Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group

Catoctin! Cunningham Falls: Cat, Hog, Wolf, and Chimney Rocks Plus the 2 Vistas!

January 5 · 9:00 AM
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Catoctin Mountain Plus Cunningham Falls, Cat Rock, Hog Rock, Wolf Rock, Chimney Rock, and Thurmont and Blue Ridge Vistas with Optional Post Hike Lunch!

An Easy Side of Strenuous 10.8 Miles

A magnificent 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 the fall the colors are spectacular. In about 5 hours, you will 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." This is an excellent hike for all four seasons and a must-experience adventure for anyone able to go the distance and handle a couple of challenging hills. Be certain to bring your camera on this hike!

Transition Hike

This is a fantastic hike for anyone looking to progress from moderate to strenuous hikes. While they are pretty short, the hills are steeper than in many hikes. So add that to close to 11 miles of distance and this hike is on the easy side of strenuous and great for the further develop of your hiking legs.

Trail Information

Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Thurmont
Elev. Gain: 2200 feet
Length: 10.8 Total miles
Trail Type: Loop
Hike Time: About 5 hours
Skill Level: There are some steep climbs in this hike. Added to the total difference this is an easy side of strenuous hike.
Local Contacts: Catoctin Mountain Park

Note to hike leaders: This is hike 20 from the book "Circuit Hikes in VA, WV, MD and PA". IF you do not have this map and book, please contact Kellie so she can order it for you.

Gear Information

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

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

Carpool Information
There are 3 carpools for this hike!
DC Area Carpool (Centerville Park and Ride)
To carpool or caravan from the metro DC area, meetup at the Centerville Park and Ride. Click Here for directions to the Centerville location.

32 Park and Ride
There is an additional carpool location for this hike. Click Here for directions to the 32 park and ride location.

Baltimore Area Carpool (Savage Station)

Click Here for directions to Savage Station. To carpool or caravan from the Baltimore metro area, meet at Savage Station.

If you can drive or want to carpool from additional locations such as the DC area, 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 is at 9:00 a.m.

Carpool time from Savage Park and Ride 8:00 a.m.

Carpool time from Centerville Park and Ride is 7:45 a.m.

Carpool meetup time from 32 Park and Ride is 8:15 a.m.

Optional Post Hike Lunch Information and Menu

We will have an optional hike lunch at Cozy Restaurant as 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.

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 and guides/sweepers are equipped with two way waterproof radios which ensure 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!

Priyanga: [masked]

Dave: [masked]

Join or login to comment.

Claire

thanks Dave for leading our group, and I ditto the gratitude for your easy going patient attitude, it helped me take the time to be careful on the ice. Great hike, beautiful in the snow!

2 · January 7
Ying-Tzu

Great hike - challenging due to the snow and ice but fun. Enjoyed the lunch buffet too. Thanks Priyanga for leading the hike and Sam for sweeping.

3 · January 6
Sharon

Thanks Priyanga for doing a great job leading this hike and thanks to the other great hikers for being a fun group. The snow and ice may have changed this to a moderate side of strenuous hike. ;)

3 · January 6
Margo Dey

Beautiful hike! Thanks for leading us Dave and for being so patient with everyone!

3 · January 6
Barbara Martin

A beautiful winter day. I learned to not be so terrified walking on ice. And I only fell down once!

3 · January 5
Jeff Hughes

A glorious, if exhausting, day with spectacular vistas and lots of hard climbing (and sliding) on ice to get to them. Special thanks to Dave for leading our group and making my first experience with Mid-Atlantic such a pleasure.

3 · January 5
Becky R.

Fabulous hiking day with glorious sunshine and great people, along with numerous traction challenges, ha. Thanks, Priyanga! :-)

4 · January 5
Dave

As already mentioned by a few, it was a bit icy on the trail today. I have had some questions about the best things to help better walk on the ice. Take a look at the section title Winter Hiking Additions on the page http://www.midatlantichiking.co... it includes links to pages for the products listed. They can be used with either boots or sneakers.

