📘 Park Overview
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.
🌤 Weather Information
Summer (June-Aug) average temperature is between 61 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit. Fall (Sep-Nov) average temperature is between 45 and 64 degrees Fahrenheit. Fall foliage is at its peak in mid-October Winter (Dec-Feb) average temperature is between 24 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter snowfall is between 5-12" per month. Spring (March-May) average temperature is between 41 and 63 degrees Fahrenheit. Average precipitation is approximately 4 inches per month. (Source: usclimatedata.com)
🚗 Directions
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.
Images
A challenging hike leads to Chimney Rock, the most popular vista in the park.
Credit: NPS Photo/Peggie Gaul
First time visitors should begin their park experience at the visitor center.
Credit: NPS Photo/Peggie Gaul
Life is abundant at Catoctin Mountain Park, and habitat is plentiful for many salamander species.
Credit: NPS Photo/Thomas Zygmunt
Winding its way through the ridge, Big Hunting Creek is a popular fly fishing destination.
Credit: NPS Photo/John Zuke
Visitors can stay overnight in one of the historic Misty Mount cabins.
Credit: NPS Photo
At the end of a boulder field the size of a football field, stands Wolf Rock. Do you see the wolf?
Credit: NPS Photo
Blue Ridge Summit offers hikers a view northward into Pennsylvania.
Credit: NPS Photo/John Zuke
Natural beauty envelopes the mountainside throughout the day.
Credit: NPS Photo/Thomas Zygmunt
The west side of the park is a popular trail riding destination.
Credit: NPS Photo/John Zuke
Chimney Rock provides an excellent view of the mountain's fall foliage.
Credit: NPS Photo
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Tuesday, Jul 21
Sunny
High: 95°F | Low: 65.7°F
Humidity: 78%
Wind: 15 mph
Rain Chance: 62%
UV Index: 8.4
Sunrise: 05:59 AM
Sunset: 08:32 PM
Moon: First Quarter (53%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 72.4°F
Cloud Cover: 62%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Wednesday, Jul 22
Sunny
High: 82.1°F | Low: 64.6°F
Humidity: 71%
Wind: 15.4 mph
Rain Chance: 20%
UV Index: 7.4
Sunrise: 06:00 AM
Sunset: 08:32 PM
Moon: First Quarter (64%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 66.3°F
Cloud Cover: 20%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Thursday, Jul 23
Sunny
High: 78.3°F | Low: 53.3°F
Humidity: 58%
Wind: 8.5 mph
Rain Chance: 3%
UV Index: 8.4
Sunrise: 06:01 AM
Sunset: 08:31 PM
Moon: Waxing Gibbous (74%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 57.8°F
Cloud Cover: 3%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Wildflower Walk
Join Volunteer Daryl Despres on a guided hike of the Brown's Farm Trial and be immersed in the flora of Catoctin Mountain.
The guided hike will start at the Owen's Creek Picnic Area at the trailhead for the Brown's Farm Trail. Walking shoes, insect repellent and water is encouraged. The trail is .4 mile loop.
Futher information can be found at the park visitor center or by calling the phone number listed above.
Location: Catoctin Mountain Park Visitor Center 14707 Park Central Road Thurmont, MD 21788
Date: May 10, 2026 12:00am to May 10, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Juneteenth
Join us on the 161st anniversary of Juneteenth for a 1/2 mile hike along the Blue Ridge Summit Trail. We will be departing from the Hog Rock Parking Area. This program will be held in collaboration with the Catoctin Furnace Historical Society!
Location: Approximately 1.5 miles up Park Central Road from Catoctin Mountain Park Visitor Center (14707 Park Central Road, Thurmont, MD 21788) is Hog Rock Parking Lot. Sign and parking lot is on the right of the road.
Date: Jun 19, 2026 12:00am to Jun 19, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
National Women's Fly Fishing Day (in partnership with Central Maryland Fly Fishing Council)
Calling all female anglers and female anglers-to-be! Join park staff and the Central Maryland Fishing Council at the Catoctin Mountain Park Visitor Center for National Women’s Fly Fishing Day. Topics for the day include fly tying, entomology, cold water conservation, a history of women in fly fishing, and a casting demonstration (if weather allows)!
Location: Catoctin Mountain Park Visitor Center 14707 Park Central Road Thurmont, MD 21788
Date: Jun 27, 2026 12:00am to Jun 27, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
National Junior Ranger Day
Join us for a day full of Junior Ranger activities and programs!
Location: Catoctin Mountain Park Visitor Center 14707 Park Central Road, Thurmont, MD 21788
Date: Aug 22, 2026 12:00am to Aug 22, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
National Junior Ranger Day
Location: Catoctin Mountain Park Visitor Center 14707 Park Central Road Thurmont, MD 21788
Date: Aug 22, 2026 12:00am to Aug 22, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
14707 Park Central Road
Thurmont, MD 21788
🏤 Mailing Address:
6602 Foxville Road
Thurmont, MD 21788
📞 Voice Phone: 3016639388
📞 Fax Phone: 3012710205
✉️ Email: CATO_superintendent@nps.gov