📘 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, May 19
Sunny
High: 96.3°F | Low: 73.2°F
Humidity: 54%
Wind: 12.3 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 9.3
Sunrise: 05:52 AM
Sunset: 08:21 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (7%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 71.5°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Wednesday, May 20
Moderate rain
High: 87.6°F | Low: 62.5°F
Humidity: 75%
Wind: 10.5 mph
Rain Chance: 82%
UV Index: 9.5
Sunrise: 05:51 AM
Sunset: 08:22 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (15%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 67.7°F
Cloud Cover: 82%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Thursday, May 21
Heavy rain
High: 54.1°F | Low: 48.7°F
Humidity: 89%
Wind: 8.9 mph
Rain Chance: 77%
UV Index: 1
Sunrise: 05:51 AM
Sunset: 08:22 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (24%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 49.6°F
Cloud Cover: 77%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Weather Alerts (5)
Air Quality Alert issued May 18 at 12:49PM EDT by NWS State College PA
Effective: May 18, 2026 12:49pm
Expires: May 19, 2026 12:00am
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issued
a Code ORANGE Air Quality Alert for Ground Level Ozone, until
midnight EDT tonight.
A Code ORANGE Air Quality Alert means that air pollution
concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for
sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children, people
suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases,
and the elderly. The effects of air pollution can be minimized
by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors.
For more information on ground-level ozone and fine particles,
visit www.airnow.gov, and www.aqpartners.state.pa.us.
Air Quality Alert issued May 18 at 8:35AM EDT by NWS State College PA
Effective: May 18, 2026 8:35am
Expires: May 19, 2026 12:00am
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issued
a Code ORANGE Air Quality Alert for Ground Level Ozone, until
midnight EDT tonight.
A Code ORANGE Air Quality Alert means that air pollution
concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for
sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children, people
suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases,
and the elderly. The effects of air pollution can be minimized
by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors.
For more information on ground-level ozone and fine particles,
visit www.airnow.gov, and www.aqpartners.state.pa.us.
Air Quality Alert issued May 17 at 4:40PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Effective: May 17, 2026 4:40pm
Expires: May 19, 2026 12:00am
The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a Code
ORANGE Air Quality Alert Monday for
Northern Baltimore.
A Code Orange Air Quality Alert means that air pollution
concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for
sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children, people
suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases and
the elderly. The effects of air pollution can be minimized by
avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors.
For more information on ground-level ozone
and fine particles visit the web site
mde.maryland.gov/programs/air/AirQualityMonitoring/Pages/index.aspx.
Air Quality Alert issued May 17 at 4:40PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Effective: May 17, 2026 4:40pm
Expires: May 19, 2026 12:00am
The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a Code
ORANGE Air Quality Alert Monday for
the Baltimore City Metro and Annapolis region.
A Code Orange Air Quality Alert means that air pollution
concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for
sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children, people
suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases and
the elderly. The effects of air pollution can be minimized by
avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors.
For more information on ground-level ozone
and fine particles visit the web site
mde.maryland.gov/programs/air/AirQualityMonitoring/Pages/index.aspx.
Air Quality Alert issued May 18 at 1:42PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Effective: May 18, 2026 1:42pm
Expires: May 19, 2026 12:00am
The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a Code
ORANGE Air Quality Alert Monday for
Northern Baltimore.
A Code Orange Air Quality Alert means that air pollution
concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for
sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children, people
suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases and
the elderly. The effects of air pollution can be minimized by
avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors.
For more information on ground-level ozone
and fine particles visit the web site
mde.maryland.gov/programs/air/AirQualityMonitoring/Pages/index.aspx
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
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