Catoctin Mountain Park

In the 1930's, after years of making charcoal to fuel the iron furnace, mountain farming, and harvesting of trees for timber, land was purchased to be transformed into a productive recreation area; helping to put people back to work during the great depression. Beginning in 1935, the Catoctin Recreational Demonstration Area was under construction by both the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps. Originally planned to provide recreational camps for federal employees, one of the camps eventually became the home of the Presidential retreat, Camp David. The Presidential retreat is not open or accessible to the public, but the eastern hardwood forest of Catoctin Mountain Park has many other attractions for visitors: camping, picnicking, fishing, 25 miles of hiking trails, scenic mountain vistas, all await your exploration.

6602 Foxville Road
Thurmont, MD 21788-1598
301-663-9388 - Visitor Information
301-663-9330 - Headquarters

By Plane
Catoctin Mountain Park is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Dullas International Ariport in Northern Virginia, approximately 1 1/2 hours from Regan National Airport in Washington, DC, and approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Baltimore/Washington International Airport near Baltimore, MD.

By Car
In MD from Route 15 North, exit onto Route 77 West. Go approximately 3 miles, turn Right onto Park Central Road and the visitor center is on the right.

From Hagerstown, MD, take Route 77 East. Turn left onto Park Central Road and the visitor center is on the right.

From Gettysburg, PA, take Route 15 south, exit onto Route 77 West, go approximately 3 miles, turn right onto Park Central Road and the visitor center is on the right.

By Plane
There is no public transportation to or in Catoctin Mountain Park.

Getting Around
Since there is no public transportation to or within Catoctin Mountain Park, a vehicle is necessary. Most of the hiking trails are accessed from the park Visitor Center.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Camping
• Climbing
• Educational Programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Wildlife Viewing
• Bird Watching
• Cross Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing

Recommended Activities
With 25 miles of hiking trails winding through both Catoctin Mountain Park and Cunningham Falls State Park a variety of experiences are available ranging from easy to strenuous, many leading to outstanding scenic vistas. The roads of Catoctin Mountain Park offer scenic driving all year; but, portions of Park Central Road and Manahan Road are closed in winter. Camping, picnicking, wildlife viewing, fly-fishing, cross country skiing are all available at Catoctin Mountain Park.