Catoctin Mountain Park
Catoctin's diverse cultural resources provide several vignettes of our nation's history in one small location. Native Americans quarried rhyolite for the production of lithic tools. A charcoal and iron industry is still visible today, along with smaller industries including farms, sawmills, and an old moonshine still. Historic structures and products of the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps, along with the site of our nation's first Job Corps Center, are tangible reminders of the capability of vigorous youth programs to strengthen the nation's economic and social fabric. The totality of resources found in Catoctin Mountain Park reflects much of the early fabric of our country. With 25 miles of trails winding through Catoctin Mountain Park a variety of experiences are available ranging from easy to strenuous, many leading to outstanding scenic vistas
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Related Trip Ideas
- Hiking Through the History and Geology of Catoctin Mountain Park
- Top Places to Explore American Indian History
- Where and When to Catch the Bay’s Fall Bird Migration
Nearby Places
At the Site
Activities to do
Facilities/Amenities available
Hours
The park is open all year from dawn until dusk (except on New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas). The Visitor Center is open daily 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. in October and 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. November 1 - March 12.
Park Central road closes in the winter months and occasional temporary partial park closures when requested for additional security.
Closures are posted on the Catoctin Mountin Park website. Please check before your visit to avoid any inconvenience or disappointment.
If the parking lots at the visitor center are full, consider parking at Thurmont Vista, Hog Rock or Chestnut Picnic Area. It is also legal to park along Route 77 as long as your vehicle is entirely outside the white line.
(Note: Many places fill to capacity on busy, nice weather days, especially holiday weekends. Please call ahead or visit the official website to get the most up-to-date information before visiting.)
Fees
Entrance to the park is FREE.
Special use permits (day-use for special events such as weddings) require application to the superintendent and a $100 fee.
Camping fees vary depending on season and facility.
Activities
With 25 miles of trails winding through Catoctin Mountain 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.
History
Catoctin's diverse cultural resources provide several vignettes of our nation's history in one small location. Native Americans quarried rhyolite for the production of lithic tools. A charcoal and iron industry is still visible today, along with smaller industries including farms, sawmills, and an old moonshine still.
Historic structures and products of the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps, along with the site of our nation's first Job Corps Center, are tangible reminders of the capability of vigorous youth programs to strengthen the nation's economic and social fabric. The totality of resources found in Catoctin Mountain Park reflects much of the early fabric of our country.
Weather
