Catoctin Mountain Circuit Hike (8.4 miles)

• Rating: Moderately Difficult
• Pace: 2.00 - 2.5 mph
• Length: 8.4 miles
• Elevation Gain: 2,000 ft
• “Feels Like”: 10.4 miles
• Estimated hiking time: 4 - 5 hours
• Optional Route: 5.9 miles, 1500 ft elevation gain
• Maximum Group Size: 10 hikers

Join us for a vigorous 8.4 mile hike in Catoctin National Park. We will start at the visitor center and circumnavigate the park in a counterclockwise direction. There will be an optional shortcut to make this a 5.9 mile hike for those who wish to make it a shorter day.

There are several nice viewpoints along the way, including Chimney Rock, Wolf Rock, Thurmont Vista, and the Blue Ridge Summit Vista (long version only). There is also an option near the end of the longer version for a diversion to see Cunningham Falls. Two climbs, one of them up to Chimney Rock and the other up to the Blue Ridge Summit, add some challenge to the hike.

Notes

• When you RSVP, you are taking one of the slots. It is understood that plans change and people’s tolerance to weather differs, so if you aren’t going to be able to attend, please update your RSVP as early as possible.
• If you have no-showed on a previous hike, you may be moved to the Waitlist until the end, allowing others to join first.
• The PATC requires each hiker to sign a liability waiver, which will be available at the trailhead.
• Please check Meetup the night before. I will cancel a hike due to unsafe conditions.
• Attendance is limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. PATC rules do not permit children under 18 years to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present.
• Although the park allows dogs, we do not allow them on our hikes due to potential impacts on wildlife and because some people are uncomfortable around them.
• Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Club volunteers maintain over 1000 miles of trails in Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia, including 240 miles of AT (and the section we will hike!). For more information about PATC, please visit https://www.patc.net/

Hike Route & Info

• We will start out on the Chimney Rock Visitor Center Trail. After about 1.5 miles following the creek, we will turn uphill for the climb to Chimney Rock.
• We'll stop at Chimney Rock to enjoy the view and then proceed toward Wolf Rock and Thurmont Vista.
• After passing Thurmont Vista, at approximately the 4.9 mile mark, there will be an option to return to the Visitor Center via a 1-mile route for a total hike of 5.9 miles.
• Those wishing to hike the complete circuit will continue up to the Blue Ridge Summit Vista and then Hog Rock
• About a mile before getting back to the Visitor Center, there is an option to cross MD Route 77 and walk about 1/4 mile to Cunningham Falls.
• Make sure to pack a lunch to enjoy on the trail!
• Make sure to carry plenty of water. 3 liters is recommended as there is no water available along the trail.

Meeting Times, Location & Parking

• Meeting Location: Catoctin Park Visitor Center Trail Head, GPS 39.63369, -77.44926
• There are two parking areas adjacent to the Visitor Center, one of which is across the Park Central Road.
• Restrooms are available in the visitor center. There is also a water fountain but please bring water for the hike with you.
• 10:30am, meet everyone & sign the PATC waiver. Please be punctual as my hikes begin on time.