 Cunningham Falls State Park |
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Cunningham Falls State Park |
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Cunningham Falls State Park, located in the Catoctin Mountains, is known for its history and scenic beauty, as well as its 78-foot cascading waterfall. The Falls are located one half mile from the lake in the Houck Area via the Falls Trail.
Before the first Europeans arrived, many small Native American tribes farmed, hunted and fished the area. Tradition says the name Catoctin came from the tribe, the Kittoctons, who once lived at the foot of the mountains near the Potomac River. By the time the settlers began to arrive in the Monocacy River Valley, Native Americans were seldom seen.
Early settlers used timber from the forests to make charcoal to fuel the Catoctin Iron Furnace. Too many years of clear-cutting and unscientific farming practices contributed to the overuse and destruction of the land.
In 1954, the area was divided into two parks, divided by Maryland Route 77. The northern 5,000 acres is now Catoctin Mountain Park, a unit of the National Park Service. The remaining 5,000 acre parcel was named Cunningham Falls State Park.
There are two main developed areas in the park, the William Houck Area and the Manor Area. Check out a map of the area.
Features:Campsites:
- Service Charges for Manor Area--Day use service charge is $3/vehicle year-round. Out-of-state residents add $1.
- Service Charges for Houck Area--Day use service charges are as follows: Weekdays Memorial Day-Labor Day $3/person; weekends and holidays Memorial Day-Labor Day $4/person. All other times $3/vehicle. Out-of-state residents add $1 to all day use service charges.
- Catoctin Iron Furnace Historical Site--The Catoctin Iron Furnace operated from 1776 until 1903. The area was once a booming industrial complex and community. Much of the historic site is accessible. The site is located on MD Route 806, three miles south of Thurmont.
- Swimming--Swimming is permitted in three designated areas of Hunting Creek Lake. Swimming is permitted between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Swimming availability is not always guaranteed. It is your responsibility to call the park office to check current swimming availability. Lifeguards are on duty during posted hours Memorial Day to Labor Day.
- Boating--A boat ramp is located off Catoctin Hollow Road. Private craft may be launched for a small service charge. Gasoline motors are prohibited; electric motors of less than 1 hp or 33 lbs. of thrust may be used. During the summer, canoes and rowboats are available for rental. Boat launch service charge is $3 per launch for in-state residents; $4 per launch for out-of-state visitors.
- Playground--A recycled tire playground is located in the Manor Area. Built by volunteers from 3,000 tires otherwise destined for landfill, the playground offers something for people of all abilities and ages.
- Trails--Enjoy easy to difficult hiking along nine scenic trails that include areas of Cunningham Falls State Park and Catoctin Mountain National Park. Take a trail map. Mountain bikes are prohibited on all trails.
- Hunting--Hunting is permitted on 3,500 acres of undeveloped wildlands. Disabled hunters can hunt in a special area by reservation.
- Picnicking--Picnic areas in both the Houck and Manor areas offer tables and grills, and are open daily until sunset. Check with the park office for service charges to use these areas. A picnic shelter is available in the Manor Area by reservation only. A concession stand and beach store near the lake are open during the summer.
- Fishing--A Maryland license is required for all fishermen over 15 years old. Big Hunting Creek, along MD Route 77, is a catch-and-release trout stream limited to artificial fly fishing only. Conventional fly fishing tackle and artificial flies must be used. Little Hunting Creek in the Manor Area is a catch-and-release trout stream limited to the use of artificial lures and flies only. Spinning gear may be used. Hunting Creek Lake is a put-and-take trout area. An accessible fishing pier is adjacent to the boat ramp. Anglers can also fish for bass, bluegills, sunfish, crappie and catfish. Consult the Maryland Freshwater Sportfishing Guide for creel and size limits and for additional information.
- Pets--Pets are prohibited in the Houck Area (picnic areas, lake area and campgrounds) and at the Falls, including pets in vehicles. Pets on leash are permitted in the campground only of the Manor Area and at neighboring Catoctin Mountain National Park and nearby Gambrill State Park.
- Accessibility for the disabled--Accessible facilities include a fishing pier located by the boat ramp and a 300 yard long trail to the falls from Maryland Route 77. Some restrooms are accessible.
