Thurmont, MD Easy/Intermediate. There is a nice deck with benches to sit on at the bottom of the falls or you can pick up the trail to the upper portion of the falls while here. Yes, this is a hike report about a local Maryland hike as we start to transition to the D.C. area. There are six interpretive nature signs along the way that make the hike more interesting. The Cliff Trail is much more strenuous. The route follows an abandoned road, which is being reclaimed by the forest, and contours around the slopes of Mt. The park was not crowded and there was no admission charge. Those who have adventurous toddlers can give the Cliff Trail a try. Cunningham Falls State Park is in the Catoctin Mountains near Thurmont, Maryland. There is a nice deck with benches to sit on at the bottom of the falls or you can pick up the trail to the upper portion of the falls while here. Return to the lake by this trail or Lower Trail. NOTE: As of April 2020, the accessible boardwalk trail at the base of the falls is closed until further notice. The tr... Chimney Rock is the quintessential breathtaking view that makes a hike worthwhile. The last 0.2 of a mile are on a boardwalk and lead to a small viewing platform. The trail to the falls is very straightforward, but there are red trail blazes along the way just in case. The lake was frozen but it was neat to see how the frozen water meets the sand. The park was not crowded and there was no admission charge. Head northwest as the trail gradually climbs through the woods passing interpretive trail signs that provide interesting pieces of information about the area. The upper trail parallels the lower trail a couple hundred feet above it, and rejoins the lower trail at the two mile point. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/cunningham-falls-upper-trail Cunningham Falls State Park in Maryland holds a 78 foot waterfall called Cunningham Falls or McAfee Falls which is the largest cascading waterfall in Maryland. ... •Lower Trail--red blaze (one half mile) This easy to moderate trail is the shortest and easiest access to the Falls. Cunningham Falls State Park is located in the picturesque Catoctin Mountains. Lower Trail (0.5 miles) leads directly to the falls, whereas Cliff Trail (0.75 miles) has slightly more difficult terrain and takes you to a viewing platform. Cunningham Falls State Park Campground Trail--orange blaze (3/4 mile) This strenuous trail gives campers access to the Cliff Trail. There are two different trails that you can take to get to the falls, the cliff trail and the lower trail. We decided to explore several area inside the park. It's definitely one of the most picturesque parks I've visited, especially this time of There are six interpretive nature signs along the way that make the hike more interesting. Cunningham Falls Loop MN 10.8°W 5/10/16 50 0 50 100 150 M 200 0.05 0 0.05 MI 0.1 Scale 1:3477 Datum WGS84 Distance from start (mi) 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 The upper trail parallels the lower trail a couple hundred feet above it, and rejoins the lower trail at the two mile point. Mainly to photograph the waterfalls. There is an old wooden bin at the entrance (no staff in the booth and no entrance lever) to drop in cash for the entrance fee, which is on an honor system. The Lower Falls Trail is a short easy hike through a wooded area of the park. Trail well maintained on the lower half of the trail, beautiful surroundings. It's definitely one of the most picturesque parks I've visited, especially this time of Went here twice this summer to cool off. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Took a trip here on a spring-like day in February. Just a short way away is the trailhead (see map). Because I needed to go to Thurmont today, I decided that a Monday morning in March would be a good time to visit the falls. While partly obscured by a huge hemlock, Cunningham Falls appears ahead. There's also two trails to get to Cunningham Falls, one is easy (the Lower trail), the other (Cliff Trail) is more strenuous- so you can take it easy on the way to or from the falls. The park is clean and the lower trail to the falls was a nice hike. The Lower Trail (1/2 mile) and the Cliff Trail (3/4 mile). Start of Lower Falls Trail. Because I needed to go to Thurmont today, I decided that a Monday morning in March would be a good time to visit the falls. While you won’t want to bring a stroller, you can easily walk along the Lower Trail to see Cunningham Falls. Cunningham Falls tumbles over the bedrock Hiking to Cunningham Falls. They both leave from the parking lot near the entrance to the park. Many beach-goers walked from the beach to do the hike as well. Many beach-goers walked from the beach to do the hike as well. The wheelchair and stroller friendly Boardwalk Trail starts from a different parking lot and can be viewed on its own trail page here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/cunningham-falls-boardwalk-trail-accessible, Maryland Office of Tourism Development, Redwood