Cunningham Falls State Park

By Rachel Cooper

Updated 02/05/15

  • 01 of 05

    Cunningham Falls State Park

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    ••• Cunningham Falls State Park. © Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.

    Cunningham Falls State Park, located near Thurmont, Maryland, features a beautiful 78-foot cascading waterfall, a 44-acre lake, campsites, playgrounds, picnic areas and hiking trails. Cunningham Falls is the largest cascading waterfall in the state, attracting visitors from around the region.  Swimming is allowed on the lake between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Lifeguards are on duty daily between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Hiking trail distances range from .5 mile to 7.5 miles.

    Location: The park is located about 18 miles north of Frederick, MD. The William Houck Area, located three miles west of Thurmont on Route 77, has the lake area, falls and camping. The Manor Area three miles south of Thurmont off Route 15 has the Scales and Tales Aviary, camping and the historic Catoctin Iron Furnace.​

    Park Hours: 8 a.m. to Sunset, April-October, 10 a.m. to Sunset, November-March

    Camping: The William Houck Area Campground has 107 basic sites, 33 sites with electric hook-up and 9 four-person camper cabins...MORE and 4 six-person camper cabins. The Manor Area Campground has 23 basic sites and 8 sites with electric hook-up. Both areas are open April through October. Reservations are suggested. For details, visit reservations.dnr.state.md.us.

    Park Passes - Maryland Park Service Season Passports can be purchased at Park headquarters or at the contact station when entering the Park. They can also be purchased online at www.dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/parkpass.asp

    See the following photos and get a glimpse of Cunningham Falls State Park.

    Continue to 2 of 5 below.
  • 02 of 05

    Cunningham Falls

    ••• Cunningham Falls. © Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
    The main attraction at Cunningham Falls State Park is the 78-foot cascading waterfall. Visitors can view the falls from a boardwalk or climb up the rocks on the right side of the falls.
    Continue to 3 of 5 below.
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    Hiking Trails at Cunningham Falls State Park

    ••• Cunningham Falls Hiking Trails. © Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
    There are a variety of hiking trails at Cunningham Falls State Park. Many of the trails are easy and well marked. A few strenuous trails are also available for longer treks.
    Continue to 4 of 5 below.
  • 04 of 05

    Beach and Hunting Creek Lake

    ••• Hunting Creek Lake. © Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
    Cunningham Falls Park has a recreation area with a 44-acre lake, Hunting Creek Lake, for swimming, boating and fishing. There is a small sandy beach and a snack bar.
    Continue to 5 of 5 below.
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    Canoes and Boat Dock at Cunningham Falls

    ••• Canoes and Boat Dock. © Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
    Cunningham Falls is a beautiful park with plenty of things to do. Visitors enjoy swimming, boating and fishing, campgrounds, playgrounds, picnic areas and hiking trails. Canoes are available to rent at the boat dock at the lake at Cunningham Falls State Park.