And of course for those with sneakers today having hiking boots would probably have been a better choice. Look for waterproof (not water resistant) hiking boots. There is also a link on the page to help select some.

I hope everyone had a good time, look forward to seeing you on future hikes.

5 · January 5
Devon Alexander Stoney

What an amazing but exhausting hike! The snow and ice added an extra dimension that I was not expecting but still one amazing hike! Thanks Priyanga for leading.

5 · January 5
A former member

Well led and organized. Thanks!

3 · January 5
irina rickard

Had great time, bright sky, friendly people, caring leader ! Thanks Priyanga, for leading hike!

4 · January 5
Steve G.

Great hike, even better people! Thanks, Priyanga for doing an awesome job of leading and keeping everybody safe, even through the less than ideal trail conditions!

And thanks again for letting me tag along as a plain old hiker, its great to hike every now and again and not have to actually know where I'm going at every turn! :)

5 · January 5
Sarita K

It was the most challenging hike I've been on so far. But I did it and I am proud of myself and my fellow hikers that hung in there as well. This was really tough with the snow and ice. As always, enjoyed hiking with Priyanga!

6 · January 5
Ronit

Thanks, Priyanga :) Great (and icy) hike.

4 · January 5
Ray

Mike, Ying-Tzu- I will see you there. We will leave at 8:15.
Dave- Are you going to join us for the carpool?

0 · January 4
- Dave
  
  Yes, I will meet at the park and ride also. Thanks!
  
  0 · January 4
Kellie Carlisle

If you are on the wait list, you will get an e-mail as slots become available. It is a “first come first serve” system for available slots. Slots are open to everyone, whether on the wait list or not. However, being on the wait list will make certain that you are notified when open slots become available as well as letting me know to look for another leader if the trails (and parking) can accommodate it and still comply with our Leave No Trace pledge. Click the following link for how to get off the wait list and RSVP “yes”, http://www.midatlantichiking.co... Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need further assistance as that is what I am here for.

0 · January 4
Ray

Are there any interest in carpool from 32 and 70 P&R? I don't mind driving.

0 · January 4
- View all 3 replies
- Dave
  
  Hey Ray, I could carpool from there. Or further up north, based on where you are coming from. I live in Eldersburg and usually take 26 out instead of 70. Where are you coming from?
  
  0 · January 4
- Ray
  
  Dave, I am in Columbia. So 32 and 70 is most convenient for me. Let me know if that works for you.
  
  0 · January 4
- Mike
  
  Ray, I will meet you at the 32 and rt. 70 park and ride
  
  0 · January 4
A former member

I need to know if anyone is looking to carpool from Centerville otherwise I will go directly to Catoctin. I can also pick up in the Springfield/Burke area.

0 · December 31
- View all 5 replies
- Vipul
  
  Hi Michele,
  
  0 · January 4
- Vipul
  
  I am currently on the waitlist, if i get a spot, i'd like to carpool. Can i keep you posted on my status? Thanks
  
  0 · January 4
- Vipul
  
  Hi Michele, I got the spot to join the hike..are you still interested in carpooling? I'd be more than happy to share the gas...please let me know..thank you..
  
  0 · January 4
- A former member
  
  Centerville will actually cause me to backtrack from Burke. Since you live in Sterling you might find it shorter to drive up 15. I could also meet you at Tysons Corner.
  
  0 · January 4
- Vipul
  
  Yes, you right driving will better. I was thinking that you were meeting others in Centerville. Thank you..and i'll see you on the hike..
  
  0 · January 4
T.J. Burnside Clapp

Hey guys, I have to cancel ... I'm coming down with the sore throat/cold that knocked my husband out this past week. I doubt I'll be feeling the love for hiking 11 miles in the cold by tomorrow morning. Have fun!

0 · January 4
- Steve G.
  
  Thanks for updating your rsvp! I hope you feel better soon!
  
