catoctin-mountain | MD | Find 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.

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.

A large rocky outcropping overlooking a mountainside with fall foliage.

Chimney Rock provides an excellent view of the mountain's fall foliage.

Physical Address:

14707 Park Central Road

Thurmont, MD 21788

Mailing Address:

6602 Foxville Road

Thurmont, MD 21788

contact-details

Phone Number: 3016639388 Voice
Phone Number: 3012710205 Fax

Email Address: CATO_superintendent@nps.gov
Description:

Fees

Entrance Fees

Entrance Passes

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.

park designation:Park

Directions:

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.

For detailed directions, please visit this link.

Directions

Operating Hours:

Catoctin Mountain Park

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.

Weather Information:

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 Winter (Dec-Feb) average temperature is between 24 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter snowfall is between 5-12" per month. Spring (March-May) average temperature is between 41 and 63 degrees Fahrenheit. Average precipitation is approximately 4 inches per month. (Source: usclimatedata.com)