We need to arrive early on this july weekend due to expected crowds and park likely closing once filling to capacity, so lets meet at 8. There is no entrance fee at this time for catoctin mountain park. Gathering lowcost wood helps remove hazards from public lands the maryland department of natural resources is offering firewood cutting permits at cunningham falls and gambrill state parks in frederick county, providing a great opportunity for the public to pick up some easily accessible firewood. Cunningham falls state park is a public recreation area located west of thurmont, maryland, in the united states. On five days in 2020, all national park service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Stay right at the next junction, then follow the road. Cunningham falls, catoctin mountain, and bobs hill. Group camping is also available, as well as small cabins. Join park staff for natureinspired crafts and handson activities. Cunningham falls state park article about cunningham. Cunningham falls outandback hiking trail, thurmont, maryland.
Cunningham falls state park is divided into two areas, the william houck area and the manor area, which are a few miles apart. Niagara falls state park new york state office of parks. Please visit the cunningham falls state park website. Available at the entrance station for a small fee and on the parks website. Sep 02, 2019 cunningham falls state park, thurmont, maryland. The manor camping area is rustic, but perfect for camping. Golden age pass entitles adults, ages 62 and older, free day use entry cardholders only to all state parks that charge service fees. Mark your calendar for these entrance feefree dates in 2019. In niagara falls state park, per faa rule 14 cfr 93 sub e, there is a flight restriction in the vicinity of niagara falls state park that amounts to a no fly zone. Cunningham falls state park is a state park located west of thurmont in the catoctin mountains and bordering the catoctin mountain park to the north. This scenic park is known as the home of the impressive cunningham falls.
After entering the park, keep following the road around to your left, past the parking lots, playground, visitor center and aviary, then park in the large parking lot at the bottom of the incline south of the. There is a parking area for the falls lake, but if you continue just a little bit further, there is also parking on the left for just the falls. Catoctin mountain park offers several styles of camping each with their own unique pricing. Theres a maple syrup festival at marylands cunningham falls. Cunningham falls state park is located in the catoctin mountains and is separated into two areas. Explore all of the things to do at cunningham falls state park, view marylands highest cascading waterfall, hike trails, or attend events. Firewood permits for sale at cunningham falls and gambrill state parks january, 2020 gathering lowcost wood helps remove hazards from public lands the maryland department of natural resources is offering firewood cutting permits at cunningham falls and gambrill state parks in frederick county, providing a great opportunity for the public to. Download the niagara falls state park walking tour.
Cunningham falls state park, thurmont, md family canoeing. Cunningham falls state park parks directory of the united states state parks maryland location. To learn more about our tent camping, visit our campgrounds. Cunningham falls the highest waterfall in maryland. A hiking trail and a short walking path both lead to the falls where visitors enjoy picturesque views year round.
The william houck area located three miles west of thurmont on route 77 has the lake area, falls and camping area. Watch for signs to the william houck area, it is off route 77, just past the entrance to catoctin mountain park. Part of it is the drive out therethe landscape slowly goes from the urban chaos of crazy beltway drivers to suburban strip malls along 270 to farmland, becoming more. The main attraction at cunningham falls state park is its namesake 78foot cascading waterfall, the largest in the state. At 78 feet, cunningham falls, the centerpiece of the state park bearing its name, is marylands tallest waterfall and one of the states most visited.
The hike begins at the parking lot for the hunting creek lake beach 39. Cliff trail lower trail loop cunningham falls state park. Cunningham falls lower trail and cliff trail loop is a 1. Cliff trail lower trail loop cunningham falls state. Could not even see the falls after walking to them due to the amount of people playing in water even though there were signs saying not to. Hipcamp is working closely with the government to allow bookings here asap. Oct 09, 2014 cunningham falls state park 14039 catoctin hollow road thurmont, md 21788. Cunningham falls state park 14039 catoctin hollow road thurmont, md 21788. Enjoy hiking, fishing, and water sports here at cunningham falls state park. You can also head here for hiking and camping, as well as swimming in the lake during summertime. Turn left onto catoctin hollow road, and drive the short distance to the entrance to the park. The beach is not large, but still has plenty of space to get some relaxation in. To learn more about our historic cabin camps, visit lodging. Cunningham falls state park frederick county, md visit frederick.
Situated in the heart of the catoctin mountains, this scenic landmark is less than a 1. Check a map carefully to make sure you know where are headed. Head here during the weekends of march 1415 and 2122. Hunting creek lake and mcafee falls are both located in cunningham falls state park. Theres a maple syrup festival at marylands cunningham.
It features the 78 foot 24 meter cascading waterfalls which is the largest in maryland, a 43acre 17 ha manmade lake, and catoctin furnace, a historic iron furnace in the park before the arrival of europeans, native americans used the area. Cunningham falls lower trail and cliff trail loop maryland. The manor area features the scales and tales aviary and the catoctin iron furnace. If you are capable of hiking at this level and need even more reasons to get your rear in gear and get out here on this hike, here are ten of them. The easy outandback halfmile lower trail from the lake leads to the falls. There is a parking area for the fallslake, but if you continue just a little bit further, there is.
