Catoctin Mountain Park
14707 Park Central Road, Thurmont, MD
Park is open daily from dawn-dusk. Visitor Center hours vary by season.
$
parks, road-trips, hikes
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An awesome hiking spot with incredible views in Thurmont.
If you’re in this area of Maryland, you have to put Catoctin Mountain Park on your list of places to visit. The park is adjacent to Cunningham Falls, but the land is managed by the National Park System. The hiking and views are some of the best in the area. If you need further proof that Catoctin Mountain is beautiful, Camp David, the presidential retreat, is within the park (although visitors can not see it, obviously).
We recommend first starting at the visitor center. There, the kids can play in a well-stocked children’s area before you hit the trails. You’ll also be able to check out information about the area’s mining history. Be sure to pick up a Junior Ranger Booklet while you’re there. If you’re not familiar with the program, children complete tasks during their visit to the park and then return to the visitor center before leaving to be sworn in as a “Junior Ranger”. A park ranger will swear them in (complete with right hand raised to the air) and they’ll receive a very nice gold (plastic) badge. Our kids have done this at every National Park that we’ve visited and it’s always the highlight of the trip for them.
Catoctin Mountain is one of our favorite places to hike in the area. There are so many trails that are kid-friendly, but also interesting. From the visitor center, you can quickly access the Whiskey Stills Trail. This trail will take you to the remnants of an illegal, prohibition-era whiskey still. Hog Rock Nature Trail is also a great option for families that are looking for a slightly longer hike (1 mile). Kids will marvel at the giant rocks along the way and you’ll even be able to learn something about the local flora and fauna from signs posted on the trail.
You’ll find parking lots located conveniently throughout the park that make accessing trails much easier. Each trail offers something slightly different and it’s best to talk to a park ranger to choose a trail if you’re only going to have the chance to hike one or two. Their website also has a well-curated list of the easiest trails in the park. The park also has portable toilets and picnic tables located at the parking lots, making it much more manageable for families who want to stay the whole day!
(all photos are courtesy of NPS)