keep bark, lichen, and branches intact and unharmed.</li> </ul>   <h4>Bouldering</h4> Bouldering is allowed at most rock outcroppings throughout the park. <ul> <li>Prevent damage to natural vegetation by placing crash pad in a location that does not require removal of, or cause damage to, native plant life.</li> <li>Make sure your equipment does not obstruct trails.</li> <li>Place equipment that is not in use on durable surfaces where possible.</li> <li>Remove chalk and tick marks when you are done or use natural colored chalk.</li> </ul>

Pets are not allowed at Rock Climbing locations.

Wolf Rock is the only location on site open to technical rock climbing.

Rock Landscapes and Features

Self-Guided Tours - Walking

This 1.3 mile loop trail travels along Owens Creek, exploring the historical and ecological importance of the area.

A brown wooden sign reading "Deerfield Nature Trail" next to a trail winding through a forest.

Deerfield Nature Trail

The Deerfield Nature Trail can be accessed from the Owens Creek Campground. The trail also connects with the orange blazed horse trail. Parking is available by the Owen Creek Sawmill Exhibit boardwalk and the Owens Creek Picnic Area.

The Deerfield Nature Trail takes you through a rich cultural history from American Indians gathering resources for stone tools to early European settlers homesteading in the area to start a new life. This 1.3 mile loop trail will reflect on the resources that were used to help people survive and thrive.

Colonization and Settlement

Indigenous and Native Warrior

The Brown's Farm Trail is a mostly flat, half-mile loop trail that passes through several different forest ecosystems and the remains of an early 1900s farmstead.

A wooden boardwalk cutting through a green forest.

Brown's Farm Trail

The Browns Farm Trail starts wiith a 0.4 mile loop lstarting and leading back to the Owens Creek Picnic Area, marked by a white triangle blaze. 

The ecosystem (community of plants, animals, and other living things, even bacteria) continues to change today. The National Park Service carefully monitors deer populations, because too many deer and too few predators can harm the forest's young plants. Hikers and picnickers bring invasive plants without knowing: non-native seeds hitchhike on pant legs and car tires. As you walk along the Brown's Farm Trail, take a moment to look, listen, and breathe in the fresh air, because tomorrow or next year, it will be different.

The Owens Creek Picnic Area is closed during the winter.

Forests and Woodlands

This one-half mile loop trail will take you along several exhibits and displays that will tell the story of the once thriving charcoal making industry on the mountain. 

A triangular wooden hut made of sticks in a forest.

Charcoal Trail Collier's Hut

The trail is readily accessible from the Thurmont Vista Parking Area. The Charcoal Exhibit Trail can also be accessed from the nearby Thurmont Vista Trail (Blazed Pink/Purple Rectangle) or from the Hog Rock Loop Trail (Blazed Yellow Rectangle.)

Towards the end of the 18th century and throughout the 19th century, the mountain was lit up by the fires of charcoal hearths. A thriving charcoal industry once existed on the mountain with colliers all across the mountainside tending to charcoal hearths in order to provide fuel for the iron furnace at the base of the mountain. With life-size exhibits and wayside panels, the Charcoal Exhibit Trail provides a glimpse into the lives of those who worked in the charcoal industry.

The Thurmont Vista Parking Lot is closed during the winter. 

This one-half mile loop trail will take you along several exhibits and displays that will tell the story of the once thriving charcoal making industry on the mountain.

Charcoal Exhibit Trail

Industry

The Spicebush Trail is a short informative walk with wayside panels describing the ever-changing forests at Catoctin Mountain Park. 

A man sitting in a wheelchair reading a wayside panel in a forest.

Spicebush Trail

This quarter-mile interpretive trail is wheelchair-accessible with a natural-looking specially bonded WoodCarpet® that is firm and stable. The trailhead is in the Chestnut picnic area. Accessible parking and two wheelchair-accessible picnic tables connect to the trail. Restrooms are within 200'. Historic Camp Greentop, known for its tradition of serving children with disabilities, is also very close.

Catoctin Mountain Park's forests have constantly undergone change from a variety of sources. Humans had previously shaped the landscape through agriculture and industry, but upon entering the National Park Service the forest has reclaimed the mountain. Invasive species, disease, weather phenomena, and successional growth continue to shape the forests to this day. The Spicebush Trail provides insight into the history of Catoctin Mountain's ever-changing forests. The trail is wheelchair-accessible with a natural-looking specially bonded WoodCarpet® that is firm and stable.

The Chestnut Picnic Area is closed during the winter.

