Catoctin Mountain Park


President Franklin D. Roosevelt created programs to give people a chance to rebuild their lives from the Great Depression. The Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps gave this land a second opportunity and through re-growth, a new role as a recreation area.

To reach the visitor center from the east, follow US Route 15 to MD Route 77 and go west about 3 miles. The visitor center is on the right side of the road. From the west, take I 70 to MD 66 at exit 35. Turn left onto MD 66 north and travel about 5 miles, passing through the roundabout. Turn right onto MD 64 and drive 1 mile. Turn right onto MD 77. Drive on MD 77 about 7.5 miles. The visitor center is on the left.

  • Camping
  • Car or Front Country Camping
  • Group Camping
  • Climbing
  • Compass and GPS
  • Orienteering
  • Fishing
  • Fly Fishing
  • Food
  • Picnicking
  • Hiking
  • Front-Country Hiking
  • Horse Trekking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Skiing
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Snowshoeing
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store

  • African American Heritage
  • Industry
  • Mills
  • Logging and Timber Cutting
  • Native American Heritage
  • Reconstruction
  • Social Movements
  • Civil Rights
  • Animals
  • Birds
  • Fish
  • Climate Change
  • Forests and Woodlands
  • Geology
  • Trails

Chimney Rock Vista

Rock formation with mountains in the background

A challenging hike leads to Chimney Rock, the most popular vista in the park.

Visitor Center

A stone and wood building with plants and flowers in front

First time visitors should begin their park experience at the visitor center.

Eastern Mud Salamander

A slender-bodied, red salamander with black spots across its body.

Life is abundant at Catoctin Mountain Park, and habitat is plentiful for many salamander species.

Big Hunting Creek

A fast flowing stream cutting through a green forest.

Winding its way through the ridge, Big Hunting Creek is a popular fly fishing destination.

Historic Camp Misty Mount

A log cabin in the woods

Visitors can stay overnight in one of the historic Misty Mount cabins.

Wolf Rock

A large angular boulder that resembles the shape of a wolf.

At the end of a boulder field the size of a football field, stands Wolf Rock. Do you see the wolf?

Blue Ridge Summit

A rocky outcrop nestled amongst trees overlooking a valley.

Blue Ridge Summit offers hikers a view northward into Pennsylvania.

Sun Rays Through the Forest at Misty Mount

Multiple bright sun rays shining through a forest with log cabins.

Natural beauty envelopes the mountainside throughout the day.

The Horse Trail

Two riders, on horseback, walking through a forested trail.

The west side of the park is a popular trail riding destination.

Chimney Rock in the Fall

A large rocky outcropping overlooking a mountainside with fall foliage.

Chimney Rock provides an excellent view of the mountain's fall foliage.