Catoctin Mountain Park Circuit

Overview: OVERVIEW: This 9.4 mile circuit hike offers all of the scenic highlights in Catoctin Mountain National Park. Beginning with Cunningham Falls, then Hog Rock, Blue Ridge Summit Overlook, Thurmont Vista, Wolf Rock, Chimney Rock (lunch spot) then returns along Hunting Creek. This hike is rated hard as many sections are rocky, and total ascent is 1,500+ feet.

This loop includes an optional bushwacking hill climb at the end of the hike which includes a 500 foot ascent in just under a mile.

DIRECTIONS TO HIKE SITE: I70 West to Frederick, MD. Take Route 15 North to Thurmont, MD. Take Route 77 West (the exit sign says Catoctin Mountain Park. Travel approximately 3 miles west on 77 and turn right onto Park Central Road. The Visitor Center is on the right.

Address: 14707 Park Central Road, Thurmont, MD

Tips: Bring plenty of water, especially in the humid summer months. Walking poles assist with inclines and declines. Bring lunch along as this hike takes at least four hours.