Deciduous Forests

As you travel along the Blue Blazes creek, interpretive trailside signs explore stream ecology and the history of whiskey production on Catoctin Mountain during the time of Prohibition. The trail concludes at an actual whiskey still.

A stone oven with a metal caldron on top, draining into a wooden barrel.

Blue Blazes Whiskey Still Exhibit

The Blue Blazes Whiskey Still Trail is accessed from the gravel parking lot across from the visitor center. The trailhead begins just before the wooden footbridge at the northwest corner of the gravel parking lot. The one-way trail runs for 0.3 miles.

The flowing freshwater of Blue Blazes Creek has always been an important resource. Many sensitive freshwater invertebrates, amphibians,a nd fish call the stream home. During the Prohibition Era, the freshwater was also used in a large-scale, illegal whiskey operation. Hike along the creek for 0.3 miles to learn about the biological diversity and the culture of whiskey production in the region. Coming to the end of the trail, wayside panels narrate the tragic police raid on the whiskey operation that was ran on the mountain. A historic whiskey still exhbit sits at the end of the trail describing the distilling process. 

Blue Blazes Whiskey Still Trail

Tragic Events

Watersheds

Headwaters

Birdwatching

The calm forests of the western side of the park make for an ideal location to observe wildlife.

A woodpecker on the side of a snow covered log.

Woodpecker in Winter

The Brown's Farm Trail is a mostly flat half-mile loop and a half mile connector trail that is accessible from the Owens Creek Picnic Area and Camp round Meadow.

The hardwood forest and stream environment provides excellent habitat for many species of birds. Over 200 species are thought to occur in the park during some part of the year, including the wild turkey, which started to reoccupy its old habitat in the 1960's. The pileated woodpecker is also abundant in the park due to the vast expanse of hardwood forest that this bird requires to live. The Brown's Farm Trail is an excellent location to see birds in multiple habitats, all easily accessible from a short, easy hike.

The Owens Creek Picnic Area is closed during the winter season.

Birds can be observed throughout the entire park, but the secluded nature of the west side makes it ideal for birdwatching.

Birdwatching - Brown's Farm Trail

Birds

This loop is the most strenuous trail in our park as the trail is steep, narrow and at times can be slippery. The actual trail at times can be hard to identify so follow the map closely. This Trail is designated by an orange blaze. A trail map and compass are advised. This trail features two of the most well known rock formations at Catoctin Mountain Park: Chimney Rock and Wolf Rock. Each of these rock formations are great places to stop and enjoy lunch or just take in the scenery.

From Parking Lot at Park Headquarters (off Md. 77) Est. Time 0.2 M to Trailhead intersection (moderate incline) 10 minutes 1.1 M to Chimney Rock (steep, narrow incline) 35 minutes 0.5 M to Wolf Rock (moderate incline) 15 minutes 0.6 M to Wolf Rock Parking Lot (moderate incline) 25 minutes 1.1 M to Parking lot at HQ (steep downhill) 35 minutes Total: 3.5 Miles, 2 Hours

Admission to the park is FREE, but for those who qualify, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm">Senior Passes, Military Passes, Access Passes, and Every Kid in a Park</a> passes are available at the visitor center.

Fall foliage at Chimney Rock.

Wolf Rock/Chimney Rock Loop - is accessed or started from three different places. Access to this loop is off of Md. 77 from the parking lot in front of the National Park Service Headquarters-also known as Camp Peniel. There is an additional parking lot directly across from the Catoctin Mountain Park Headquarters. When parking at these parking lots, visitors will need to pick up the trailhead 20 ft west on Md. 77 on the right hand side of the road. The trailhead is marked by a sign that reads: Chimney Rock 1.1 M / Wolf Rock 1.5 M. The second place to begin this loop is from the parking lot at the Visitor Center. The trailhead starts at the end of the paved parking lot on the left. The Third place visitors can access this trailhead is 0.5 miles up Park Central Road from the Visitor Center at the Wolf Rock Parking Lot.

<h3>Visit Chimney Rock</h3> Along every hill and in every bend in the trail, a new experience, a new beauty, a new connection to Nature, waits for you at Catoctin Mountain Park. This semi-strenuous trail begins and ends at the East Corner of the paved parking area by the Visitor Center. The hike is 3.9 miles round trip and provides stunning views of the mountains from the top of Chimney Rock.  This loop is the most strenuous trail in our park as the trail is steep, narrow and at times can be slippery. The actual trail at times can be hard to identify so follow the map closely; it is designated by an orange blaze. A trail map and compass are advised. This trail features two of the most well known rock formations at Catoctin Mountain Park: Chimney Rock and Wolf Rock. Each of these rock formations are great places to stop and enjoy lunch or just take in the scenery. Chimney Rock reaches a maximum elevation of 1419 ft and Wolf Rock has an elevation of 1401 ft.