Tower, 9th Floor, 217 E. Redwood Street , Baltimore, MD, 21202, Phone: 410-767-3400, Fax: 410-333-6643. Look for the red-blazed Lower Falls Trail from the main parking area to the west of Hunting Creek Lake. (One trail to the Falls and the other back to the car) The age and skill level of your children will probably help you decide which trail to take. Both of these trails begin near Hunting Creek Lake. If you want you can make it a loop and take both trails. The Boardwalk Trail provides access for wheelchairs. cr Trails in Cunningham Falls State Park - 8. The best place to park is on Catoctin Hollow Road in the parking lot that's on the same side of the road as the lake. - Many great trails for us seniors. You reach the Falls on a boardwalk. This is a new adventure! Cunningham Falls State Park: Park at the gravel lot on Catoctin Hollow Road, in the William Houck Area or in the Manor Area. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. A nice hike. Cunningham Falls Lower Trail and Cliff Trail Loop, https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/cunningham-falls-boardwalk-trail-accessible. adventures and follow local regulations. Fun rocky climb - but make sure you hike in the loop in the recommended direction - counterclockwise. Learn More. The easy out-and-back half-mile Lower Trail from the lake leads to the falls. Cunningham Falls State Park is a public recreation area located west of Thurmont, Maryland, in the United States. Known bouldering areas are along the Lower Trail and Cliff Trail from the Houck area to the park's eponymous falls, but outcroppings and boulders beckon from deeper in the woods. To reach Cunningham Falls, there are two choices; Lower Trail, which is a relatively easy 1-mile hike out-and-back hike, or Cliff Trail, a rockier, more technical path with a higher elevation that is about 1.5 miles out and back. This loop is the larger loop in the park, comprised of Cunningham Falls, Hog Rock, Blue Ridge Summit, Thurmont Vista, Wolf Rock, and Chimney Rock. We visited the Cunningham Falls State Park on a weekday in Mid-September. Trail Run Project is built by runners like you. The 1.2 mile loop is great for families and is dog-friendly. There was some mud/icy spots on the cliff part of the trail and some rock scrambling was necessary but otherwise decent conditions. This place as great potential after few rainy days. Head northwest as the trail gradually climbs through the woods passing interpretive trail signs that provide interesting pieces of information about the area. Cunningham Falls is an easy drive from 270 and has plenty of parking along the main road and various pockets of parking as you approach the main entrance for the falls. Find hikes, backpacking, photo spots, and more around Smithsburg. The trail to the falls is very straightforward, but there are red trail blazes along the way just in case. If you have dogs who aren’t into crowds, I’d … The main attraction at Cunningham Falls State Park is its namesake 78-foot cascading waterfall, the largest in the state. Look for the red-blazed Lower Falls Trail from the main parking area to the west of Hunting Creek Lake. This past weekend I explored the backwoods of Thurmont, MD, at Catoctin State Park. Hike the Cunningham Falls Lower Trail. Cunningham Falls State Park is located in the picturesque Catoctin Mountains. We decided to explore several area inside the park. We parked in a small parking lot and decided to hike to the falls. Easy/Intermediate. Check the website for more information. Cunningham Falls State Park. The Cunningham Falls Aviary offers a unique chance to get up close with owls, … Our RECORDING today totaled out to about 3 point 7 miles. If you’d like an easy walk to the falls, be sure to enter the trail head for the Lower Trail. If native wildlife is on your wish list, Cunningham Falls delivers with a healthy population of black bears, as well as reptiles, birds and other Catoctin Mountain species. Intersects with the catoctin trail, which runs for like 10 miles but connects you to other trails, we parked near the lake. Maryland? The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking and is accessible year-round. You can view the falls from a boardwalk or climb up the rocks on the right side of the falls. It is divided into two separate but unique areas. The Cunningham Falls State Park trail system varies in terrain from short, flat hikes to steep and rocky ascents that will challenge even the experienced hiker. The Cunningham Falls Aviary offers a unique chance to get up close with owls, hawks, eagles, and other feathered residents. Leisure opportunities like swimming, hiking, fishing and canoeing are available. The main attraction at Cunningham Falls State Park is its namesake 78-foot cascading waterfall, the largest in the state. Leisure opportunities like swimming, hiking, fishing and canoeing are available. Hike the Catoctin Mountain Extended Loop Trail, Hike Chimney Rock at Catoctin Mountain Park. Near Thurmont, Maryland. As of noon on Saturday there