Near Catoctin National Scenic Trail
Steep ascent!
Near Catoctin National Scenic Trail
Steep descent at start.
Near Catoctin National Scenic Trail
Interpretive signage along Lower Falls Trail
Near Catoctin National Scenic Trail
Random Scenery in Cunningham Falls State Park
Near Catoctin National Scenic Trail
Fording the first stream after coming down from Bob's Hill going south.

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Hike Trail

Catoctin National Scenic Trail

4.3 (10 Ratings)
A long distance hiking/biking trail along Catoctin Mountain
26.1
mi
Distance
4,701
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsLakeRiver/CreekViewsWaterfallWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
26.08mi
Distance
4,701ft
Elevation Gain
4,473ft
Elevation Loss
30%
Max Grade
1,768ft
High Point
552ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
The trail traverses mostly through the hardwood forest, profuse with mountain laurel on Catoctin Mountain and passes through Gambrills State Park, the Frederick Municipal Watershed, Cunningham Falls State Park, and Catoctin Mountain Park. Although the trail lacks many outstanding features other than the White Rocks Overlook, spur trails lead to a number of other beautiful vistas, following along Fishing Creek before coming near to Cunningham Falls. Camping is only permitted at organized campgrounds in the parks. From the trail's northern terminus is a 2-mile road connection to the Appalachian Trail: Wolfsville Road to Pen Mar Park section.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Gambrill State Park Loop

Hike Route

Gambrill State Park Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
2.93 mi
+687 ft
Appalachian Trail: South Mountain

Hike Route

Appalachian Trail: South Mountain

Fall Colors
strenuous
13.33 mi
+1,831 ft
AT: Annapolis Rock and Black Rock

Hike Route

AT: Annapolis Rock and Black Rock

Birding
moderate
6.72 mi
+777 ft
Annapolis Rock on the Appalachian Trail

Hike Route

Annapolis Rock on the Appalachian Trail

Views
moderate
4.9 mi
+784 ft
Monocacy Battlefield - Thomas Farm

Hike Route

Monocacy Battlefield - Thomas Farm

Birding
easy
2.15 mi
+94 ft
Cunningham Falls Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Cunningham Falls Out-and-Back

ADA Accessible
easy
1.2 mi
+160 ft
Contributors
Luke AT