- Camping--The park offers two camping areas: the Houck Area with 140 campsites situated in five camping loops 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 equipped with a table, fire ring, lantern post and parking area. Some electric hook-up sites are available in both campgrounds. Campsites at the Houck and Manor Areas can be reserved. A camp store offers groceries, camping supplies and souvenirs.
** Senior citizen rate (62 years or older) applies only to camping or cabin fee on non-holiday Sunday through Thursday nights. Does not apply to electric hook-up.
Each loop has a bathhouse with showers and flush toilets. Campsites with electric hook-ups are situated in Addison Run Circle and Deer Spring Branch Circle in the Houck Area, and on sites 6 through 10 and 15 through 21 at the Manor Area. There is an additional service charge for these sites. Drinking water spigots are placed throughout each loop. Each campsite consists of a stone dust pad (most are 23'x23') and a gravel driveway. Sites are suitable for tents or recreational vehicles. A dump station is located in the Houck Area near the camp office.Camper Cabins:
Four camper cabins are located in Catoctin Creek Circle and five are located in Deer Spring Circle in the Houck Area. Each cabin is a 12'x12' room with a front porch, situated on a campsite. Each cabin has two electrical outlets, an overhead light, a porch light and a lockable door. The cabins sleep up to four people. Each cabin has a double bed and two bunk beds. Campers must provide their own bedding. Each cabin site has a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post. All cooking must be done outside the cabin. The cabins have no heat. Campers may bring an electric heater or fan. Heat sources should not be left on while the cabin is unattended. No propane heaters are allowed.Camping Reservations:
Most campsites, cabins and picnic shelters in Maryland state forest and parks may be reserved by calling 1-888-432-2267. Reservations may be made for the Houck and Manor Campgrounds. Reservations are encouraged for these areas since they are very popular. Reservations may be made up to a year in advance. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day reservations must be made for a minimum of two nights for weekends (Friday and Saturday) and three nights for holiday weekends. The camping service charge must be paid in advance by credit card or check.Camping Fees:
Click here for camping season beginning and ending dates, and camping and shelter service charges.
Trail Guide
Check out a copy of the Cunningham Falls State Park Trail Guide. This trail guide, complete with a topographical map of the hiking trails, is available for sale at park headquarters.
Self-Guided Recreational Activities
- Canoeing at Cunningham Falls State Park (44 acre lake)
- Fishing at Cunningham Falls Lake
- Fishing at Little Hunting Creek
- Fishing at Big Hunting Creek
- Hiking at Cunningham Falls State Park (.5 to 7.5 mi.)
- Hunting at Cunningham Falls State Park wildlands
- Hunting for disabled hunters at Cunningham Falls State Park
Scales and Tales
Scales and Tales is an environmental education program that gives citizens a chance to experience nature up close. Interpreters give presentations that can be adapted for all ages, and encourage public stewardship and appreciation for Maryland State Forests and Parks.
Service charges vary per program, depending upon the location and size of group. Some programs are only offered on-site in the park; others are offered at the site of your choice. For additional information, call Cunningham Falls State Park at 301-271-7574.
For additional information and facts about Maryland's wildlife, visit DNR's "Animal Bits" information page at www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/animalbits.html
- The Good, The Bad and the Ugly -- Reptiles and birds demonstrate how we often judge an animal's value by the way it looks. Learn that all wildlife serves a purpose in nature. (Appropriate for all ages.)
- Wings and Things -- Prepare for an in-depth look at raptors and others birds as we explore their natural history, conservation topics and tell the "tales" of how each was brought into our care. (Appropriate for all ages.)
- Reptile Wrap-Up -- The scaly creatues will captivate you as we share myths, histories and benefits of these often misunderstood animals. (Appropriate for all ages.)
- Animal Sounds -- Children explore animal sounds and colors and how they are used in the wild. Reptiles and birds are used to delight even the youngest preschoolers. (Appropriate for preschoolers or kindergartners.)
- Adaptation/Specialization -- Studying a specific issue or do you just want to learn more about birds or reptiles? By taking a closer look at specific animals, this program can be used to discuss environmental issues important to Maryland today and tomorrow. (Appropriate for middle and high school age.)
