Join Us For an Incredible Trek in Catoctin Mountain and Cunningham Falls Parks!

A Moderate 5 Miles Including Cunningham Falls, Hog Rock Vista, and The Blue Ridge Summits with An Optional Post Hike Meal!

This hike is described as moderate only because most of the climbing is done in two short stretches: the first 0.25 mile and the 0.3 mile approaching Blue Ridge Summit Overlook. From past hikes, most people say that other than the first hill, this is a pretty easy hike and perfect for this time of year offering crisp and clear views!

Click Here to see pictures of a past trip on this trail!

"A hike through hardwood forests and over ridges of Catoctin Mountain, with views of the Blue Ridge and the Monocacy Valley. In spring, dogwoods and other flowering trees are abundant. In about 2.5-3 hours, you can visit a splendid waterfall, enjoy a spectacular view of the Monocacy watershed, and find an intimate cross ridge at Catoctin's summit and South Mountain, all while wandering through a second-growth, almost-old- growth-again, hardwood forest." From the book Hiking Maryland and Delaware

This loop is rated as moderate only because of the uphill and downhill sections of the trail that include moderate to steep inclines which pushes it our of the easy category and just on the cusp of our easy side of moderate category. The trail we are taking creates 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. Although Blue Ridge Summit does not reach this elevation it is the second highest overlook reaching a maximum elevation of 1520 ft. These magnificent scenes make memories that will last a lifetime.

Hike Pace

The hike pace will be that of an average hiker so about 2.5 mph. If we get a additional leaders from our leadership team we can offer additional pace options.

Trail Information

Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Thurmont
Elev. Gain: 700 feet
Length: 5.1 Total miles
Trail Type: Loop
Hike Time: About 3 hours
Skill Level: There is a steep hill in the very beginning but other than that it is considered an easy side of moderate hike.
Local Contacts: Catoctin Mountain Park

Weather Information
We hike rain or shine. Click here to see an up to the minute forecast for where we will be hiking.

Carpool Information

To carpool from the Baltimore area, meet at Savage Station. Click here for directions to Savage Station.

If you can drive or want to carpool from an additional location, please post your location in the comment section below. For those who need a ride, reach out to the drivers. Make friends, and support the environment - by just offering a ride!

Directions to the Trailhead

Click Here for Directions to Where We Meetup for This Hike.

Hike Meetup Time is at 10:00 a.m.

Carpool Meetup Time is 8:30 a.m.

Optional Post Hike Lunch Information and Menu

We will have an optional hike lunch at Cozy Restaurantas they welcome hikers and have a fabulous buffet for a great price. I will ask for a show of hands of who wants to join us there for a bite mid-way through the hike and contact them with how many will be attending the lunch so you can decide on the trail.

Gear Information

Click here for suggestions for what to wear and what not to wear for our hikes.

Please remember we are a social hiking group that values fellowship and camaraderie and practice good hike etiquette. We take breaks as necessary and have at least one guide in the front in addition to a "sweeper" in the back which means that no hiker is left behind. If you get upset because someone has to rest at the top of a hill etc. then please find another group! We are very supportive, encouraging, and focus on safety while getting or staying fit on the trail and practicing Leave No Trace outdoor ethics.

Fido is welcome on this Hike!

Let's have good times and see you on the trail! 

Tim: [masked]