Catoctin Mountain Park

Rock formation with mountains in the background
A challenging hike leads to Chimney Rock, the most popular vista in the park.
A stone and wood building with plants and flowers in front
First time visitors should begin their park experience at the visitor center.
A slender-bodied, red salamander with black spots across its body.
Life is abundant at Catoctin Mountain Park, and habitat is plentiful for many salamander species.
A fast flowing stream cutting through a green forest.
Winding its way through the ridge, Big Hunting Creek is a popular fly fishing destination.
A log cabin in the woods
Visitors can stay overnight in one of the historic Misty Mount cabins.
A large angular boulder that resembles the shape of a wolf.
At the end of a boulder field the size of a football field, stands Wolf Rock. Do you see the wolf?
A rocky outcrop nestled amongst trees overlooking a valley.
Blue Ridge Summit offers hikers a view northward into Pennsylvania.
Multiple bright sun rays shining through a forest with log cabins.
Natural beauty envelopes the mountainside throughout the day.
Two riders, on horseback, walking through a forested trail.
The west side of the park is a popular trail riding destination.
Photos: National Park Service

About Catoctin Mountain Park

President Franklin D. Roosevelt created programs to give people a chance to rebuild their lives from the Great Depression. The Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps gave this land a second opportunity and through re-growth, a new role as a recreation area.

Quick Facts

State Maryland
Designation Park
State Code MD
Weather Summer (June-Aug) average temperature is between 61 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit. Fall (Sep-Nov) average temperature is between 45 and 64 degrees Fahrenheit. Fall foliage is at its peak in mid-October…

Location & Map

Catoctin Mountain Park is located in Maryland.

Operating Hours

Hiking trails and parking areas are open year round, dawn to dusk, but may close as a result of security or safety concerns. Consult the park's website for updates: http://www.nps.gov/cato/index.htm. The visitor center, camps, and campgrounds have separate hours. Please see descriptions for those facilities elsewhere.

Wednesday Sunrise to Sunset
Monday Sunrise to Sunset
Thursday Sunrise to Sunset
Sunday Sunrise to Sunset
Tuesday Sunrise to Sunset
Friday Sunrise to Sunset
Saturday Sunrise to Sunset

Activities

Camping Car or Front Country Camping Group Camping Climbing Compass and GPS Orienteering Fishing Fly Fishing Food Picnicking Hiking Front-Country Hiking Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Junior Ranger Program Skiing Cross-Country Skiing Snowshoeing Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

Getting There

To reach the visitor center from the east, follow US Route 15 to MD Route 77 and go west about 3 miles. The visitor center is on the right side of the road. From the west, take I 70 to MD 66 at exit 35. Turn left onto MD 66 north and travel about 5 miles, passing through the roundabout. Turn right onto MD 64 and drive 1 mile. Turn right onto MD 77. Drive on MD 77 about 7.5 miles. The visitor center is on the left.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 14707 Park Central Road, Thurmont, MD, 21788
Phone 3016639388

Topics & Themes

African American Heritage Industry Mills Logging and Timber Cutting Native American Heritage Reconstruction Social Movements Civil Rights Animals Birds Fish Climate Change Forests and Woodlands Geology Trails

Things To Do

8-Mile Loop Trail

8-Mile Loop Trail

Covering the majority of the sites on the east side of the park, the 8-Mile Loop Trail provides hikers with…

This loop is combines all three major tail systems on the east side of the park including the most strenuous…

Cabin Camping

Cabin Camping

Lodging in the park can facilitate groups both large and small.

Fishing at Lewis Pond

Fishing at Lewis Pond

The Lewis Pond offers a quiet and peaceful opportunity to go freshwater fishing.

The Lewis Pond is available for bass and sunfish fishing. statewide fishing regulations apply at the pond and there are…

Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing

Big Hunting Creek is a catch-and-return, fly fishing stream.

Big Hunting Creek is a catch-and-return, fly fishing stream.

Rock Climbing

Rock Climbing

Wolf Rock is the only location on site open to technical rock climbing.

Wolf Rock provides large enough rock formations for climbers to bring technical gear to scale up it's walls.

Deerfield Nature Trail

Deerfield Nature Trail

This 1.3 mile loop trail travels along Owens Creek, exploring the historical and ecological importance of the area.

This 1.3 mile loop trail travels along Owens Creek, exploring the historical and ecological importance of the area.

Visitor Centers

Visitor Center

The visitor center hosts new exhibits, installed in spring 2019. Learn about the history of Catoctin Mountain and the national park that was created here.…

Hours: The Visitor Center is currently open from 9am-4:30pm and features a small exhibit, store, restrooms, and trail advice.

Campgrounds

Adirondack Shelters

Reservations Required. No Walk Ins. There are two shelters that offer the bare minimum with regard to outdoor accommodation. Available year-round, the Adirondack Shelters located…

2 Sites

Camp Greentop

Located on the National Register of Historic Places, Camp Greentop is a perfect location for organized groups to hold large events, retreats, or conferences. The…

16 Sites

Camp Misty Mount

Advanced reservations required. Camp Misty Mount is a cabin rental facility for individuals, families, or small groups. This historic cabin camp was completed in 1937…

30 Sites

Camp Round Meadow

Advanced reservations required. Camp Round Meadow accommodates up to 120 guests in 4 heated dorms that sleep 30 people each. Each dorm has bathrooms with…

1 Sites

Owens Creek Campground

Advanced reservations required. Owens Creek Campground offers family camping in a wooded setting. There are 50 sites, 3 have ADA features. Maximum trailer length is…

50 Sites

Poplar Grove Youth Group Tent Campground

Reservations Required. No Walk-Ins. Poplar Grove is open to adult supervised organized youth groups whose members are under age 18. There are 3 sites within…

3 Sites

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