Virtual tour of the Catoctin Furnace African American Cemetery Interpretive Trail

*Virtual Program*, may be accessed at any time

The Catoctin Furnace African American Cemetery represents what is thought to be the most complete African American cemetery connected with early industry in the United States. More than 100 individuals who labored at the iron-working furnace and in its surrounding community from the 1770s to the 1840s were buried there. The trail begins in Cunningham Falls State Park at the ruins of the historic Catoctin Furnace and leads to an overlook near the African American cemetery. Panels explain the ironmaking process, explore the historic buildings and tell the story of the workers who lived and worked in the furance and village. The trail is an unpaved smooth, ADA-style path that is approximately half a mile long with two viewing platforms. Open daily during park hours. Virtual tour here: https://catoctinfurnace.org/african-american-cemetery/​

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Spirits of the Furnace

Saturday October 19​ from 6:30-9pm

Cunningham Falls State Park, Catoctin Furnace Historical Society & Harriet Chapel welcome you to tour the Spirits of the Furnace program!

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Friends 5k, 10k, Fun Run/Walk

2024 Date Coming Soon!​​

The annual Friends footrace occurs at the peak of fall foliage in the cool, crisp air. This family friendly activity has food, prizes and a great race t-shirt. The paved 5k begins and ends at the Lake parking lot and includes “The Hill.” The 10k is a challenging double-loop of the 5k course. The un-timed 1.4 mile Fun Run/Walk is at your own pace.  This event benefits the Friends of Cunningham Falls & Gambrill State Parks.

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First Day Hikes - January 1, 2024​

For more information about ​First Day Hikes click here​.​

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Maple Syrup Festival ​- 2nd and 3rd W​eekends in March

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

​14274 William Houck Drive, Thurmont, MD 21788​​
For more information about the Maple Syrup Festival click here​​.​

Maryland Iron Festival - May 18 & 19, 2024

Celebrate our region’s history as an early center for iron making at this festival featuring blacksmithing demonstrations; hands on casting and molding demonstrations; guided tours of the historic village by costumed interpreters; a beer and wine garden; ple​in air artists delicious historic foods; a wide variety of iron and metalwork arts, crafts, and jewelry; live period music; whimsical cannonball tosses and anvil lifting contests; childrens’ activities; make it/take it opportunities, and more! Partner events in surrounding parks and towns-including exhibits at the Museum of the Ironworker, educational speakers at the Thurmont Public Library, guided tours of the charcoal trail in nearby Catoctin Mountain Park, and a commemoration of the role of Africans in ironmaking at Catoctin. (FREE) This program is managed and sponsored by the Catoctin Furnace Historical Society.