Plan Like a Park Ranger 2-Day Itinerary Catoctin Mountain Park

Catoctin Mountain Park is offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

NPS

For over half a century, Catoctin Mountain Park has served as the perfect getaway for those looking to find a break from city life. Situated atop the Blue Ridge, Catoctin Mountain Park offers breathtaking views, rich history, and endless opportunities for family fun.

We have crafted an itinerary for you to use either as a guide, or as a framework for planning your own visit. Catoctin Mountain not only offers opportunities for recreation during the day, but also offers campsites and cabins that families can reserve to spend the night!

Just like any excursion into one of our parks, the NPS wants you to plan like a park ranger. Whether you’re climbing, hiking, or just relaxing, bringing what you need and knowing where you’re going are essential to your trip’s success.

How to reserve a cabin or campsite

Cabins and campsites must be reserved online!

What to bring for an overnight stay

• Sleeping Bag or blankets: You don’t want to forget this!
• Extra clothes and warm clothes: Always have a change of clothes. You never know when you’ll get caught in the rain or get dirty. Even when its warm out, nights can sometimes get chilly, so having warm clothes just in case will ensure your overnight stay can go off without a hitch!
• Food: There are ample opportunities for grilling and picnicking at Catoctin Mountain.
• Cooler: If you bring perishables, be prepared to keep them cool. Cabins do not have a refrigerator!
• Swim gear: If you book a cabin at Camp Misty Mount, be sure to bring swimwear, goggles, towels, and sunscreen to enjoy the pool!

What to bring for hiking

• Water: Bring enough for your entire hike. You can fill up on water at the visitor center, your campsite, or your cabin camp.
• Snacks: It never hurts to have a snack on the trail, and if you find yourself on the trail longer than you expect, you’ll be prepared.
• Good hiking boots or shoes: Be prepared to walk long distances on rocky or uneven surfaces.
• Appropriate clothes/a hat: Always check weather and current conditions before you go on a hike and dress accordingly.
• Pack your trash out: We have trash receptacles at our bathrooms, picnic areas, campgrounds, cabins, and our visitors center. Please pack out any trash you create on your hike and dispose of it properly.
• A leash (if you’re bringing your pet): Pets must be on a leash at all times for the safety of your pet and the habitats we are working to preserve.
  • Pets are not allowed on the rock formations.
  • Also please know that it is strictly prohibited to leave your pet unattended, whether tethered or not. Your furry friend wants to be by your side!

Where to go (Day 1)

1. Visitor Center

   • When you arrive at Catoctin Mountain the first place you should stop is our visitor center. Here you can find maps and brochures available, as well as exhibits on the history of the park.

2. Eastern Trails

   • From the visitor center parking lot, you have easy access to the trails on the eastern side of the park. You can hike to scenic overlooks like Chimney Rock, Blue Ridge Summit Vista, and Hog Rock. A shorter hike takes you up the Blue Blazes Whiskey Trail which captures a unique aspect of Catoctin Mountain history.
   • You can even follow the trail to visit Cunningham Falls in our neighboring Cunningham Falls State Park. Please be careful when crossing Highway 77 as it is a major road.

3. Chestnut Picnic Area

   • After getting in some hiking, you can drive to the Chestnut Picnic Area off the Park Central Road for lunch. You can even use one of our on-site grills if you want to!

4. Camp Misty Mount

   • After lunch you can head over to your cabin at Camp Misty Mount, if you have booked a spot! This camp offers cabins ranging to three people all the way up to 12 people. This site is meant for individual families and small groups.
   • Camp Misty Mount offers potable water, flush toilets, and hot showers seasonally. You also have access to firewood and are allowed to collect deadfall to use for fire.
   • Large groups should consider reserving Camp Greentop or Camp Round Meadow. You can also camp at one of our campsites if that’s more your speed!
   • After a long day of hiking and learning at Catoctin Mountain, sit back and relax by the fire. You can even roast some hotdogs or s’mores!

Where to go (Day 2)

1. Owens Creek Sawmill

   • Kick off your second day with a visit to the Owens Creek Sawmill! This exhibit is a recreation of a sawmill which was reported to be in the area in the mid 1800s. The recreation was built by the Youth Conservation Corps and includes a wheelchair accessible ramp.

2. Western Trails

   • From the parking for the Owens Creek Sawmill, you have easy access to the trails on the western side of the park. These trails offer miles hiking through hardwood forest of Catoctin. This area is less trafficked and is a great place to enjoy a quiet walk in the woods.

3. Camp Misty Mount

   • Wrap up your last day at Catoctin with a dip in the pool at Camp Misty Mount. You can lay back and soak in the sun, or you jump in and enjoy the water. Either way, you will be ending your Catoctin getaway on a relaxing note.