Catoctin Mountain Park

Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit

With 25 miles of trails winding through Catoctin Mountain Park a variety of experiences are available ranging from easy to strenuous, many leading to outstanding scenic vistas. The roads of Catoctin Mountain Park offer scenic driving all year; but, portions of Park Central Road and Manahan Road are closed in winter. Camping, picnicking, wildlife viewing, fly-fishing, cross country skiing are all available at Catoctin Mountain Park.

Things To Know Before You Come

Catoctin Mountain Park is open all year. There are seasonal road closures in the winter months and occasional temporary partial park closures when requested for additional security.

Directions

Car

From Washington DC take the George Washington Memorial Parkway north to I495 beltway to I270 north 27 miles to Frederick, MD. Take Route 15 17 miles north to Thurmont, MD. Take Route 77 West, the exit sign is marked Catoctin Mountain Park. Travel approximately 3 miles west on 77 and turn right onto Park Central Road. The Visitor Center is on the right.

From Baltimore, MD. Take I695 beltway to I70 West to Frederick, MD. Take Route 15 North to Thurmont, MD. Take Route 77 West (the exit sign says Catoctin Mountain Park. Travel approximately 3 miles west on 77 and turn right onto Park Central Road. The Visitor Center is on the right.

From Hagerstown, MD, I70 east to Route 66 north for seven miles to right on Route 64 for 1 mile to right onto Route 77 East at a traffic light. Continue on Route 77 East for approximately 7 miles. Turn left onto Park Central Road and the Visitor Center is on the right.

From Gettysburg, PA: Route 15 south. In Thurmont, MD, exit onto Route 77 West(the exit sign says Catoctin Mountain Park, go approximately 3 miles, turn right onto Park Central Road and the Visitor Center is on the right. Public Transportation There is no public transportation to or in Catoctin Mountain Park.

Plane

Catoctin Mountain Park is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes north from Dulles International Airport in Northern Virginia, approximately 2 hours from Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC, and approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes west from Baltimore/Washington International Airport near Baltimore, MD. Hagerstown, MD Regional Airport is 45 minutes west of Catoctin.

Fees & Reservations

2008 Fees for Catoctin Mountain Park

CABIN CAMPS

Camp Greentop	Facility	Fri-Sun	Mon-Thurs	Weekly
	Entire Camp (sleeps 129)	$800/night	$500/night	$3,400
	Dining Hall/Rec. Hall - Only -Day Use	$300/day	$300/day
	Swimming Pool - certified lifeguard recommended Memorial Day - Labor Day	Only available with entire camp rental - no additional fee	Only available with entire camp rental - no additional fee
Additional Fee	Early Check in or Late Check out	$75/hour Requests considered on a case by case basis	$75/hour Requests considered on a case by case basis

Camp Round Meadow	Facility	Fri-Sun	Mon-Thurs	Weekly
	Conference Room (Bldg 177)	$100/day	$50/day
	Classroom (Bldg 83)	$100/day	$50/day
	Gym/2 Classrooms (Bldg 177)	$100/day	$50/day
	1 Dorm (sleeps 30)	$150/night	$100/night
	2 Dorms (sleeps 60)	$300/night	$200/night
	3 Dorms (sleeps 90)	$450/night	$300/night
	4 Dorms (sleeps 120)	$600/night	$400/night
	Dining Hall with Dorm Rental	$200/day	$100/day
	Dining Hall without Dorm Rental	$300/day	$100/day
	Entire Camp(sleeps 120)	$800/day	$500/day	$3,400
Additional Fee	Early Check in or Late Check out	$75/hour Requests considered on a case by case basis	$75/hour Requests considered on a case by case basis

Camp Misty Mount	Facility	Fri-Sun	Mon-Thurs	Weekly
	Cabin (sleeps 3,4,6)	$60/night	$40/night
	Lodge (sleeps 8)	$120/night	$80/night
	Cabin 16 (sleeps 8 with 2 bathrooms)	$160/night	$120/night
	Dining Hall with Cabin Rental	$200/day	$100/day
	Dining Hallwithout Cabin Rental	$300/day	$200/day
	Upper Unit sleeps 35	$460/day	$300/day
	Middle Unit sleeps 38	$460/day	$300/day
	Lower Unit sleeps 35	$460/day	$300/day
	Entire Camp sleeps 129	$1,800/night	$800/night	$4,000