Dec 07, 2011 the hike begins at the parking lot for the hunting creek lake beach 39. All flights below 3,500 feet are restricted, therefore, uas are prohibited in niagara falls state park. Cunningham falls state park is located in the picturesque catoctin mountains. Cunningham falls state park staff are tapping the maple trees in the park to prepare for maple syrup festival. I found a great hike at cunningham falls state park located at 14039 catoctin hollow road thurmont, md in frederick county. You can view the falls from a boardwalk or climb up the rocks on the right side of the falls.
Due to ongoing efforts by the state of maryland to contain the effects of the covid19 virus, the accessible falls trail and the boardwalks at the base of the falls. Camping near cunningham falls state park is easy with hipcamp, where private landowners offer oneofakind camping experiences. Passing hunting creek lake, turn right on william houck drive, entering the houck fee area. The manor area, off route 15, houses the scales and tales aviary, camping and the historic catoctin iron furnace. The state park is the home of cunningham falls, the largest cascading waterfall in maryland, a 43acre 17 ha manmade lake, and the remains of a historic iron furnace. Cunningham falls state park charges a fee local contacts. The william houck area located on route 77 has the lake area, the falls for which the park is named and a camping area. The annual maple sugar festival is located at cunningham falls state park in frederick county. Please stay on trails and avoid climbing on the falls as severe injuries have occurred.
Cunningham falls state park thurmont, md 21788 visit frederick. Friends of cunningham falls state park and gambrill state. Turn left onto md77, and follow the signs for cunningham falls state park. Hunting creek lake offers swimming, boating and fishi. The boardwalk trail provides access for wheelchairs. Fantastic day cunningham falls state park tripadvisor. Camping season and service charges for md state parks. Come see how the sap is turned into maple syrup at the 50th annual maple syrup festival march 14,15, 21, and 22, 10 am to 2 pm. On five days in 2019, all national park service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone. The nice part about taking this route is that you dont have to pay the entrance fee to cunningham falls park, which you would if you drove directly into the park. Best trails in cunningham falls state park maryland alltrails. Due to ongoing efforts by the state of maryland to contain the effects of the covid 19 virus, the accessible falls trail and the boardwalks at the base of the falls.
Cunningham falls state park in marylands catoctin mountains is a popular. Visit cunningham falls state park on your trip to thurmont. Best camping in and near cunningham falls state park. Cunningham falls state park thurmont, maryland state park. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking and is accessible yearround. Cunningham falls state park weather forecast issued today at 9. Another option is to park at catoctin mountain park visitor center. There is a parking area for the fallslake, but if you continue just a little bit further, there is also parking on the left for just the falls. Cunningham falls state park campground has 158 singlefamily campsites and is located in the picturesque catoctin mountains. The william houck area has a lake, waterfall and camping. The park is one of several protected areas occupying 50milelong catoctin mountain. Cunningham falls state park is a great weekend getaway with plenty to do and see.
Cunningham falls state park weather forecast, md willyweather. Cunningham falls state park surrounded by the beautiful catoctin mountains, cunningham falls state park is home to marylands highest cascading waterfall. Aug 16, 20 so if you are planning to go canoeing at cunningham falls state park, remember the lake is in the william houck area and there are different entrances to the park. Cunningham falls is a hiking, trail running adventure located in or near thurmont, md. So if you are planning to go canoeing at cunningham falls state park, remember the lake is in the william houck area and there are different entrances to the park.
Cunningham falls campground is not operated by hipcamp and can only be booked externally. Cliff trail lower trail loop cunningham falls state park, md. The william houck area, located three miles west of thurmont on route 77, has the lake area, falls and camping area. Cunningham falls state park thurmont, maryland state. Description known for its scenic beauty, history and 78ft.
Boaters with private crafts can launch for a small fee, but note that the park. Universities and college students on educational tours shall pay 50% of the adults. Trail report catoctin mountain and cunningham falls. If you park in the lake parking lot to hike to the falls the same charges apply, however there are other places to park that are free. Enter your email below to be notified when we get access. After entering the park, keep following the road around to your left, past the parking lots, playground, visitor center and aviary, then park in the large parking lot at the bottom of the incline south of the aviary. Renting a twoperson kayak was simple and a fun way to spend an afternoon. Cunningham falls state park its just over an hour from the city, about 15 miles north of frederick, but cunningham falls in the catoctin mountains feels much further away.
But if you walk in from catoctin mountain, then fido or bailey in our case can come. Campsites and cabins are available from april through october. A valid youth group pass must be presented when checkedin. Sep 30, 2014 cunningham falls state park is divided into two areas, the william houck area and the manor area, which are a few miles apart. Frequently asked questions catoctin mountain park u. Also, in the summer, you cant bring a dog through the gate at cunningham falls park. Cunningham falls state park maryland historic district. Today has been perfect tapping weather so the sap is flowing.