Covering the majority of the sites on the east side of the park, the 8-Mile Loop Trail provides hikers with a good challenge and rewards them with all of the best scenic points along the mountain ridge.
4-6 Hours
Lodging in the park can facilitate groups both large and small.
The Lewis Pond offers a quiet and peaceful opportunity to go freshwater fishing.
1-2 Hours
Big Hunting Creek is a catch-and-return, fly fishing stream.
Wolf Rock is the only location on site open to technical rock climbing.
This 1.3 mile loop trail travels along Owens Creek, exploring the historical and ecological importance of the area.
40-60 Minutes
The Brown's Farm Trail is a mostly flat, half-mile loop trail that passes through several different forest ecosystems and the remains of an early 1900s farmstead.
30-45 Minutes
This one-half mile loop trail will take you along several exhibits and displays that will tell the story of the once thriving charcoal making industry on the mountain.
20-30 Minutes
The Spicebush Trail is a short informative walk with wayside panels describing the ever-changing forests at Catoctin Mountain Park.
10-15 Minutes
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.
20-30 Minutes
Birds can be observed throughout the entire park, but the secluded nature of the west side makes it ideal for birdwatching.
30-60 Minutes
Chimney Rock reaches a maximum elevation of 1419 ft and Wolf Rock has an elevation of 1401 ft. Great for a romantic hike for that offers opportunities to get back in touch with nature and time to reflect on natures peacefulness and beauty.
2-4 Hours
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.
2-4 Hours
Thurmont Vista Overlook, the highlight of the Pink Trail, reaches a maximum elevation of 1,499 ft. A moderate hike, traversing the mountainside, this trail provides hikers an opportunity to experience the second growth forests that cover the park.
1-2 Hours
Catoctin Mountain has multiple traditional camping options for various group sizes.
Catoctin Mountain Park offers many places for individuals to sit down and enjoy a meal under the forest canopy.
Step inside the visitor center to walk through the park museum exhibits.
Come explore Catoctin Mountain Park with our Junior Ranger Book!
40-120 Minutes
Public riding is not permitted on any trails in the park other than the designated public horse trail.
If you would like to practice your orienteering skills, the park maintains courses that are available for public use.
Generally, the best skiing is along certain sections of park roads which are closed to vehicular traffic.
See what it takes to become a Junior Angler!
30-90 Minutes