Catoctin Mountain (Rating: A+)
Details
You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.
This is an A+ hike of 10.7 miles and 2198 feet of elevation. This is my favorite way to hike at Catoctin Mountain Park when I want to get in a good bit of my elevation early, and end up with a nice mile downhill. It's a little different because we'll be parking at the small lot across from Park Headquarters, NOT at the Visitors Center. I'm also going with a hike start time of 8:30 to try to take advantage of the cooler morning weather.
We'll begin by doing an out-and-back to Cat Rock on the Cunningham Falls side of the road, followed by a mile to the Catoctin Mountain Park Visitors Center. Then we'll do a loop hitting Cunningham Falls, Hog Rock, Blue Ridge Overlook, Thurmont Vista, Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock. Lots to see, with lunch and an optional rock scramble at Wolf Rock, and then our mile downhill back to our vehicles.
There is quite a bit of elevation on this hike and a few sustained climbs, so please make sure this is an appropriate hike for you in the summer heat! Plan for plenty of water and electrolytes. We will hike at a moderate pace of 2.5 miles and stop at all intersections.
We will meet and park at small lot across from Park Headquarters at 8:15, and start hiking promptly at 8:30.
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://drive.google.com/file/d/10TK3WUZt86QCViPsF8jO39s5rVbgEymD/view?usp=sharing. If you plan to bring a dog on this hike, please contact me about the dog’s prior hiking experience.
Carpools: Meet at Centreville Park and Ride at 6:40 to leave by 6:45. Suggested carpool fee is $7.00 per rider. The hike leader will not be at the carpool location and will meet the group at the trailhead. If you would like to carpool, please mention it in the comment section to be sure someone else will be there to carpool with.
GPS coordinates for Centreville Park and Ride: 38.836080, -77.455327.
https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18
Leader: Becky Reickel 301-471-3641 Note: I am unlikely to have cell service in this area.
Trailhead: Meet at the Cat Rock Trail parking lot across from Park Headquarters at 8:15 AM for our 8:30 AM start. https://maps.app.goo.gl/xXQqEGQuLSjc7hNH7
GPS coordinates: 39.625946, -77.440649
Park entry fee: $0
Rating: A