If you hike with your pet in Catoctin Mountain Park, it must be on a leash 6 feet or less. This is to protect you, your dog and the wildlife and plants in the park. To be safe, you need to walk, not run, because there are tree roots and rocks on the trails and someone could get hurt if he/she goes too quickly.

This loop is the most strenuous trail in our park as the trail is steep, narrow and at times can be slippery.

Chimney Rock reaches a maximum elevation of 1419 ft and Wolf Rock has an elevation of 1401 ft. Great for a romantic hike for that offers opportunities to get back in touch with nature and time to reflect on natures peacefulness and beauty.

The park is open daily from dawn until dusk.

Hike to Chimney Rock: The Orange Blazed Trail

This loop is a moderate hike with uphill and downhill sections of the trail that include moderate to steep inclines. This trail is the longest loop (without making any variations) and features Maryland’s largest cascading waterfall at 78 feet and two stunning vistas. The Hog Rock Vista is the highest elevation overlook on any of the trails/loops reaching 1610 ft. Expect hills, uneven surfaces, and rocky terrain along this loop trail. The Hog Rock formation is a pet free area.

From Parking Lot at Visitor Center (off Md. 77) Est. Time 1.2 M to Cunninham Falls (moderate incline/decline) 40 minutes 1.0 M to Hog Rock (moderate/steep incline) 40 minutes 0.7 M to Blue Ridge Summit (moderate incline/decline) 20 minutes 0.7 M to Pink Trail Intersection (moderate incline/decline) 20 minutes 0.6 M to Orange/Pink Trail Intersection (moderate decline) 20 minutes 0.4 M to Visitor Center (moderate/steep decline) 20 minutes Total: 4.6 Miles, 2.5 Hours

A white, cascading waterfall flowing through boulders in a forest.

Cunningham Falls

Access this trail from any of these parking lots: Visitor Center, Wolf Rock, Thurmont Vista, or Hog Rock. The loop makes a complete circle back to any of these access points. The First place to begin this loop is from the parking lot at the Visitor Center. The trailhead starts at the end of the paved parking lot on the left. The Second place visitors can access this trailhead is 0.5 miles up Park Central Road from the Visitor Center at the Wolf Rock Parking Lot. The Third place visitors can access this trailhead is from the Thurmont Vista Parking Lot around 1 mile up Park Central Road from the Visitor Center. The Fourth Place visitors can access this trailhead is from the Hog Rock Parking Lot around 2 miles up Park Central Road from the Visitor Center. Note: The Thurmont Vista and Hog Rock Parking Areas are closed during winter. The Cunningham Falls are located within the boundaries of Cunningham Falls State Park and State Park regulations and guidelines apply.

<h3>Visit Cunningham Falls, Hog Rock, & Blue Ridge Summit</h3>   This trail provides hikers the opportunity to experience the majesty of Cunningham Falls cascading down 78 feet, and the mountain vistas from Hog Rock and Blue Ridge Summit., completing a 4.6 mile loop.  Marked by a yellow blaze, this trail varies in difficulty from moderate to strenuous, circling across the mountainside through the thick second growth forests and impressive geological formations. The viewpoints from the highest summits in the park are well worth the hike.

This loop is a moderate hike with uphill and downhill sections of the trail that include moderate to steep inclines. This trail is the longest loop (without making any variations) and features Maryland’s largest cascading waterfall at 78 feet and two stunning vistas. The Hog Rock Vista is the highest elevation overlook on any of the trails/loops reaching 1610 ft. Expect hills, uneven surfaces, and rocky terrain along this loop trail.

Hike to the Falls and Hog Rock: The Yellow Blazed Trail

This loop is a moderate trail with both uphill and downhill sections. The maximum elevation reached on this trail/loop is at the Thurmont Vista Overlook with an elevation of 1499 feet. Expect unven and rocky surfaces.

From Thurmont Vista Parking Lot (off Park Central Road) Est. Time 0.5 M to Thurmont Vista (moderate/steep incline) 20 minutes 0.9 M to Orange Blaze Junction (moderate incline/decline) 30 minutes 0.6 M to Wolf Rock Parking Lot (moderate/steep decline) 25 minutes 0.6 M to Thurmont Vista/Yellow Blaze Junction (moderate incline/decline) 25 minutes 0.2 M to Thurmont Vista Parking Lot (moderate decline) 5 minutes Total: 2.8 Miles, 1-2 Hours

A wooden bench overlooking a view from a forested mountaintop.

