Training Hike: Catoctin Mountain Park

Leaders: Dave Lemen & Chrissy Monta
Level: Moderate/Strenuous - 8.4 miles or 5.3 miles.

Hike Plan:

We will depart from the Catoctin Mountain Park Visitor Center at 8:00 AM.

Pack a light lunch or snacks to eat on the trail, and be sure to bring enough water for about four hours of activity. Bring a camera too, because you'll want pics of this place.

Hike Summary:
This is an 8.4 mile, moderate to strenuous hike that will take us to several scenic spots, including Cunningham Falls, Hog Rock, Blue Ridge Summit Overlook, Thurmont Vista, Wolf Rock, and Chimney Rock. There’s some great information on the geology, wildlife, and history of the area at the visitors center and along the hike.

There are shorter loops and bail-out points available if you’re not ready to hike the full 8+ miles with us yet. Contact the organizers at least a week in advance and we’ll help plan a route for you that keeps you in the company of an experienced hiker.

Directions:
From the Washington DC area take the I-495 beltway to I-270 North toward Frederick, Maryland. In Frederick, stay to the left as I-270 turns into Route 15 North toward Thurmont, Maryland and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. In Thurmont, exit to take Route 77 West, following the signs for Catoctin Mountain Park. Travel approximately 3 miles west on 77 and turn right onto Park Central Road. The Visitor Center is immediately on the right.