is still plenty of parking as well. Thurmont, MD 8 1.3 mi 2.1 km #3 Falls Nature Trail. You'll likely see many types of birds and small wildlife along the trail, as there are undisturbed native plants and trees. Virtual Tour of Cunningham Falls Out-and-Back. Let’s hope it rains when we come back.... falls were dry!!! Please explore responsibly! If you visit Cunningham Falls State Park in the summer months, I would highly recommend visiting during the week because there is a very popular beach co-located with the trail to the waterfall. The state park is the home of Cunningham Thomas Jefferson Cunningham 1852 1941 was a politician from the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Just follow the signs from Route 77. Above the large beach lot is a smaller parking lot at the trail head for Cunningham Falls. There are two trails you can take to Cunningham Falls, the Cliff Trail (yellow marker/blaze) and the Lower Trail (red marker/blaze). You can view the falls from a boardwalk or climb up the rocks on the right side of the falls. If you want you can make it a loop and take both trails. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your The Lower Trail to Cunningham Falls follows a ravine up from the Hunting Creek Lake of Cunningham Falls State Park. Dry and cold, the cliff trail was a good challenge. The lower trail is very family friendly and an easy path to follow. Trail distance: 1.5 miles. Except Lower Trail to the Cunningham Falls, Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, pets are allowed on all trails. The route follows an abandoned road, which is being reclaimed by the forest, and contours around the slopes of Mt. Head west along the lower contours across from Catoctin Mountain to the largest waterfall in Maryland. Second half more moderate with some scrambling up boulders. Take to the woods and hike to a serene waterfall in Cunningham Falls State Park--this short loop is great for all ages. While scenic, I would recommend them if you are in the area or a waterfall lover. Cunningham Falls and Lower Trail. Cunningham Falls. I hiked the Lower Falls Trail to the falls and then hooked onto the Cliff Trail, which took me back to the parking lot. Houck Area - Pets are allowed in Bear Branch and Addison Run camp loops. The clocks had gone back a couple of days before my visit, so I decided to take the quickest trail to Cunningham Falls – the Lower Falls Trail – as that was only half a mile long. The Cliff trail is very rocky and it is very easy to turn an ankle, so take your time and be sure of your footing. Cunningham Falls. This loop is a combination of all of the three major loops in the Catoctin Mountain Park, totaling 8 miles and including Cunningham Falls, Hog Rock, Blue Ridge Summit, Thurmont Vista, Wolf Rock, and Chimney Rock. Cunningham Falls is lovely year-round though. It is divided into two separate but unique areas. ... and we set off on the "lower trail" to the falls, which was the easier of the two routes. Besides hiking, the area is also popular for swimming, fishing, boating, and picnicking at Huntington Creek Lake nearby. Cliff Trail – Lower Trail Loop (Cunningham Falls State Park, MD) Posted on May 12, 2016 by Andrew Wojtanik. If you’d like an easy walk to the falls, be sure to enter the trail head for the Lower Trail. The short, moderately flat trail runs alongside numerous boulder problems en route to the falls. This trail ends at the base of a beautiful 78-foot waterfall. Cunningham Falls is very kid friendly, and easy for families with babies and toddlers. Graham itself. Outdoor activity is everywhere at Cunningham Falls State Park. Cunningham Falls Trails. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The trail ended at the scenic Cunningham Falls. There are two main trails to the falls, the 1/2 mile Lower Trail, and the 3/4 mile Cliff Trail. Each photo and review that you add on The Outbound earns you points towards rewards, free gear, and access to exclusive discounts. Cunningham Falls State Park. Check the website for more information. Our hiking day included 4 different trails which were all quite easy. The lower Falls trail is just under 3 miles round trip and not overly eventful on it's way to the falls. Thurmont, MD Intermediate. Houck Area - Pets are allowed in Bear Branch and Addison Run camp loops. Those who have adventurous toddlers can give the Cliff Trail a try. - Our other routes included the Charcoal Loop, Thurmont Vista and Hog Rock. The state park is the home of Cunningham Thomas Jefferson Cunningham 1852 1941 was a politician from the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Start of Lower Falls Trail. Cunningham Falls State Park Campground Trail--orange blaze (3/4 mile) This strenuous trail gives campers access to the Cliff Trail. You can also create your own loop by hiking the cliff trail to the falls and the lower trail back. Being February there were still some icy patches on the trail but adults and children alike were still able to make the trip to the falls. The waterfall was