Thurmont Vista Overlook

The Thurmont Vista Loop (the Pink Trail) is accessed or started from two different places. Access to this loop is off of Park Central Road by the Thurmont Vista Parking Lot, 1.1 miles north of the Visitor Center. The Second place visitors can access this trailhead is 0.5 miles up Park Central Road from the Visitor Center at the Wolf Rock Parking Lot. The loop is also accessed from trail junctions with the Yellow Trail near the Thurmont Vista Parking Lot, the Orange Trail near Wolf Rock, and the Yellow/Orange Trail near the Wolf Rock Parking Lot.

<h3>Visit Thurmont Vista</h3> A climb to the summit of a mountain is always an energizing experience. The Thurmont Vista Loop, designated by a pink blaze, takes hikers through a moderate uphill and downhill trail network along the ridge for 2.5 miles. The maximum elevation reached on this trail/loop is at the Thurmont Vista Overlook with an elevation of 1499 feet.

Thurmont Vista Overlook, the highlight of the Pink Trail, reaches a maximum elevation of 1,499 ft. A moderate hike, traversing the mountainside, this trail provides hikers an opportunity to experience the second growth forests that cover the park.

Hike to Thurmont Vista: The Pink Blazed Trail

Owens Creek Campground..............................................$30.00  Adirondack Shelters .........................................................$10.00 Poplar Grove Campground...............................................$35.00

A tan and green tent nestled amongst a grove of fall colored trees.

Owens Creek Camping

<h2>Owens Creek Campground</h2> <h4>Individual, family, and small-group camping for tents and small RVs. (There are no hook-ups.)</h4> <h2>Adirondack Shelters</h2> <h4>The Adirondack Shelters are available year-round. The shelters are located near the northern most point of the park. They are three-sided shelters - similar to those found on the Appalachian Trail.</h4>   <h2>Poplar Grove Youth Camp Site</h2> <h4>Organized Youth Group Tent Camping. There are three sites within Poplar Grove. Each site accommodates up to 25 persons. Groups share pit toilets, water and a pavilion. Each site has picnic tables, grills and a fire circle. Groups provide all personal convenience items, including toilet paper. For parking, each site accommodates one vehicle and one utility trailer.</h4>

For those looking for the genuine camping experience, Catoctin Mountain has the Owens Creek campground as well as the Poplar Grove Campground which is open to adult-supervised, organized youth groups whose members are under age 18. The park also has 2 wilderness shelters which are also reservation-only. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance. Check availability and make your reservation at <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/adirondack-shelters/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=72343">recreation.gov.</a> or call 1-877-444-6777.

Reservations can be made up to six months in advance. Check availability and make your reservation at <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/247762?q=Owens%20Creek%20Campground">recreation.gov</a> or call 1-877-444-6777.

Only the Adirondack Shelters are open year-round.

Catoctin Mountain has multiple traditional camping options for various group sizes.

Tent Camping

Picnicking

Want to grill and maybe take a hike afterwards? The Chestnut Picnic Area and the Owens Creek Picnic Area have many grills waiting for you. Both picnic areas are ideal places to begin hiking in the park.

A set of tables and benches amongst a fall colored forest.

Owens Creek Picnic Area

The Chestnut Picnic Area is 2.5 miles north of the Visitor Center on Park Central Road. Provides trail access: Spicebush Trail, Catoctin National Recreational Trail, and Horse Trail. Restroom facilities (flush toilets, seasonal). Map and bulletin boards. Multiple picnic tables and above ground grills. May temporarily close due to winter weather and/or icy road conditions.   The Owens Creek Picnic Area is along Foxville-Deefield Road. Provides trail access: Brown's Farm Trail, Horse Trail, Deerfield Nature Trail, and the Catoctin National Recreational Trail. Vault Toilet (seasonal). Map and bulletin board. May temporarily close due to winter weather and/or icy road conditions.

Both the Owens Creek and Chestnut Picnic Areas provide tranquil locations for people to gather under the trees to eat and relax. Both areas also are ideal locations to start hikes within the park. Many parking areas, such as the Visitor Center secondary parking area, the Thurmont Vista Parking Area, and the Hog Rock Parking Area, also offer several tables for folks to enjoy a home brought snack.

Picnic Areas are open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

The Picnic Areas are open seasonally dependent on weather. 

Catoctin Mountain Park offers many places for individuals to sit down and enjoy a meal under the forest canopy.

Picnic Areas

Museum Exhibits

Visitor Center Parking Lots There is no parking fee. Cost: $0.00

A large room with multiple history and nature exhibits with a central overlook display.

