Hiking

Hiking can be enjoyed during all 4 seasons at Catoctin Mountain Park.

NPS Photo

 

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Healthy Parks - Healthy People
Hiking Challenge

Enjoy the park and improve your health by hiking the many scenic and interpretive trails. Stop by the visitor center to pick up your booklet to track your progress. After you complete each hike, you can stamp your booklet at the visitor center. Have fun!

Hall of Fame: Completed Challenges

Mark LeGrande 3/27/2011	Mary Eno 3/27/2011	Aimee Boumiea 6/30/2011
Michael Boumiea 6/30/2011	Kim J. Hawkins 7/1/2011	Dave Ozminski 7/1/2011
Russell J. Brown 8/31/2011	Lindsey Evers 8/31/2011	Michael J. Scobie 9/5/2011
Cheri H. Scobie 9/5/2011	Andrew J. Buskey 9/17/2011	Sandra Balliet 9/24/2011
Kylen Johnson 9/24/2011	Rajbei Gill 9/24/2011	Valerie Federman 9/24/2011
Steve Gold 9/24/2011	Ullrich Jentz 10/6/2011	Alyson Jentz 10/6/2011
Bob Sears 10/6/2011	Behrad Mahdi 10/8/2011	Maryane Zahn 10/15/2011
Joseph Zahn 10/15/2011	Carol 10/15/2011	Cathie Hardy 10/23/2011
Matthew Morrison 11/6/2011	Joe Bruce 11/20/2011	Laura Bruce 11/20/2011
Kevin Bruce 11/20/2011	Keira Bruce 11/20/2011	Kara Harris 12/17/2011
Chris Nelson 12/17/2011	Saleena DeVore 11/25/2011	Anne Shubert 12/30/2011
Mireya Pasa 1/8/2012	Janet Koontz 2/18/2012	Jay Koontz 2/18/2012
Annette Nowosielski 4/14/2012	Katrina Harris 7/27/12	D'mitri Harris 7/27/12
Jocelyn Harris 7/27/12	Carol Rabenhorst 12/15/12	James Blizzard 5/18/13

Special recognition to Matt Morrison for completing the challenge in two days.

 

click for a larger map

NPS map

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East Side Trails

The east side of the park features stunning vistas, challenging terrain, and access to Cunningham Falls. Most trailheads begin at the visitor center. Parking and trailheads are also available by the park headquarters and at three points along Park Central Road.

Click the map on the right for trail lengths or download guides of some more common trails:

Shorter in Length - 1 mile or less round trip

• Blue Ridge Summit Trail
• Blue Blazes Whiskey Still Trail
• Charcoal Trail
• Hog Rock Vista Trail
• Thurmont Vista Trail

Moderate in Length - 2.5 miles to 5 miles round trip

• Cunningham Falls Trail
• Cunningham Falls/Hog Rock/Blue Ridge Summit Loop
• Thurmont Vista Loop
• Wolf Rock/chimney Rock Loop
  

Longer in Length

8-MIle Loop Trail

 

click for a larger map

NPS map

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West side trails

The west side of the park is the wilder side. Adventurous hikers are more likely to see wildlife, wetlands, and an up-close view of nature. Remnants of former farms dot the land. The park's picnic areas, campgrounds, and back-country shelters connect with the trails.

The Catoctin Trail and the Horse Trail dominate the west side. Hikers may use the Catoctin Trail to access Cunningham Falls (~2 miles from the Chestnut Picnic Area).

Click on the map to the right for trail lengths and contours, or download the trail guides below:

• Brown's Farm Trail
• Spicebush Trail
• Horse Trail

 

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Tips for Planning Your Trip

1. Bring a daypack with food and water. No matter what season, visitors should always bring water when hiking.
2. Hike with a friend (buddy system). Dogs need to be on leashes at all times.
3. Wear sturdy hiking shoes. Sandals are not recommended.
4. Be aware of the weather! Check the weather forecast before you leave your house and plan accordingly (i.e. rain gear if possibility of rain). Wear layers of clothing to add or take off as the weather and your body temperature change.
5. Be aware of the trail and fauna (such as snakes and bees) on the trails. Avoid deviating from the trail and getting lost. This helps us protect the resources by limiting our impact on the forest. If wildlife is encountered do not taunt, touch or feed, and enjoy watching from a safe distance.
6. Be very careful at overlooks and rock formations to avoid slips and falls as the rocks can be slippery and the formations have long, deep crevices that can cause injury or death. Rock climbing at Wolf Rock is allowed by permit only (issued at Visitor Center).
7. Leave No Trace. We are a trash free park. Everything brought in needs to leave with you.
8. Leave wildflowers and other flora for all to enjoy.
9. Be aware that cell phones may not work in all areas of the park and many service providers do not work at all. Test your phone for coverage.
10. If you or someone you are with is injured report it to the first Park Ranger you encounter. (Emergency dispatch phone number: 1-866-677-6677).

Remember, walking/hiking estimated time varies on hiking ability and pace. Finally, have fun, be safe and have an adventure!