Alerts & Conditions

 

• COVID-19 Update. Changes to park operations.

In response to guidance from the CDC and recommendations from state and local public health authorities, Catoctin Mountain Park has modified operations to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Catoctin Mountain Park will offer no services beyond those that support essential visitor and resource protection. The following services and operations will be suspended. Please plan your visit accordingly.

• There will be NO drinking water available. Bring plenty of water with you.
• There will be NO restroom facilities available. Please plan accordingly.
• There will be NO trash pickup. Pack out everything you bring into the park.
• The Visitor Center, Camp Round Meadow, Poplar Grove Youth Campground, and the Adirondack shelters are closed until further notice.
• All public programs and education programs are suspended.
• All permits have been cancelled through May 21, and the park will not accept applications for any activities prior to that date.
• Park facilities, such as Owens Creek Campground and Camp Misty Mount, are closed until further notice.

Hiking trails remain open for recreational use, but trail brochures have been removed from the trailheads in order to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. If you need a map, please photograph the version displayed in the bulletin board or map box, or download a copy from the website.

Try to exercise close to home.

If you are coming to the park, please:

• Park only in designated areas.
• Engage only in low risk activities.
• Maintain social distance (at least 6 feet) from other visitors.
• Avoid crowded trailheads and overlooks.
• Take home everything you bring with you, including trash.

Please choose to visit areas that are not crowded or come at less busy times to allow for social distancing. Trails on the westside of the park usually receive less use and are good alternatives for safe hiking.

The National Park Service encourages people who choose to visit the national parks during this pandemic to adhere to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local public health authorities to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. As services are limited, the NPS urges visitors to continue to practice Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safe and healthy. See more information at www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website and social media channels.