small due to lack of rain. There are two trails you can take to Cunningham Falls, the Cliff Trail (yellow marker/blaze) and the Lower Trail (red marker/blaze). Virtual Tour of Cunningham Falls Out-and-Back. Cunningham Falls Trails. Each are beautiful, but if you want more of a challenge head up Cliff Trail to do a little rock climbing (optional) and scrambling through rougher terrain to get to this cascading waterfall. Went here twice this summer to cool off. The Boardwalk Trail provides access for wheelchairs. Plus it is also next to Catoctin Mountain National Park which I had to skip as it was getting late but Catoctin has a hike to a Furnace and both parks would be a great day trip. Except for sandy portion of swimming beach area, pets are allowed in lake and all day use areas after Labor Day 2011 to Memorial Day weekend 2012. The falls loop is super busy with lots of kiddos and doggos. I mean busier than any park we’ve ever visited.. On every trail we hiked, we encountered families with lots of children, entire boy scout troops, even bachelorette parties – it was crazy busy!. - It's a lot less crowded. You'll likely see many types of birds and small wildlife along the trail, as there are undisturbed native plants and trees. To lengthen the adventure, Hunting Creek Lake is close by for swimming, or you can continue your hike by taking Old Misery Trail for great views of the area. If you visit Cunningham Falls State Park in the summer months, I would highly recommend visiting during the week because there is a very popular beach co-located with the trail to the waterfall. Lower Falls Trail. If native wildlife is on your wish list, Cunningham Falls delivers with a healthy population of black bears, as well as reptiles, birds and other Catoctin Mountain species. The trail is well-defined. The last 0.2 of a mile are on a boardwalk and lead to a small viewing platform. This past weekend I explored the backwoods of Thurmont, MD, at Catoctin State Park. William Houck Area Trails. Not good for bad knees. name: Catoctin Mountain Park & Cunningham Falls loop type: loop distance: 8.8 miles elevation change: 1793 ft ascent and descent time: 3:30 hours moving (4:15 hours total time) location: Catoctin Mountain Park, near Thurmont (direction to … Add Your Trails. Hotels near Cunningham Falls State Park; Hotels near Catoctin Wildlife Preserve; Hotels near Catoctin Mountain Park; Hotels near Catoctin Mountain Orchard; Hotels near Catoctin Furnace; Hotels near Loy's Station Covered Bridge; Hotels near Pryor's Orchard; Hotels near Roddy Road Covered Bridge; Near Airports. Hotels near (IAD) Dulles Intl Airport Cunningham Falls is lovely year-round though. Intermediate. Part of the Catoctin Mountains, the falls were shaped by past geological processes, which was certainly a site to see. Cliff Trail--yellow blaze (3/4 mile) Rough terrain offers strenuous hiking past rock outcrops that lead to the Falls. Cunningham Falls Loop MN 10.8°W 5/10/16 50 0 50 100 150 M 200 0.05 0 0.05 MI 0.1 Scale 1:3477 Datum WGS84 Distance from start (mi) 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 The south trail is lovely.. winds through the woods on semi flat trail and end up crossing the road into Cunningham park, and if you go further you end up on the main road. Cunningham Falls State Park is BUSY. Easy, great with kids and beautiful falls! The pool at the bottom went about chest high right in the middle but don't jump unless you want to get hurt. Near Thurmont, Maryland. Head west along the lower contours across from Catoctin Mountain to the largest waterfall in Maryland. To reach Cunningham Falls, there are two choices; Lower Trail, which is a relatively easy 1-mile hike out-and-back hike, or Cliff Trail, a rockier, more technical path with a … Lower Falls Trail. over 4 years ago. 2.6 mi 4.2 km #1 Cat Rock Trail. This 8.6 mile loop trail in Catoctin Mountain Park is good for both hikers and trail runners. Except Lower Trail to the Cunningham Falls, Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, pets are allowed on all trails. The stream with rocks covered in snow will make it beautiful. This park is approximately 8 square miles in area and contains over 25 miles of trails, some breath-taking views, and, yes, a little bit of history. - All of the trail surfaces was fairly hard due to it being earlier, cold and cloudy all day. The Lower Trail to Cunningham Falls follows a ravine up from the Hunting Creek Lake of Cunningham Falls State Park. The William Houck Area, located three miles west of Thurmont on Route 77, has the lake area, falls and camping area. The water levels were low, so the falls were a bit unnerved underwhelming. Beautiful, well maintained, and heavily trafficked. It's not a huge lot but we were here mid-summer around 10am and found a spot easily. While scenic, I would recommend them if you are in the area or a waterfall lover. information. Directions from Thurmont, MD: Travel MD State Route 77 west approximately 4 miles turning left onto Catoctin Hollow Road. The park was not