8-Mile Loop Trail

Summer foliage at Chimney Rock.

NPS Photo/John Zuke

Visit All of the East Side 

 
This loop is a combination of all of the three major loops in the park and completes an 8.5 mile loop. The loop makes a complete circle back to any of these access points. While hiking this loop visitors will experience Cunningham Falls, Hog Rock, Blue Ridge Summit, Thurmont Vista, Wolf Rock, and Chimney Rock. This loop combines moderate and strenuous trails for a great day of hiking. Smaller trail loops can be incoporated on this lager loop to extend the hike.

Please use caution when walking along rock surfaces. These areas can be slippery. Closely supervise children at all times. Watch for rattlesnakes in the areas of Chimney Rock and Wolf Rock. Wolf Rock, Chimney Rock, & Hog Rock formations are pet free areas.
 

Details

Duration

4-6 Hours

From Parking Lot at Park Headquarters (off Md. 77) Est. Time

0.2 M to Trailhead intersection (moderate incline) 10 minutes

1.1 M to Chimney Rock (steep, narrow incline) 35 minutes

0.5 M to Wolf Rock (moderate incline) 15 minutes

1.2 M to Thurmont Vista (moderate incline) 40 minutes

1.2 M to Blue Ridge Summit Vista (moderate decline/incline) 40 minutes

0.7 M to Hog Rock (moderate incline) 20 minutes

1.0 M to Cunningham Falls (moderate and steep decline) 35 minutes

1.2 M to Visitor Center (moderate incline) 40 minutes

1.0 M to Trailhead intersection (moderate decline/incline) 30 minutes

0.2 M to Parking Lot at Park Headquarters (off Md. 77) 10 minutes

Total: 8.3 Miles, 4.5+ Hours

Activity

Hiking

This loop is combines all three major tail systems on the east side of the park including the most strenuous trail in our park as the trail is steep, narrow and at times can be slippery. When hiking along the trail, hikers will follow yellow, pink, and oragne blazes depending on the section. A trail map and compass are strongly advised. This trail features three of the most well known rock formations at Catoctin Mountain Park: Hog Rock, Chimney Rock, and Wolf Rock. Each of these rock formations are great places to stop and enjoy lunch or just take in the scenery. The loop also passes by the Cunningham Falls, Thurmont Vista, and Blue Ridge Summit. 

Pets Allowed

Yes

If you hike with your pet in Catoctin Mountain Park, it must be on a leash 6 feet or less. This is to protect you, your dog and the wildlife and plants in the park. To be safe, you need to walk, not run, because there are tree roots and rocks on the trails and someone could get hurt if he/she goes too quickly.

Activity Fee

No

Admission to the park is FREE, but for those who qualify, Senior Passes, Military Passes, Access Passes, and Every Kid in a Park passes are available at the visitor center.

Location

8-Mile Loop

Access this trail from any of these parking lots: Visitor Center, Park Headquarters, Wolf Rock, Thurmont Vista, or Hog Rock. The loop makes a complete circle back to any of these access points. Access to this loop off of Md. 77 is from the parking lot in front of the National Park Service Headquarters-also known as Camp Peniel. There is an additional parking lot directly across from the Catoctin Mountain Park Headquarters. When parking at these parking lots, visitors will need to pick up the trailhead 20 ft west on Md. 77 on the right hand side of the road. The trailhead is marked by a sign that reads: Chimney Rock 1.1 M / Wolf Rock 1.5 M. The second place to begin this loop is from the parking lot at the Visitor Center. The trailhead starts at the end of the paved parking lot on the left. The Third place visitors can access this trailhead is 0.5 miles up Park Central Road from the Visitor Center at the Wolf Rock Parking Lot. The Forth place visitors can access this trailhead is from the Thurmont Vista Parking Lot around 1 mile up Park Central Road from the Visitor Center. The Fifth Place visitors can access this trailhead is from the Hog Rock Parking Lot around 2 miles up Park Central Road from the Visitor Center.

Note: The Thurmont Vista and Hog Rock Parking Areas are closed during winter. The Cunningham Falls are located within the boundaries of Cunningham Falls State Park and State Park regulations and guidelines apply. 

Reservations

No

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

This loop contains the most strenuous trail in our park as the trail is steep, narrow and at times can be slippery. It is also the longest trail network in the park.

Time of Day

Day

The park is open daily from dawn until dusk.

Accessibility Information

Chimney Rock Trail

This trail is not wheelchair accessible. 
 

Thurmont Vista Trail

This trail is not wheelchair accessible. 
 

Hog Rock Trail

This trail is not wheelchair accessible. 
 

Cunningham Falls Nature Trail

This trail is not wheelchair accessible.