  1 · January 4
Priyanga

Does anyone want to carpool from Grosvenor metro station? Can drive or ride here... let me know. Thanks!

0 · January 2
- View all 4 replies
- Jeff Hughes
  
  Count me in. I can drive, but would rather ride.
  
  0 · January 2
- Priyanga
  
  Hi Jeff - I'll drive. Let's plan on leaving from Grosvenor metro around 7:30am. Room for 2 more, if anyone else would like to ride let me know.
  
  0 · January 2
- A former member
  
  Priyanga, i think i would like to ride with you...Is there parking near the station?
  
  0 · January 3
- Priyanga
  
  Hi Julia - yes parking is free at the metro stations on the weekends and Grosvenor has a large lot. See you at 7:30am at tomorrow if you'd like to ride with us. Can you send me your cell phone just in case? Still room for 1 more if anyone else wants a ride.
  
  0 · January 4
irina rickard

There is another good place to eat, Main Cup .

0 · January 3
Jenna Makowski

What are the gear/clothing recommendations for the hike at this time of year?

0 · December 30
- Steve G.
  
  Look above, there is a link under the heading 'Gear Information'.
  
  2 · December 30
- Priyanga
  
  Hi there, thanks so much for checking! Footgear and clothing are important considerations when hiking in winter. There is a helpful page on gear information, including winter gear, that we encourage all to review: http://www.midatlanti.... For this hike, please have weather appropriate footwear (at a minimum, waterproof hiking boots) and clothing (avoid cotton, dress in layers) and use common sense :) It is recommend that everyone have traction footgear available in case it is needed. Traction gear will be required for safety depending on the weather - i.e. if the trail is coated in a layer of ice. Check the link under weather information above for an up-to-date forecast. Please let either of the hike leaders know if you have any additional questions - we're here to help!
  
  1 · January 2
Rob

I would love to go on this one but there's no room left. Boo!

0 · December 31
- Kellie Carlisle
  
  Bob, there is room now. As more leaders become available we open more slots:) You should almost always be able to get in if you want to go because it changes as people update RSVP's and additional leader. That is up to 3 leaders. We don't hike here with more than 3.
  
  5 · January 2
- irina rickard
  
  Thank you Kelley for extra spots :)
  
  2 · January 2
Avi Levi

Will be driving from Rockville, can carpool, write me if interested to join pls...

0 · January 2
Kellie Carlisle

If you are on the wait list, you will get an e-mail as slots become available. It is a “first come first serve” system for available slots. Slots are open to everyone, whether on the wait list or not. However, being on the wait list will make certain that you are notified when open slots become available as well as letting me know to look for another leader if the trails (and parking) can accommodate it and still comply with our Leave No Trace pledge. Click the following link for how to get off the wait list and RSVP “yes”, http://www.midatlantichiking.co... Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need further assistance as that is what I am here for.

0 · January 2
Nancy

Claire, I am planning to drive from Rockville to the park. If you want, you can drive to my house, then we go from there. I have another friend coming to my house for the carpool.

0 · December 28
Claire

anyone carpooling from Grosvenor metro area?

0 · December 28
A former member

I can drive from Centerville if needed.

0 · December 23

27 attended

Priyanga

Certified Hike Leader

Event Host
Dave

Certifed Hike Leader and Certified in Wilderness First Aid

Event Host
irina rickard

Certified Hike Leader
Checked-in
Sam Stebbins

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes! 01/20/2013
Margo Dey +1
Amy
Barbara Martin
Maggie Snowel

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes! 01/20/2013
Mike

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
Nancy +1
Vipul
Jennifer Eberhardt
Hoa Tran
Claire
Ying-Tzu
Sharon
Avi Levi
Becky R.

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
Jeff Hughes
Devon Alexander Stoney

Certified Hike Leader
Checked-in
Ray

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
Steve G.

Certified Hike Leader
Sarita K

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes! 03/19/2013
Ronit
A former member

Your organizer's refund policy for Catoctin! Cunningham Falls: Cat, Hog, Wolf, and Chimney Rocks Plus the 2 Vistas!