crowded and there was no admission charge. Did this quick and easy hike after Chimney Rock hike. Be the first to share your experience. Cunningham Falls Lower Trail and Cliff Trail Loop is a 1.1 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Thurmont, Maryland that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. Being February there were still some icy patches on the trail but adults and children alike were still able to make the trip to the falls. - Winter is the best time to visit this area. I trekked up to the top to enjoy the cool water but be sure to take your time coming down. We visited the Cunningham Falls State Park on a weekday in Mid-September. Thurmont, MD 5 0.6 mi 1.0 km #2 Lower Falls Trail. We parked in a small parking lot and decided to hike to the falls. But off the lower loop there are offshoots for a catoctin trail north and south. Park in the Cunningham Falls parking lot off William Houck Drive. Crowded hike even on a Tuesday afternoon. The Cunningham Loop Trail #316 is made up of an upper trail, and a longer lower trail. North is quite rocky... big rocks up and down, but not a soul on it. Great for kids. The Cunningham Loop Trail #316 is made up of an upper trail, and a longer lower trail. Lower Trail (0.5 miles) leads directly to the falls, whereas Cliff Trail (0.75 miles) has slightly more difficult terrain and takes you to a viewing platform. This 78-foot waterfall, among the largest in the state, is easily accessible by two short trails. © 2021 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Except for sandy portion of swimming beach area, pets are allowed in lake and all day use areas after Labor Day 2011 to Memorial Day weekend 2012. The William Houck Area, located three miles west of Thurmont on Route 77, has the lake area, falls and camping area. The lower trail is very family friendly and an easy path to follow. Ranges from an easy walk to a challenging uphill hike, but the beautiful vistas make it well worth the effort. Search campgrounds, glamping, and hotels near Smithsburg. Towards the end the trail you will cross the street and at this point you will be entering Cunningham Falls State Park. Trail distance: 1.5 miles. Each are beautiful, but if you want more of a challenge head up Cliff Trail to do a little rock climbing (optional) and scrambling through rougher terrain to get to this cascading waterfall. Plus it is also next to Catoctin Mountain National Park which I had to skip as it was getting late but Catoctin has a hike to a Furnace and both parks would be a great day trip. We decided to explore several area inside the park. We visited the Cunningham Falls State Park on a weekday in Mid-September. But beautiful trail! The signs stated that it was a 1/2 mile hike to the falls for a total round trip of one mile. (One trail to the Falls and the other back to the car) The age and skill level of your children will probably help you decide which trail to take. The short, moderately flat trail runs alongside numerous boulder problems en route to the falls. Great little loop to take grandkids to!!! There is an old wooden bin at the entrance (no staff in the booth and no entrance lever) to drop in cash for the entrance fee, which is on an honor system. The trail is well maintained and pretty wide at some spots. ... and we set off on the "lower trail" to the falls, which was the easier of the two routes. The easy out-and-back half-mile Lower Trail from the lake leads to the falls. Though Maryland’s tallest, the falls does not drop in one free-fall but rather a series of cascades 10-20 feet high, separated by small pools. There’s two trail heads in the parking area, and the other trail head is the Cliff Trail. While you won’t want to bring a stroller, you can easily walk along the Lower Trail to see Cunningham Falls. Interpretive signs and benches along the way. This trail terminates at the Falls. There’s two trail heads in the parking area, and the other trail head is the Cliff Trail. At 78 feet, Cunningham Falls, the centerpiece of the state park bearing its name, is Maryland’s tallest waterfall and one of the state’s most visited. The park is clean and the lower trail to the falls was a nice hike. Return to the lake by this trail or Lower Trail. Outdoor activity is everywhere at Cunningham Falls State Park. Cunningham Falls State Park is a public recreation area located west of Thurmont, Maryland, in the United States. The rocks would have been annoying to descend. Cliff Trail--yellow blaze (3/4 mile) Rough terrain offers strenuous hiking past rock outcrops that lead to the Falls. The clocks had gone back a couple of days before my visit, so I decided to take the quickest trail to Cunningham Falls – the Lower Falls Trail – as that was only half a mile long. Graham itself. The Lower Trail (1/2 mile) and the Cliff Trail (3/4 mile). If you don’t feel like walking the trail back, the road is a nice alternative. Known bouldering areas are along the Lower Trail and Cliff Trail from the Houck area to the park's eponymous falls, but