Catoctin Mountain Park is one of the best kept secrets in Maryland. Its natural beauty, breadth of activities, and fascinating history make it a must-visit destination that is just 1.5 hours from Baltimore or Washington, DC.
The 5,890-acre park is on the first range of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northwest Frederick County. It takes its name from the Algonquin kittockton meaning “speckled mountain,” for the many kinds of rocks found here.
Come to hike, ride horses, camp, fish, climb, or enjoy fun and educational programing—and local, national, and international history. Admission is free.
Catoctin Mountain Park Maryland history of industry, whiskey stills, spy craft, and Camp David
Catoctin Mountain Park was created in 1933 through New Deal programs that put people to work reclaiming marginal land and constructing recreation facilities.
For over 150 years, it had been the site of whiskey stills and iron furnaces, both of which required charcoal made from cutting down trees. Seeing today’s lush second growth forest and 100-year-old trees, it is hard to imagine the once bare mountain slopes.
A few years after its creation, the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), precursor to today’s Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), built one of its largest secret training camps in the park during World War II, returning it to civilian use after the war.
Some of the park was initially set aside as the ”Hi-Catoctin” retreat for government employees. President Franklin Roosevelt made it a presidential retreat during World War II called “Shangri-La.” President Eisenhower renamed it Camp David after his grandson. Winston Churchill planned part of the D-Day invasion on the property and Egypt’s Anwar Sadat and Israel’s Menachem Begin signed the Camp David Peace Accords there.
Hiking Catoctin Mountain Park’s 25 miles of trails
Some of Maryland’s best hiking trails crisscross the park’s forests and peaks. Catoctin Mountain Park hiking options include easy and short paths, steep and rugged scrambles, and everything in between.
Hiking in the Catoctin Mountain Park ecosystem, you could encounter more than 280 animal species living on mountain slopes, meadows, wetlands, and streams. Maryland birdwatching here offers a chance to see over 200 species, from wild turkey to piliated woodpeckers. Wander and wonder through many species trees and shrubs, including the newly reintroduced American Chestnut.
What draws most Maryland hikers are the breathtaking vistas and mountain views stretching for miles. Highlights of the park are the panoramas from Chimney Rock (elevation 1,419 feet) and Hog Rock (elevation 1,610 feet).
Reach Chimney Rock via a steep four-mile climb through fascinating rock formations. The 4.6-mile Hog Rock trail takes in Blue Ridge Summit (elevation 1,520 feet) and a small detour to Cunningham Falls. Don’t miss Thurmont Vista (elevation 1,502 feet) for a look across the Monocacy Valley and the towns of Frederick and Thurmont.
Some of Maryland’s best hiking trails crisscross the park’s forests and peaks. Catoctin Mountain Park hiking options include easy and short paths, steep and rugged scrambles, and everything in between.
Hiking in the Catoctin Mountain Park ecosystem, you could encounter more than 280 animal species living on mountain slopes, meadows, wetlands, and streams. Maryland birdwatching here offers a chance to see over 200 species, from wild turkey to piliated woodpeckers. Wander and wonder through many species trees and shrubs, including the newly reintroduced American Chestnut.
What draws most Maryland hikers are the breathtaking vistas and mountain views stretching for miles. Highlights of the park are the panoramas from Chimney Rock (elevation 1,419 feet) and Hog Rock (elevation 1,610 feet).
Reach Chimney Rock via a steep four-mile climb through fascinating rock formations. The 4.6-mile Hog Rock trail takes in Blue Ridge Summit (elevation 1,520 feet) and a small detour to Cunningham Falls. Don’t miss Thurmont Vista (elevation 1,502 feet) for a look across the Monocacy Valley and the towns of Frederick and Thurmont.
Catoctin Mountain Park camping options
• Camp Misty Mount
This historic location features depression-era log cabins, furnished with beds, mattresses, and tables, but no running water or electricity. Bathrooms and showers are located within the camp. One of the primary attractions of this site is the swimming pool. It’s open the second week of May through the end of October. Prices range from $50 to $140.
• Camp Green Top
This cabin community is on the National Register of Historic Places as a Works Progress Administration project. The cabins are basic, but flush toilets and hot showers are on site. You can rent cabins from mid-April through mid-May and from Mid-August until the end of October. Prices range from $60 to $120.
• Adirondack Shelters
The park has two three-sided wooden structures for year-round camping. Besides offering a bit of shelter from the elements, however these sites offer no other amenities. You’ll need to reserve them in advance. The cost to stay in one of them is $10.
• Owens Creek Campground
For those who prefer to camp in a tent, this site is nestled in the beauty of the Catoctin Mountain Park ecosystem. The campground has hot showers and flush toilets. You can reserve sites from May through the first of January. The cost is $30.
So much more to do at Catoctin Mountain Park
Prepare for Catoctin Mountain Park weather for year-round enjoyment
While summer is when the park is the busiest, the area is worth a visit any time of year if you prepare properly for Catoctin Mountain Park weather.
- Summer can be hot and muggy with daytime temperatures often topping 90◦. It makes sense to be ready for an afternoon thunderstorm that can roll in with little warning.
- Autumn is a dramatic season in the park. Fall Catoctin Mountain Park weather can range from just about freezing to the low 80s in the middle of the day. Expect gusty wind and rain.
- Winter on the mountain frees you from the crowds to truly enjoy the beauty of the park. Daytime temperatures range from the mid-50s to well below freezing. At night, temperatures can drop below zero.
- Spring weather can vary tremendously from balmy days to feeling like you’re back in winter. Prepare for just about anything.
Want to learn more? Be sure to visit the National Park Service’s expansive website and app.
