Last updated: March 30, 2021
Thing to Do
Hike to the Falls and Hog Rock: The Yellow Blazed Trail
NPS Photo/John Zuke
Visit Cunningham Falls, Hog Rock, & Blue Ridge Summit
This trail provides hikers the opportunity to experience the majesty of Cunningham Falls cascading down 78 feet, and the mountain vistas from Hog Rock and Blue Ridge Summit., completing a 4.6 mile loop.
Marked by a yellow blaze, this trail varies in difficulty from moderate to strenuous, circling across the mountainside through the thick second growth forests and impressive geological formations. The viewpoints from the highest summits in the park are well worth the hike.
Details
Duration
2-4 Hours
From Parking Lot at Visitor Center (off Md. 77) Est. Time
1.2 M to Cunninham Falls (moderate incline/decline) 40 minutes
1.0 M to Hog Rock (moderate/steep incline) 40 minutes
0.7 M to Blue Ridge Summit (moderate incline/decline) 20 minutes
0.7 M to Pink Trail Intersection (moderate incline/decline) 20 minutes
0.6 M to Orange/Pink Trail Intersection (moderate decline) 20 minutes
0.4 M to Visitor Center (moderate/steep decline) 20 minutes
Total: 4.6 Miles, 2.5 Hours
Activity
Hiking
This loop is a moderate hike with uphill and downhill sections of the trail that include moderate to steep inclines. This trail is the longest loop (without making
any variations) and features Maryland’s largest cascading waterfall at 78 feet and
two stunning vistas. The Hog Rock Vista is the highest elevation overlook on any
of the trails/loops reaching 1610 ft. Expect hills, uneven surfaces, and rocky
terrain along this loop trail. The Hog Rock formation is a pet free area.
any variations) and features Maryland’s largest cascading waterfall at 78 feet and
two stunning vistas. The Hog Rock Vista is the highest elevation overlook on any
of the trails/loops reaching 1610 ft. Expect hills, uneven surfaces, and rocky
terrain along this loop trail. The Hog Rock formation is a pet free area.
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
Yellow Loop Trail
Access this trail from any of these parking lots: Visitor Center, Wolf Rock, Thurmont Vista, or Hog Rock. The loop makes a complete circle back to any of these access points. The First 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 Second 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 Third 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 Fourth 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.
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
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
The park is open daily from dawn until dusk.
Accessibility Information
The Yellow Loop Trail is not wheelchair Accessible.
Handicap Parking is available at the boardwalk to the base of Cunningham Falls off of MD Rt. 77
Handicap Parking is available at the boardwalk to the base of Cunningham Falls off of MD Rt. 77