- Scales and Tales -- Fact of fiction? Packed full of tales, fables and enhanced by various wildlife, this program is storytelling at its finest. After seeing the animals, the stories seem to come alive! (Appropriate for all ages.)
- Owl Prowl -- A wild adventure to seek the hunters of the night after learning about these magnificent birds! Learn about these fascinating creatures during a program just about owls. Plan a optional night hike to search for these nocturnal hunters. (Appropriate for all ages.)
- Forest Friends Birthday Party -- Party in the park! Two hour private party that includes an animal presentation, craft and nature hike or game. Please call for shelter availability. All refreshments are the responsibility of the party host. (Appropriate for ages 4-11. Only offered in the park.)
- Campfire Tall Tales -- Gather around the campfire and listen to some tales about Maryland's native wildlife. Ideal for group campers. Camping reservations must be made separately. (Appropriate for all ages. Only offered in the park.)
- Junior Rangers -- Get a closer look at our state parks. Those who complete the program get a patch and certificate. Perfect for scout and youth groups. (Appropriate for ages 7-14. Only offered in the park.)
Trail Descriptions
- Lower Trail--red blaze (one half mile) This easy to moderate trail is the shortest and easiest access to the Falls. Interpretive signs and benches along the way. Return to the lake by this trail or Cliff Trail.
- Cliff Trail--yellow blaze (3/4 mile) Rough terrain offers strenuous hiking past rock outcrops that lead to the Falls. Return to the lake by this trail or Lower Trail.
- Campground Trail--orange blaze (3/4 mile) This strenuous trail gives campers access to the Cliff Trail.
- Old Misery Trail--orange blaze (2 miles) This steep, strenuous trail with many switchbacks and scenic views connects with the Cat Rock Trail.
- Cat Rock/Bob's Hill--yellow blaze (7.5 miles) This strenuous trail crosses the mountain and passes two scenic rock outcrops with scenic views.
- Cat Rock Trail--yellow blaze (1.5 miles) This steep, strenuous trail leads to Cat Rock (elevation 1560') and scenic views.
- Bob's Hill Trail--yellow (1.5 miles) This steep, strenuous trail leads to Bob's Hill (elevation 1765') and two short spur trails with views north and south.
- Catoctin Furnace Trail--No blaze (1/4 mile) A self-guided trail which leads to Catoctin Furnace. Crosses U.S. 15 via elevated foot path (46 steps up the stairway).
- Catoctin Trail--blue blaze (27 miles) This strenuous trail leads from Gambrill State Park through Frederick City Watershed, Cunningham Falls and Catoctin Mountain Park. Nine miles of trail are in Cunningham Falls. Camping permitted only in designated campgrounds.
Cunningham Falls State Park offers accessible campsites, picnic areas, parking, hiking trail to the waterfall, fishing pier, Catoctin Furnace historic area, Manor Area visitors' center, playground and restroom. For additional accessible amenities in Maryland State Forests and Parks, visit the Accessibility For All section of this website.
Directions - Cunningham Falls is located west of Thurmont MD, 18 miles north of Frederick MD.
From the Baltimore area: Follow I-70 west to Frederick, and U.S. 15 north to Thurmont.
From the Washington DC area: Follow I-270 north to Frederick, then U.S. 15 north to Thurmont.
From the Gettysburg area: Follow U.S. 15 south to Thurmont.
The Manor Area is 3 miles south of Thurmont, directly off U.S. 15. The Houck Area is west of Thurmont. Follow MD Route 77 west, four miles to Catoctin Hollow Road.
Cunningham Falls State Park
14039 Catoctin Hollow Road
Thurmont, MD 21788
(301) 271-7574
Call 1-888-432-CAMP(2267) for reservations
Click here to make reservations on-line for Cunningham Falls State Park.
Funding for Maryland's State and local parks and conservation areas is provided through The Department of Natural Resources' Program Open Space. Established in 1969, Program Open Space symbolizes Maryland's long term commitment to conserving natural resources while providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities.
Updated on September 25, 2009
