Catoctin Mountain Park

Rock formation with mountains in the background — A challenging hike leads to Chimney Rock, the most popular vista in the park.Photo: NPS Photo/Peggie Gaul

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.

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News

Catoctin Mountain Park Announces Temporary Road Closure October 2 and 3 2026-10-01
THURMONT, Md.- Due to increased security measures, a section of Park Central Road in Catoctin Mountain Park will temporarily close Friday, October 2, at 10 a.m. The road is expected to reopen by 8 p.m. Saturday, October 3, but may reopen earlier.
Catoctin Mountain Park announces temporary closures September 18 - 20, 2026 2026-09-17
Thurmont, Md. – Due to increased security measures, portions of Catoctin Mountain Park will be closed from approximately 5 p.m. on Friday, September 18. Closures are scheduled to continue through approximately 8 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
Celebrate America’s Story in the National Capital Area During National Park Week, August 22-30 2026-08-21
The National Park Service is excited to welcome visitors to celebrate National Park Week from Saturday, August 22 through Sunday, August 30, as dozens of sites across the region mark the 2026 theme, “Celebrate America’s Story,” highlighting the 250th anniversary of American independence and recognizing our shared American heritage of national parks.
Catoctin Mountain Park announces temporary closures August 8 – 16, 2026 2026-08-06
Thurmont, Md. – Due to increased security measures, portions of Catoctin Mountain Park will be closed at approximately 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 8. Closures are scheduled to continue through approximately 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
Catoctin Mountain Park announces temporary closure July 31, 2026 2026-07-30
Thurmont, Md. – Due to increased security measures, portions of Catoctin Mountain Park will be closed from approximately 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31.

Photos

A stone and wood building with plants and flowers in front — First time visitors should begin their park experience at the visitor center.Photo: NPS Photo/Peggie Gaul

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.Photo: NPS Photo/Thomas Zygmunt

A fast flowing stream cutting through a green forest. — Winding its way through the ridge, Big Hunting Creek is a popular fly fishing destination.Photo: NPS Photo/John Zuke

A log cabin in the woods — Visitors can stay overnight in one of the historic Misty Mount cabins.Photo: NPS Photo

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?Photo: NPS Photo / John Zuke

A rocky outcrop nestled amongst trees overlooking a valley. — Blue Ridge Summit offers hikers a view northward into Pennsylvania.Photo: NPS Photo/John Zuke

Multiple bright sun rays shining through a forest with log cabins. — Natural beauty envelopes the mountainside throughout the day.Photo: NPS Photo/Thomas Zygmunt

Two riders, on horseback, walking through a forested trail. — The west side of the park is a popular trail riding destination.Photo: NPS Photo/John Zuke

Park information and photos come from the National Park Service. This is not an official NPS site.