Trails

Catoctin Mountain Park offers walks ranging from easy strolls to rugged hikes, with over 25 miles of trails to choose from. Trails have no blazes but are marked with signs at intersections.

Interpretive trails have either signs or exhibits along the trail, or an accompanying descriptive brochure.

Catoctin offers variety in the trails, scenic vistas, cultural exhibits, spectacular rock outcroppings, and if you're fortunate you may see a deer, hear a pileated woodpecker, or catch a glimpse of a chipmunk!

The Park brochure serves as the trail guide and is available at the visitor center or you may call (301) 663-9388 or write the park to request one to be sent to you.

Thurmont Vista For safety we recommend while hiking in Catoctin Mountain Park you:

Stay on trails.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, travel with a friend, and carry water.
Be alert for snakes, bees, and poison ivy.
Remember all plants and wildlife are protected in the park.
Don't disturb the wildlife; animals may bite in self defense.
Remember to lock your vehicle and secure valuables out of sight.
Park Rangers are here to help you, but safety is everyone's responsibility.

Hiker on Trail

You may also wish to visit the National Park Service web site that has many park maps available at: www.nps.gov/carto

TRAIL GUIDE

All the trails and self-guiding trails in both parks are described here. Many trails interconnect, so you may wish to plan a circular route to avoid retracing your steps. The trails are listed in alphabetical order by destination or name.

Trail Name/Destination	Round Trip	Ascent	Trailhead/Starting Point	Description
Blue Blazes Whiskey Still	0.6 mile 30 minutes	60 feet	Lot across Park Central Road from visitor center.	Easy Trailside Interpretive signs. Whiskey-making talks on scheduled weekends.
Brown's Farm	0.4 mile 30 minutes	20 feet	Owens Creek Picnic Area	Easy Printed interpretive guide. Environmental study area.
Cat Rock	9 miles 6 hours	1,120 feet	Manor Area.	Strenuous Passes Bob's Hill; magnificent views.
Cat Rock	3 miles 2 hours	700 feet	Parking lot across from NPS park headquarters, Md. 77.	Strenuous Last leg of trail is steep; beautiful overlook. Continues to Manor Area.
Charcoal	0.5 mile 30 minutes	20 feet	Thurmont Vista parking lot on Park Central Road.	Easy Trailside interpretive signs tell the story of charcoal making in the 1800s.
Chimney Rock	2.2 miles 2 hours	520 feet	NPS park headquarters on Md. 77.	Strenuous Rock formations and scenic view; use care on slippery rocks. Continues to Wolf Rock.
Cunningham Falls	2.8 miles 2 hours	240 feet	Lot across Park Central Rd. from visitor center.	Moderate Both uphill and downhill sections in the forest. Goes from the visitor center to the falls.
Cunningham Falls Disabled Access trail	0.3 mile 30 minutes	40 feet	Parking lot on Md. 77. Disabled permit parking only.	Easy Shortest access to falls; access for visitor with disabilities. Continues to William Houck Area.
Cunningham Falls Lower Trail	0.8 mile 1 hour	20 feet	William Houck Area	Moderate Follows Hunting Creek to falls. Connects with Cunningham Falls cliff trail.
Cunningham Falls Cliff Trail	0.8 mile 1 1/4 mile	300 feet	William Houck Area	Strenuous Rough terrain and rock outcrops. Connects with Cunningham Falls lower trail.
Deerfield	1.3 miles 1 hour	260 feet	Owens Creek Campground, near site 30.	Moderate Printed interpretive guide. Non-campers please park near bulletin board.
Hog Rock	1 mile 45 minutes	80 feet	Hog Rock parking lot on Park Central Rd.	Easy Printed interpretive guide. Loop trail with overlook.
Spicebush	0.2 mile 30 minutes		Chestnut Picnic Area	Easy Trailside interpretive signs. Teaches forest ecology. Hard surface for disabilities access.
Thurmont Vista	1 mile 45 minutes	240 feet	Thurmont Vista parking lot on Park Central Rd.	Moderate View of town of Thurmont. Continues to Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock.
Wolf Rock	1.8 mile 1 3/4 hour	400 feet	Wolf Rock parking lot on Park Central Rd, or visitor center.	Strenuous Rock formations and scenic view. Use care on slippery rocks. Continues to Chimney Rock.