Explore Cunningham Falls State Park in Maryland's Catoctin Mountains

Cunningham Falls State Park, located near Thurmont, Maryland, in the Catoctin Mountains, encompasses a beautiful 78-foot cascading waterfall, a 44-acre lake, campsites, playgrounds, picnic areas, and plentiful hiking trails.

Located about 18 miles north of Frederick, the park includes the William Houck Area 3 miles west of Thurmont on Route 77 where you can find the lake, falls, and a campground. Head to the Manor Area 3 miles south of Thurmont off Route 15 to access the Scales and Tales Aviary, additional camping, and the historic Catoctin Iron Furnace, a landmark on the National Historic Register.

Park Hours: Cunningham Falls State Park welcomes visitors from 8 a.m. until sunset from April through October, and from 10 a.m. until sunset from November through March.

Camping: The William Houck Area Campground contains 106 basic sites, 33 sites with electric hook-up, nine four-person cabins, and four six-person cabins. The Manor Area Campground has 23 basic sites and eight sites with electric hook-up. Both areas remain open from April through October. (Camping is available year round in the Manor Area Campground, however, services are limited from November 1 through March 31.) 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 at the park entrance. You can also purchase them online.

Of Note: Cell phones are unreliable in the park due to spotty service throughout the Catoctin Mountains. Leashed pets are permitted in all day-use area, with the exception of on the sandy beach from Memorial Day to Labor Day.