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Catoctin Mountain Park
Hiking
hiker
NPS Photo
Hiking can be enjoyed during all 4 seasons at Catoctin Mountain Park.
 
trail log

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75th Anniversary Hiking Challenge

Celebrate 75 years of successful renewal and recreation by hiking all of the park's 25 miles of trails. Begin by downloading (3.6M) your trail log or obtaining one at the Visitor Center. When printing, print double-sided and fold into quarters.

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 10/15/11

Joseph Zahn 10/15/11 Carol 10/15/11 Cathie Hardy 10/23/11
Matthew Morrison 11/6/11 Joe Bruce 11/20/11 Laura Bruce 11/20/11
Kevin Bruce 11/20/11 Keira Bruce 11/20/11 Kara Harris 12/17/11
Chris Nelson 12/17/11 Saleena DeVore 11/25/11  

Special recognition to Matt Morrison for completing the challenge to two days.
 
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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 and contours, or download guides of some more common trails:

Shorter in Length - 1 mile or less round trip

Moderate in Length - 2.5 miles to 5 miles round trip

Longer in Length

8-Mile Loop Trail

 
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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:

 

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: 1-301-714-2235 ).

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

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Pileated Woodpecker on a tree in the Catoctin forest.

Did You Know?
Pileated Woodpeckers are the 2nd largest woodpecker in North America. Male has a red ‘moustache’ and the female has black. Lifespan in the wild can be 8-12 years. The pileated is the only member of the woodpecker family that drills an oval-shaped hole.

Last Updated: December 23, 2011 at 13:10 MST