CAMPGROUNDS	Facility	Fri-Sun	Mon-Thurs

Owens Creek Campground	Tent Sites (47) Pull through (3)	$20/night	$20/night

Poplar Grove Youth Group Tent Campground	3 sites @25 people per site	$30/night/site	$30/night/site

SPECIAL USE
	Weddings (Day Use /No Cabin Rental	$100 application fee

	Special Event/Special Use	$100 application fee

Getting Around

Security Closures

At the request of the U.S. Secret Service there may be temporary partial park closures due to increased security measures.

Seasonal Road Closures

Beginning in November and continuing into March, portions of Park roads will be closed. Closing the north section of Manahan Road during winter substantially reduces the need for gravel replacement on the historic roadway, preserves the adjacent native plant environment, and enhances visitor safety while allowing opportunities for cross-country skiing and sledding.

Closing portions of Park Central Road to vehicle traffic enhances visitor and provides opportunities for cross country skiing. The usable life of Park Central Road is extended and the road surface remains in better condition since this portion of the road, which is designed and built for light vehicle traffic does not suffer the negative impacts of plowing and the application of de-icing chemicals.

Safety Closures

Catoctin Mountain Park is impacted by storms and occassionally portions of the park and park roads may be closed to allow for visitor safety and for safe cleanup of storm damage. The tail end of hurricanes and winter ice storms often result in downed trees and occasional flooding.

Accessibility

Facilities
The park Visitor Center is wheelchair accessible. There is an exhibit room focusing on the history of man's use of the mountain's resources and a display of native animals found in the park. A small bookstore operated by Eastern National is also located in the Visitor Center. TTY services available on (301) 663-9388. Handicapped parking spaces are marked.

Trails
One trail is paved for wheelchair use. The Spicebush Nature Trail is a 1/4 mile loop trail located within the Chestnut Picnic Area. The trail has wayside signs describing general forest ecology. There are several trails that a person with partial limitations would be able to utilize, but these are unfinished surfaces with rocks and waterbars to be navigated.

Picnic Areas
The Chestnut Picnic Area is open year and has several wheelchair accessible picnic tables and an accessible restroom. Grills are located next to most tables.

Exhibits
The Sawmill exhibit located next to Owens Creek Campground has a wooden ramp system that will allow wheelchairs to travel from the parking lot to the sawmill itself. Interpretive signs are located along the ramp and there are resting platforms along the ramp and at the sawmill. The exhibt is open all year but the ramp access from the campground is limited to the camping season, April 15th through the third Sunday in November. Year round access to the Sawmill exhibit is available from Sawmill Parking Area on Foxville Road, and also has a wooden ramp system for exhibit access. Our Blacksmith Shop is wheelchair accessible. It is open several times during the year please contact the park to obtain a calendar of events for specific dates and times. The Visitor Center has a small exhibit area that is wheelchair accessible. The history of man's use of the mountain's resources and native animals are featured.

Camps
Both Camp Greentop and Camp Round Meadow are accessible. Camp Greentop is used by The League for People with Disabilities each summer. Spring and Fall weekends are usually good times to rent either of these facilities. Camp Misty Mount has limited accessibility facilities. Camp Misty Mount is a camp where individuals may rent a cabin. A few cabins are accessible but it is recommended you contact the park for specific information on pathways within the camp. Call (301) 271-3140 for information.

Operating Hours & Seasons

Catoctin Mountain Park is open year-round during daylight hours.

Owens Creek Campground is open May 2, 2008 through the 3rd Sunday in November, November 17, 2008.

Camp Misty Mount, a family cabin rental facility, is open from April 18th, 2008 through the end of October.

Poplar Grove Youth Group Tent Camping Area is closed from March 1st through April 15th.

Pets

To report a LOST PET in the park call the National Capital Region Communication Center at 1-866-677-6677.

Please make your visit to Catoctin Mountain Park enjoyable and memorable for both you and your pets by following our guidelines. Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations section 2.14, refers to pets in National Park units. Closures and special regulations are found in the Superintendent's Compendium which is available at Park Headquarters.

