Catoctin Mountain Park

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This fall, NPCA and Travelodge® by Wyndham are calling attention to hidden gems sites within the National Park System that we think are worth knowing more about. From locations rich with history to those with majestic views, we’re taking a closer look at trails, vistas and other lesser-known sites in parks across the country. Protecting public lands is at the heart of what we do and is important to Travelodge as well; we hope by learning more about these lesser-known places, you’re inspired to protect our parks, too.

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Nestled in the mountains of Western Maryland in the northeastern part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Catoctin Mountain Park was once devastated by logging and agricultural growth in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, however, the park is a rich tapestry of maple, hickory, ash, oak and cherry trees and home to a vast array of birds, chipmunks and other wildlife. Established in 1936, the park features historic structures and products of the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps, tangible reminders of the second chance the land was given. The natural landscape is a reminder of that second chance, too — the forest that covers nearly 95% of the park is second growth.

Closest Major City: Washington, D.C., or Baltimore, Maryland

Fun Fact: Catoctin Mountain Park is a great spot for trout fishing! Anglers will find brook, brown and rainbow trout in Big Hunting Creek.

Where Industry Meets Natural Wonders

With a number of buildings and locations throughout the park that detail the history of the area, as well as trails to stunning overlooks and vistas, Catoctin Mountain Park offers visitors opportunities to learn and explore. The park was once home to a thriving charcoal industry, as well as a sawmill industry, the remnants of which can still be visited today. Whiskey production, too, was popular in the area now protected by the park; visitors can take a short hike to visit a whiskey still that operated during the time of Prohibition.

Hidden Gems in the Park

Cunningham Falls to Hog Rock

Is there anything better than a hike with a waterfall? Cunningham Falls to Hog Rock Vista is an out-and-back hike with great views of Cunningham Falls, a natural waterfall fed by Big Hunting Creek. Follow the yellow blazes north along the trail to Hog Rock Vista and look east for a great spot to take in the sweeping landscape dominated by deciduous trees. For the adventurous, continue north along the trail to follow the loop back to the falls and take in Blue Ridge Summit Vista.

Owens Creek Sawmill

On the west side of the park, the Owens Creek Sawmill exhibit is a re-creation of a sawmill that was built sometime before 1857, originally one of four sawmills that operated on Owens Creek. The Youth Conservation Corps built the reconstructed mill, and visitors can walk down an accessible boardwalk for a closer look at the gears and underwater workings of the sawmill.

Thurmont Vista and Wolf Rock

This strenuous 3.9-mile hike on the east side of the park rewards hikers who conquer the rocky terrain with an unmatched view of the surrounding mountains from the top of Chimney Rock. The orange blazes continue from Chimney Rock to Wolf Rock, and from there to a less-explored viewpoint — Thurmont Vista. In the fall, bright yellow foliage frames a view of the changing trees in the valley.

What People Love About Catoctin Mountain Park

We asked our followers on social media who have been to the park what they liked best about their visit and what hidden gems people should know about — here’s what they said:

• “Sunset at Wolf Rock is pretty awesome!”

• A frequently mentioned favorite for hikers: Blue Ridge Summit Overlook

• “Chimney Rock was the best part!”