![[Cunningham Falls State Park Trail Guide]](/publiclands/art/abouthead.gif)
Visitors to the Catoctin Mountains of Western Maryland can discover the region's unique natural and heritage features at Cunningham Falls State Park. The park's trails and those in adjoining Catoctin Mountain Park traverse challenging terrain, rewarding hikers with dramatic rock outcrops that overlook scenic valleys. Visitors can also launch their boats and fish or swim in a 44-acre lake, a perfect summer getaway.
History of the Park Before the first Europeans arrived, many Native American tribes hunted and fished the area of Cunningham Falls State Park. Tradition says the name "Catoctin" came from a tribe, the Kittoctons, who once lived at the foot of the mountains near the Potomac River. Early settlers used timber from the forests to make charcoal to fuel the Catoctin Iron Furnace. The furnace was built in 1778 and was used to supply iron to the Continental Army of George Washington. Of the three furnaces built, only one, known as Isabella, remains today. In 1936, the federal government created the Catoctin Recreational Demonstration Area by acquiring more than 10,000 acres to demonstrate the restoration of forest lands. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) built many facilities in the Demonstration Area, including cabins and shelters. In 1954, the area was divided into two parks. The 5,000 acres to the north is now Catoctin Mountain Park, a unit of the National Park Service, and the remaining 5,000-acre parcel was returned to the State of Maryland and named Cunningham Falls State Park
Cunningham Falls State Park derives its name from a scenic 78-foot waterfall, which is the largest, cascading waterfall in the State of Maryland. The falls, locally known as McAfee Falls, can be accessed via a short trail from the lake area or a boardwalk from Route 77 that accommodates visitors with mobility impairments. Visitors are not encouraged to climb on the rock faces, which are slippery and hazardous. Wildlife and Nature Appreciation Cunningham Falls State Park is home to a variety of wildlife. Visitors can often see signs of whitetail deer, turkey, fox, squirrel, raccoon, skunk, chipmunk and many other species. An occasional black bear is spotted in the park. Songbirds, woodpeckers and birds of prey can often be seen while hiking the trails. Small creatures such as butterflies, moths, salamanders, skinks and box turtles also inhabit the woods. While hiking the trails in spring, remember to bring a camera and capture the flowering trees, blooming wildflowers and shrubs. The white blooms of dogwood and the pink flowers of mountain laurel are sprinkled throughout the forest. Fall promises spectacular forest colors.
Cunningham Falls State Park offers a variety of activities in addition to trail recreation. The 44-acre Hunting Creek Lake offers swimming in three designated areas with lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Canoe and paddleboat rentals are available during the summer season. A boat ramp is located off Catoctin Hollow Road and watercraft may be launched for a small service charge. Gasoline motors are prohibited. An accessible fishing pier is adjacent to the boat ramp. Anglers can fish for trout, bass, sunfish, crappie and catfish. Big Hunting Creek flows through the lake and provides year round fly fishing opportunities. Bird watching and hunting are also popular. Trails Please Play Safe! 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. These trails can become slippery after rain or have obstacles blocking paths. Remember, you are responsible for having the necessary skills, knowledge and equipment for a safe and environmentally friendly visit. Maryland is home to many species of snakes, including the venomous northern copperhead and timber rattlesnake, both of which can be found at Cunningham Falls. Always be aware of snakes when entering their natural environment. Please do not harm snakes, which are protected by law as an important part of the natural ecosystem.
Camping The park offers two designated, wooded camping areas: The Houck Area with 140 campsites and nine camper cabins and the Manor Area with 31 campsites. Bathhouses with hot showers are conveniently located in each camping loop. Each campsite is a 24'x24' stone, dust pad equipped with a table, fire ring, lantern post and parking area. To make pavilion and campground reservations spring through fall, call Park Reservations year-round at 1-888-432-2267. Or make your reservations on the Internet: reservations.dnr.state.md.us Pets on a leash are permitted at neighboring Catoctin Mountain Park and nearby Gambrill State Park. Pets are not permitted in the Houck Area, the Manor Area and at the Falls.
Hunting is permitted seasonally on 3,500 acres of undeveloped State Wildlands. Hunters with disabilities can hunt in a special area by reservation only. Weapons are permitted in designated areas. Please make sure your weapon is unloaded in all safety zones. For more information about hunting in Maryland contact a park ranger or visit: www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide Trail Stewardship You can help support trails at your favorite state park by volunteering on trail projects or purchasing a tax/deductible Trail Stewardship sticker. For more information contact the park office. Guides and Outfitters To obtain information about guides and outfitters in your area, contact the park office at 301-271-7574. For self-guided itineraries at Cunningham Falls State Park, visit www.dnr.state.md.us/outdooradventures Leave No Trace While you are enjoying the park, please help us protect its natural and historic resources by following these Leave No Trace ethics. 
Directions Cunningham Falls State Park is located near Thurmont, Maryland, 18 miles north of Frederick, Maryland. From Baltimore: Follow I-70 west to Frederick, and U.S. 15 north to Thurmont. The Manor Area is located on Route 15 and will be on your left. Continue North on Route 15. Take the exit for Route 77 and travel west. Turn left on Catoctin Hollow Road to reach the Houck Area. Follow signs to the lake and falls. From Washington, D.C.: Follow I-270 north to Frederick and U.S. 15 north to Thurmont. Follow directions above. From Pennsylvania: Follow U.S. 15 south to Thurmont. Follow directions above.
Cunningham Falls State Park Cunningham Falls State Park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset, April through October, and 10 a.m. to sunset, November through March. Service charges are in place for access to the Houck and Manor Areas, boat launches, campsites, camper cabins and picnic shelters. Please report any problems to a park employee or call Park Watch at 1-800-825-7275.
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Cunningham Falls