2014 Economic Impact

Date: March 5, 2014

Catoctin Mountain Park News Release

March 5, 2014
For Immediate Release
Mel Poole [phone]

National Park Survey Quantifies Catoctin Mountain Park's Local Economic Impact

Whether on vacation or taking a day trip, visitors to Catoctin Mountain Park spend time and money in the gateway communities surrounding the site. Spending by park visitors generates and supports a considerable amount of economic activity within communities adjacent to the park and throughout Frederick and Washington Counties. This spending generates revenues that support additional jobs and income.

Catoctin Mountain Park Superintendent Mel Poole commented, "Once again this study shows the positive economic impacts of national parks on the local and regional economies. We are pleased that Catoctin Mountain Park generates almost 200 jobs in surrounding communities and that every $1 received in the park budget generates $4 in non-local visitor spending."

A total of 248,188 people visited Catoctin Mountain Park in 2012 providing almost $4.9 million of benefits for the local economy.

Detail of these impacts, and the methodology used for the study are contained in the publication, 2012 National Parks Spending Effects, available at : 

Catoctin Mountain Park is one of over 400 units administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Correspondence should be addressed to: Superintendent, Catoctin Mountain Park, 6602 Foxville Road, Thurmont, MD 21788. Our website address is www.nps.gov/cato.The Visitor Center (301-663-9388) is open from 9:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. daily. Emergency or after hours calls should be directed to the National Capital Region Communications Center at 1-866-677-6677.