Refunds offered if:

the Meetup is cancelled
the Meetup is rescheduled
you can cancel at least 2 day(s) before the Meetup

Additional notes: Refund if I am contacted or your RSVP changed to NO prior to 48 hours before hike time.

Payments you make go to the organizer, not to Meetup. You must make refund requests to the organizer.

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Washington, DC

Founded Jul 21, 2007

About us…

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We are a laid back group of diverse people who enjoy hiking with others while exploring trails in Maryland, DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. A sense of humor is a must and we are very much a social hiking group. Our group focuses on camaraderie, safety while having good times out on the trail, and leading an active lifestyle. We enjoy Mother Nature's diversity as well as our own, so get your rear in gear and come on out and join us for a hike!

Why We Hike - To have good times, make friends, and maybe even meet that special someone along the trail while enjoying the benefits of the great outdoors. Whether you want to lose weight, have never hiked a mile in your life, or have a goal to rise up to the challenge of ultra hiking 30 miles in one day, we have a hike for you. Remember, we were all newbies once and we enjoy introducing others to hiking. It is a great way to relieve stress while getting great exercise and enjoying the variety of what Mother Nature has to offer.

When We Hike - In the mornings, afternoons, evenings, darkest of nights, every weekend, all year round. We average 10 hikes a week. Seasonal, after work hikes are offered in many areas throughout our region as well.

Where We Hike - Anywhere within the Mid-Atlantic region. We also have special trips to places farther away. Hikes range from very easy sneaker hikes on paved paths along gentle streams and clear lakes, to very strenuous, steep climbs and rock scrambles to mountain summits. We visit Shenandoah National Park, George Washington National Forest, and the Appalachian Trail almost every weekend. We strive to offer at least one easy, moderate, and strenuous hike within 60 miles of Baltimore, DC, and Northern Virginia each weekend. Additionally, we have cookouts, white water floats, hike out/paddle backs, cave trips, natural water slides hikes, Appalachian Trail section hikes, camping trips, volunteer offerings, and last but certainly not least, our very popular Monuments in the Moonlight hikes that have been featured in the Washington Post.

How We Hike - With safety and camaraderie! We will NOT leave anyone behind and we strive for a 1:15 volunteer hike leader to member ratio. Hiking in large groups is not fun for you or anyone else on the trail, including our own volunteer leadership team. Hikes with a large number of people signed up typically have more than one leader to maintain our goal ratio. This also allows us to offer various pace options so you can hike at the right pace for you. We have pledged to practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics and we do. We also offer many volunteer and trail maintenance opportunities in addition to community building events, so come on out and make a difference in our parks!

Who Should Join - Simply put, you! Whether you are young, old, working, retired, laid off, shy, talkative, energetic, geeky, lazy (but hopefully you don't want to be or we just might have a problem with this one-grin), recovering from an injury, social, or a competitive speed hiker, this is a group for you. We love our diversity and thrive on it!

WARNING - Our calendar is very active ALL FOUR SEASONS and may become addictive and beneficial to your health!

To keep up with our very active schedule, you can follow our activities via Twitter and socialize with your fellow hikers on Facebook.

I hope to see you on the trail soon and let's have good times!

Kellie and the Entire Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group Volunteer Leadership Team

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Catoctin! Cunningham Falls: Cat, Hog, Wolf, and Chimney Rocks Plus the 2 Vistas!

A former member

A former member

A former member

A former member

A former member

27 attended

Certified Hike Leader

Event Host

Certifed Hike Leader and Certified in Wilderness First Aid

Event Host

Certified Hike Leader

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes! 01/20/2013

Margo Dey +1

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes! 01/20/2013

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!

Nancy +1

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!

Certified Hike Leader

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!

Certified Hike Leader

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes! 03/19/2013

Your organizer's refund policy for Catoctin! Cunningham Falls: Cat, Hog, Wolf, and Chimney Rocks Plus the 2 Vistas!

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