Getting to Catoctin Mountain Park
Catoctin Mountain Park sits in the Catoctin Mountains in Thurmont, Maryland, which is not far from the more well known city of Frederick, MD. The Catoctin Mountains form the Northeastern part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Blue Ridge Mountains reside in the much larger Appalachian Mountain system. While Catoctin Mountain Park does not go through the Appalachian Trail, they are only about 3 miles apart.
Fees & Cancellation Stamp
Entry to Catoctin Mountain Park is FREE! The cancellation stamp can be found in the Visitor Center.
Time Required
Catoctin Mountain Park is perfect for day hiking. If you would like to hike and check our other nearby parks, stay for a weekend at the campground!
Lodging in Catoctin Mountain Park
Owens Creek Campground is the only campground in CMP. There are 50 sites for either tents or campers no longer than 22 feet; however, be sure to make reservations because walk-ins are not allowed. There are restrooms and hot showers but no hook-ups. Camp Misty Mount has 30 cabins available to rent for individuals, families, or small groups.
Camp Greentop and Camp Round Meadow are camps for larger groups (think school or youth groups) that have heated cabins, dining halls, etc.
If you would like to see two parks on one trip, consider visiting Cunningham Falls State Park, also has campgrounds and cabins. Cunningham Falls is quite literally across the street from Catoctin Mountain Park.
Hiking in Catoctin Mountain Park
The East side
The East side is the most popular section. It holds all the popular vistas on well-known trails. It’s also the more challenging side.
I have hiked here many times and done most of the trails. I’m not sure that I’ve done all the ones in the middle but I’ve done the whole loop twice. The main loop is about 9 miles and includes all 7 vistas. Then, there is an extended loop (which includes the White Blazes) that is a little over 10 miles. Beware: the white blazed trail is not very popular. This is good in the sense that it’s not busy. It’s bad in that it’s hard to follow and involves a small amount of bushwhacking.
The West side
The West side is not as steep, but it is also not as busy. This is also where the campground is. If you only have 1 day, I would probably recommend the East side so you can get a true taste of the park. However, if you live nearby or are staying for a weekend, I would spend one day on each side of the park.
On the West side I have hiked a loop on parts of the blue and orange trails, which went through the campground and was very peaceful!
My recommendations
My number one recommendation is to do the normal main loop (not the extended loop) that goes to all the vistas. This allows you to get in some miles and see all the overlooks the park has to offer. It includes the famous Wolf Rock (pictured above). It also includes a small detour across the street to the main waterfall in Cunningham Falls State Park. Most people like to end with that and have the falls be their reward.
Know before you go
Parking fills up VERY fast on the weekends and throughout the summer. There are smaller parking lots at most of the vistas where you can hop on the trails. You are also able to park along the road outside of the Visitor Center if need be.
There is no food in the park, though the Visitor Center sells bottles of water and Gatorade. Since the park is on a mountain, there is no food within a close vicinity. Be prepared to drive 15-20 minutes for the closest gas station and/or restaurant.
Last Updated: December 3, 2022
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