Scenic natural area featuring a cascading waterfall, lake for swimming and boating, hiking trails, and seasonal camping facilities.
General Information
Day-use areas may close when capacity is reached, especially on weekends and holidays
Weekends & holidays (MD residents): $5/person
Out-of-state visitors: Additional $2/person
Camping: $21.50–$27.50/night depending on site type
How to Get There
From Frederick, MD (18 mi): Take US-15 N to MD-77 W/West Main Street in Thurmont, then turn left onto Catoctin Hollow Road and follow signs to the park entrance.
Overview
The Cunningham Falls State Park is a beloved outdoor destination nestled in the Catoctin Mountains, offering a rich blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The park is home to Maryland’s largest cascading waterfall, a 78-foot marvel that draws hikers and photographers year-round. Visitors can explore miles of scenic trails, enjoy a swim in Hunting Creek Lake, or paddle across its calm waters in a canoe or kayak. The park also features picnic areas, interpretive programs, and a variety of wildlife, making it a favorite for families and nature lovers alike.
Divided into two main areas—William Houck Area and Manor Area—the park caters to both day-trippers and overnight campers. The William Houck Area is known for its lake and waterfall access, while the Manor Area offers historical interpretation and access to the Catoctin Furnace ruins. With its seasonal camping, pet-friendly trails, and proximity to other regional attractions, Cunningham Falls State Park provides a peaceful yet adventurous escape into Maryland’s mountain landscape.
Things to Do
Visit Maryland's Highest Waterfall
Cunningham Falls State Park is best known for Cunningham Falls, a beautiful 78-foot cascading waterfall that is the tallest waterfall in Maryland. Located in the Catoctin Mountains, the falls attract visitors year-round and are especially popular during spring runoff and autumn foliage season.
Enjoy Recreation at Hunting Creek Lake
The park's William Houck Area features Hunting Creek Lake, where visitors can enjoy swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and picnicking. The sandy beach and surrounding mountain scenery make it a favorite destination for families during the warmer months.
Explore the Catoctin Mountains
The park lies within the scenic Catoctin Mountain region and offers access to forested ridges, streams, overlooks, and diverse wildlife habitats. Visitors can experience some of Maryland's best mountain scenery while hiking through hardwood forests and rocky terrain.
Camp and Experience the Outdoors
Cunningham Falls State Park provides a variety of camping opportunities, including tent sites, cabins, and campgrounds. Its mountain setting makes it a popular destination for weekend getaways, family vacations, and outdoor recreation.
Observe Wildlife and Nature
The park supports a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bears, foxes, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species. Wildflower displays, fall foliage, and forest scenery make the park attractive throughout the year.
Top Trails
Cunningham Falls Trail
Length: Approximately 1 mile round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal to Moderate
Difficulty: Easy
This popular trail leads directly to Cunningham Falls and is the park's most visited hiking route. The well-maintained path follows Hunting Creek and provides scenic views of the waterfall and surrounding forest.
Cliff Trail
Length: Approximately 4.5 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate
The Cliff Trail climbs through forested mountain terrain and connects with several other trail systems. Hikers enjoy scenic views, rock formations, and opportunities for wildlife observation along the route.
Catoctin Trail
Length: Approximately 27 miles total
Elevation Gain: Moderate to Strenuous
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Sections of the long-distance Catoctin Trail pass through the park, providing opportunities for extended day hikes and backpacking adventures through the Catoctin Mountains.
Lower Trail and Nature Walks
Length: Variable distances available
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
Several shorter trails within the park offer family-friendly hiking opportunities through forests, along streams, and near recreation areas. These routes are ideal for birdwatching, photography, and leisurely outdoor exploration.
Sources: Maryland Department of Natural Resources official Cunningham Falls State Park information, including details on Cunningham Falls, Hunting Creek Lake, hiking trails, camping, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/western/cunningham.aspx
Additional trail information verified through Maryland Park Service resources covering Cunningham Falls Trail, Cliff Trail, Catoctin Trail connections, recreational facilities, and visitor amenities throughout the park.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Cunningham Falls State Park, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