A summary of these regulations follows:

Pets are allowed in Catoctin Mountain Park as long as they are physically restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length at all times or are otherwise physically confined.
Pets are permitted in Owens Creek Campground and on park trails.
Pets may not be left unattended and tied to an object.
Pets may not make noise that is unreasonable considering location, time of day or night, impact on park users, and other relevant factors, or that frightens wildlife by barking, howling, or making other noise.

Pets, except for guide dogs or service animals, are prohibited inside all buildings and in the following camp areas:

Camp 1 - Misty Mount
Camp 2 - Greentop
Camp 4 - Round Meadow
Poplar Grove Youth Group Tenting Area
Adirondack Backcountry Shelters

PLEASE NOTE that Hunting Creek Lake and Cunningham Falls are located in Cunningham Falls State Park. Pets are not permitted in these areas and may not be left in a car.

The American Dog Owners Association lists several reasons to keep your dog on a leash:

Leashes protect dogs from becoming lost and from outdoor hazards.
Unleashed dogs intimidate other hikers and their dogs depriving them of the peace wilderness provides.
Unleashed dogs harass, injure and sometimes kill wildlife.
A leashed dog's keen senses can enhance your awareness of nearby wildlife or other visitors.
Failure to leash your dog may result in a fine.

Cats Indoors! The Campaign for Safer Birds and Cats also suggests several reasons to keep your cat indoors (or in your camper) or leashed.

Millions of cats are run over by cars each year.

Encounters with wild animals leave torn ears, scratched eyes, internal injuries, and diseases.

Cats kill birds and small mammals.

Unidentified lost pets are turned in to the Frederick County Division of Animal Control at 301-694-1546.

Weather

Catoctin Mountain Park, and the surrounding area, generally experiences a mild, four-season climate, but can experience extreme weather at times. Precipitation in the area is approximately 44 inches per year with monthly distribution being fairly even throughout the year. Snowfall fluctuates from year to year, but averages 35 inches per year. In 1996 over 82 inches of snow fell, while only 6 inches fell in 1992. Summers are usually warm, with temperatures averaging 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but can exceed temperatures over 90 degrees. Winter temperatures average around 30 degrees Fahrenheit, but lows have been recorded at -10 degrees! Spring and fall seasons are more unpredictable, with milder temperatures and frequent gusts of wind.

America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program

America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass- Annual Pass - Cost $80

This pass is available to the general public and provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of sale. The pass admits the pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. (children under 16 are admitted free) The pass can be obtained in person at the park, by calling 1-888-ASK USGS, Ext. 1, or via the Internet at http://store.usgs.gov/pass.

America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass- Senior Pass - Cost $10.

This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can only be obtained in person at the park. The Senior Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.

America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass- Access Pass - Free.

This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Documentation is required to obtain the pass. Acceptable documentation includes: statement by a licensed physician; document issued by Federal agency such as the Veteran's Administration, Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income; or document issued by a State agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can only be obtained in person at the park. The Senior Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.

America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass- Volunteer Pass - Free.

This pass is for volunteers acquiring 500 service hours on a cumulative basis. It provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of award. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). Contact the park VIP coordinator at (301) 663-9388 to learn about volunteer opportunities in Catoctin Mountain Park.

All National Parks Passes, Golden Eagle, Golden Eagle Hologram, Golden Access and Golden Age Passports will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass. Only paper Golden Age and Access Passports may be exchanged free of charge for new plastic passes.

Golden Eagle Passport and National Parks Pass and Golden Eagle Hologram

These passes have been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass- Annual Pass.

Golden Age Passport

This pass has been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass- Senior Pass

Golden Access Passport

This pass has been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass- Access Pass

Recreational information for all Federal Agencies may be found at Recreation.gov.

Contact Us

By Mail:
Catoctin Mountain Park
6602 Foxville Road
Thurmont, MD 21788-1598

By Phone:
(301) 663-9330 Park Headquarters
(301) 663-9388 (TTD and voice) Visitor Center

By FAX:
(301) 271-2764