Visitor Center Exhibits

Visitor Center (GPS Address: 14707 Park Central Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788). Main parking lot: asphalt, contains 2 electric vehicle charging stations. Secondary parking lot: across Park Central Road from the Visitor Center, gravel surface. Restroom, maps, and information available at Visitor Center when open. Picnic Tables located by gravel lot. Additional parking: It is legal to park along Route 77 as long as your vehicle is entirely outside the white line. Route 77 is outside of the park jurisdiction.

The visitor center hosts new exhibits, installed in spring 2019. Learn about the history of Catoctin Mountain and the national park that was created here. American Indians, farmers, iron makers, the WPA, CCC, Jobs Corps and so many others played a role in making Catoctin Mountain Park the special place it is today. Discover how even your visit plays a part in the making of this park. 

Pets are not allowed in the visitor center.

Step inside the visitor center to walk through the park museum exhibits.

The park is open daily from dawn until dusk. The visitor center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March through November and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. December through February. It is closed on the following federal holidays: New Year's Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day Following guidance from the CDC and recommendations from state and local public health authorities in consultation with NPS Public Health Service officers, the visitor center is closed until further notice.

Park Museum

African American Heritage

Laborer and Worker

Civil War

World War II

Junior Ranger Program

The booklet contains a wide range of activites and can be adjusted for accessibilty to all age groups. Activites within the booklet include: Word puzzles, historical/natural/cultural identification exercises, artistic crafts, matching games, hiking activites and scavenger hunts, all culminating in a Jr Ranger Certificate upon successful completion where particiapants may come to the Visitor Center to be sworn in as a Jr Ranger and receive a special badge. If you are 6 years old or younger, complete at least 4 activities If you are between 7 and 9 years old, complete at least 9 activities. If you are between 10 to 12 years old, complete at least 12 activities. If you are over 12 years old, complete all of the activities.

The Junior Ranger Program is free and all supplies are provided to participants.

A group of park rangers and children posing around a visitor center sign.

Catoctin Mountain Junior Rangers

Stop by the Visitor Center and pick up a copy or download the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cato/learn/kidsyouth/upload/Junior-Ranger-Book-CATO-2017A.pdf">Junior Ranger Book (pdf 4.78MB) </a>and start working on becoming a Junior Ranger today! NOTE: Please be patient with the download as it is a very large file for a great book!

<h2>Become a Catoctin Mountain Park Junior Ranger</h2>   This 24-page activity guide highlights the unique resources of Catoctin Mountain Park and is geared for all ages! Take time in exploring and learning about the vast natural diversity the park has to offer, the long and rich history that exists on the mountain, and what you would expect to see when visiting the park.

Pets are not allowed inside the visitor center.

Come explore Catoctin Mountain Park with our Junior Ranger Book!

Catoctin Junior Ranger Program

Schools and Education

Horseback Riding

The horse trails can challenge the abilities of all riders, novice to competitive trail rider. Riders are surrounded by the beauty of the eastern hardwood forest and will experience creek crossings, rugged mountain terrain, and may also capture a glimpse of wildlife while on the trail.

Two riders on horseback moving along a trail through the forest marked by wood posts.

Horses on the Trail

Trailer parking is available across from the entrance to <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cato/planyourvisit/camp-greentop-directions.htm">Camp Greentop</a>. If the parking area is snow covered or muddy, horse trailers should be parked at Round Meadow and horses led or ridden along the shoulder of Park Central Road to the trails. Trails are open for day use only. The trails may temporarily close due to severe inclement weather conditions, or security closures.

Approximately 6 miles of trails are maintained in Catoctin Mountain Park for public horseback riding. These trails are identified with a Orange Triangle Blaze. The section of the Catoctin National Recreation Trail North of Park Central Road also accommodates equestrian use.

Pets must be kept on a leash at all times.

An informational brochure indicating trail access and trailer parking area may be obtained by telephoning 301-663-9388 or by stopping in at the park <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cato/planyourvisit/visitorcenter.htm">visitor center</a>.

Public riding is not permitted on any trails in the park other than the designated public horse trail.

Alert: Fire Restrictions: On Nov. 1, the MD Department of National Resources implemented a statewide ban on open air burning. Consistent with the state order, campfires and charcoal grilling are prohibited within Catoctin Mountain Park until the risk of wildfire is reduced.

Catoctin Mountain

Overview

Hours

Fees & Passes

Map

Things To Do

Category

8-Mile Loop Trail

Description

Cabin Camping

Description

Fees

Fishing at Lewis Pond

Description

Fly Fishing

Description

Rock Climbing

Description

Deerfield Nature Trail

Description

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