Last updated: April 3, 2021
Thing to Do
Blue Blazes Whiskey Still Trail
NPS Photo/John Zuke
The flowing freshwater of Blue Blazes Creek has always been an important resource. Many sensitive freshwater invertebrates, amphibians,a nd fish call the stream home. During the Prohibition Era, the freshwater was also used in a large-scale, illegal whiskey operation. Hike along the creek for 0.3 miles to learn about the biological diversity and the culture of whiskey production in the region. Coming to the end of the trail, wayside panels narrate the tragic police raid on the whiskey operation that was ran on the mountain. A historic whiskey still exhbit sits at the end of the trail describing the distilling process.
Details
Duration
20-30 Minutes
0.3 miles
Activity
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
As you travel along the Blue Blazes creek, interpretive trailside signs explore stream ecology and the history of whiskey production on Catoctin Mountain during the time of Prohibition. The trail concludes at an actual whiskey still.
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
Blue Blazes Whiskey Still Trail
The Blue Blazes Whiskey Still Trail is accessed from the gravel parking lot across from the visitor center. The trailhead begins just before the wooden footbridge at the northwest corner of the gravel parking lot. The one-way trail runs for 0.3 miles.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
The park is open daily from dawn until dusk.
Accessibility Information
The blue blazes trail is not wheelchair accessible.