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Catoctin Mountain Park, Thurmont, MD

Photo: Sasha S, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sport & OutdoorOutdoor AdventureFreeLocal Gem

Catoctin Mountain Park

6602 Foxville Rd · Thurmont, MD

Why you should go…

Catoctin Mountain Park is a National Park Service area of roughly 5,000 acres in Maryland's Catoctin Mountains, built from the 1930s by the WPA and Civilian Conservation Corps on worn-out farmland. You get 25 miles of trails, from easy walks to strenuous climbs to rock formations such as Chimney Rock and Wolf Rock. Big Hunting Creek holds brown and brook trout, and you can rent a historic wooden cabin. The presidential retreat Camp David sits within the park but is closed to the public.

  • #national park
  • #hiking
  • #scenic overlook
  • #trout fishing
  • #camping

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Catoctin Mountain Park, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

    Free

    A basilica and museum in Emmitsburg, MD honoring the first American-born Catholic saint.

    8.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Hagerstown, Maryland

    Free

    A Western Maryland city surrounded by Civil War battlefields, state parks, and the Appalachian Trail.

    14 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Frederick, Maryland

    Free

    A walkable historic downtown of red-brick rowhouses, clustered church spires, and a lively arts and dining scene an hour from DC.

    15 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    The Great Bungee Company

    $50+

    Leap off a platform above a flooded quarry at Harpers Ferry, the area's newest adrenaline stop.

    26 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Great Falls Park

    Under $25

    Watch the Potomac River crash over a series of cascades from three overlooks, then hike the cliffs above Mather Gorge.

    45 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Rock Creek Park

    Free

    Hike, bike or ride wooded trails along Rock Creek through the city and stop at historic Peirce Mill.

    52 mi awayMore like this