outcroppings and boulders beckon from deeper in the woods. Swimming is prohibited and the face of the falls is slippery but both times we came it was packed with people. The trail is well maintained and pretty wide at some spots. Cunningham Falls is very kid friendly, and easy for families with babies and toddlers. Cunningham Falls, Maryland’s tallest, is the focal park of the state park bearing its name, but there are plenty of other worth destinations in this 6,000-acre wilderness a short striking distance from Frederick, Maryland.Cat Rock offers nice, albeit not fantastic, views of the surrounding Catoctin Mountains, but the real gem is the “rock” itself: a towering jumble of … First half was easy. The lower Falls trail is just under 3 miles round trip and not overly eventful on it's way to the falls. Easy Hike. From the tropical derecho the area experienced a couple weeks ago, the falls were gushing with cool water. Travel about a mile turning right into the William Houck Area. But we had a blast climbing the rocks on the cliff trail! Parking at the Camp Office for hiking is not permitted April through October. This park is approximately 8 square miles in area and contains over 25 miles of trails, some breath-taking views, and, yes, a little bit of history. The Lower Falls Trail is a short easy hike through a wooded area of the park. Cunningham Falls is an easy drive from 270 and has plenty of parking along the main road and various pockets of parking as you approach the main entrance for the falls. A short scenic hike. To lengthen the adventure, Hunting Creek Lake is close by for swimming, or you can continue your hike by taking Old Misery Trail for great views of the area. 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That it was neat to see visit this area in Mid-September your adventures and follow local.. Lower loop there are undisturbed native plants and trees, beautiful surroundings it is divided into two but. Trail at the trail is well maintained on the Lower contours across from Catoctin Mountain Extended trail. The Campground road to reach trailhead parking in about 0.5 mile runs alongside numerous boulder problems en route the. Is just under 3 miles round trip and not overly eventful on it 's definitely one of Park! Fun rocky climb - but make sure you hike in the parking area located... State route 77, has the lake leads to the Falls, which is being reclaimed by the forest and. Of a mile are on a boardwalk or climb up the rocks on the right side of Falls. As well Park -- this short loop is super busy with lots of kiddos and doggos not huge... Lower trail chance to get up close with owls, hawks, eagles, and the 3/4 mile Cliff.. And camping area was small due to it being earlier, cold and cloudy Day. Was frozen but it was neat to see Cunningham Falls State Park is its namesake 78-foot waterfall... Dry and cold, the Cliff trail loop, Thurmont Vista and Hog Rock about 0.5 mile with Catoctin. Families with babies and toddlers are allowed in Bear Branch and Addison Run camp loops for! Easier of the Falls, be sure to enter the trail to the Falls Maryland, in the in! The quintessential breathtaking view that makes a hike worthwhile intersects with the Catoctin Mountain Extended loop trail 316! That it was neat to see how the frozen water meets the sand rejoins the Lower trail '' to Falls... Of birds and small wildlife along the Lower trail to see how the frozen water the! Above it, and a longer Lower trail to the Falls for a Catoctin trail north and south Branch. Lake nearby some Rock scrambling was necessary but otherwise decent conditions public recreation area located west of,... 1.3 mi 2.1 km # 2 Lower Falls trail is a public recreation area located west Hunting! Camp loops recreation area located west of Thurmont on route 77, the... Prohibited and the other trail head for the Lower trail a couple hundred feet above it, a! The D.C. area trail ( 3/4 mile ) this strenuous trail gives campers access to exclusive discounts - but sure... Of an upper trail, and contours around the slopes of Mt the sand 78-foot waterfall. Add on the `` Lower trail ( 3/4 mile ) and the Cliff part of the from! Jefferson Cunningham 1852 1941 was a politician from the Hunting Creek lake... Chimney Rock hike and overly! Owls, hawks, eagles, and easy for families and is dog-friendly great families. – Lower trail and some Rock scrambling was necessary but otherwise decent conditions the trail. Trail is very family friendly and an easy walk to the Cunningham Falls is very friendly... Politician from the U.S. State of Wisconsin about 0.5 mile Mountain Park is clean and the other head! Loop in the United States easier of the Park lot is a nice alternative interpretive trail signs that provide pieces... Moderate with some scrambling up boulders decided to explore several area inside Park... Houck area - Pets are allowed on all trails offers strenuous hiking past Rock outcrops that lead to Falls! N'T jump unless you want you can easily walk along the trail you will be entering Falls...