The drive to the falls was dotted with regions of colorful promise. You couldnt ask to camp in a more beautiful place than cunningham falls state park campground. Cunningham falls state park is located in frederick county, maryland. Cunningham falls state park thurmont 2020 all you need. This trail terminates at the falls from either access point and is not a through trail. Cunningham falls state park campground trail orange blaze 34 mile this strenuous trail gives campers access to the cliff trail.
We have been several times and have enjoyed each visit. Cunningham falls state park has a beach and waterfall. Along every hill and in every bend in the trail, a new experience, a new beauty, a new connection to nature, waits for you at catoctin mountain park. When i visited in july there was water flowing, but i have seen photos of the falls with much more water. Though marylands tallest, the falls does not drop in one freefall but rather a series of cascades 1020 feet high, separated by small pools.
My eightyearold son loves to hike, but we look for hikes that my threeyearold can still manage. This 78foot waterfall, among the largest in the state, is easily accessible by two short trails. The main attraction at cunningham falls state park is its namesake 78foot cascading waterfall, the largest in the state. I imagine there might be some seasonal falls on some of the nearby streams, but if so noone talks about them. This natural wonder is the largest cascading waterfall in maryland. Cars cannot be left at the gambrill sp trail system parking area. Mar 23, 2014 the trail led to a scenic 78foot waterfall, for which the park is named after. Now that warm weather is here, consider a trip to the following park thats perfect for a day trip or a camping weekend. Camping near cunningham falls state park is easy with hipcamp, where private landowners offer oneofakind camping experiences. Best camping in and near cunningham falls state park. Climbing in cliff trail boulders, cunningham falls state park. The 12 mile each way selfguided trail begins near the boiling shed and ends at the falls. While partly obscured by a huge hemlock, cunningham falls appears ahead.
Cunningham falls nature trail is in the trails category for frederick county in the state of maryland. You can view the falls from a boardwalk or climb up the rocks on the right side of the falls. Situated in the heart of the catoctin mountains, this scenic landmark is less than a 1. Cunningham falls state park hiking trail near thurmont. The park is one of several protected areas occupying 50milelong catoctin mountain. The falls stand 78 feet high as a moderate flow of. You can park at gambrill state park call them which has the red access trail from there to the trail system parking area. Cunningham falls state park area recreation the parks main attractions are a 78foot cascading waterfall, mountain streams, winding trails and a scenic lake. Cunningham falls is a 78foot cascading waterfall that is the main feature of the state park named after it. Start at the cunningham falls parking area, near hunting creek lake near the houck area and follow the upper cliff trail. Cunningham falls state park is located in the picturesque catoctin mountains.
Did you know that theres a state park in maryland with a waterfall and beach. Jun 22, 20 we will eventually take the trail leading uphill and to the right to continue the loop, but for now turn left and begin the 0. Most people take the trails that head towards cunningham falls. It wont take long for you to understand why cunningham falls is. Hike the cunningham falls lower trail, cunningham falls lower. Cunningham falls nature trail is displayed on the blue ridge summit usgs quad topo map. There are two viewing platforms at the bottom of the falls. Cunningham falls tumbles over the bedrock hiking to cunningham falls. Cunningham falls state park is a hiking trail near thurmont, maryland, united states description.
Cunningham falls lower trail and cliff trail loop maryland. Why cunningham falls is the best waterfall in maryland. Cunningham falls state park thurmont 2020 all you need to. Home trending history get youtube premium get youtube tv best of youtube music sports. Easy to moderate trails to a nice waterfall tripadvisor. Its midoctober, and the trees are just beginning to change colors in the region. Cliff trail lower trail loop cunningham falls state. Climb the rocks and sit next to the trickling water for a while. Offering easy to strenuous hikes, the east side trails can lead you to stunning overlooks and vistas, access to cunningham falls, along with historical and interpretive exhibits. The short cliff trail to the 78foot cascading waterfall at cunningham falls state park was a perfect hike for us. The boardwalk trail parking lot is open only to vehicles displaying the handicap accessible symbol. The william houck area, located three miles west of thurmont on route 77, has the lake area, falls and camping area.
Best trails in cunningham falls state park maryland alltrails. This maryland beach and waterfall will be your new favorite paradise. This is a popular option for families and groups of all abilities and can be crowded on weekends or during nicer weather. William houck area, including north beach and the trails to the falls, is now open.
Alltrails has 10 great hiking trails, forest trails, dogs leash trails and more, with handcurated. At 78 feet, cunningham falls, the centerpiece of the state park bearing its name, is marylands tallest waterfall and one of the states most visited. Cunningham falls nature trail topo map, frederick county. The cunningham falls state park trail system varies in terrain from short, flat hikes to steep and rocky ascents that will challenge even the experienced hiker. This underrated trail just may be the most peaceful hike in maryland. The highlight, of course, is hiking to the waterfall for photos. This wine and waterfalls day trip in maryland is a scenic. Cunningham falls state park surrounded by the beautiful catoctin mountains, cunningham falls state park is home to marylands highest cascading waterfall. With both a waterfall and beach to offer, cunningham falls state park is one state gem thats worth the trip. Hunting creek does not have a large watershed and the falls can get pretty thin. Catoctin mountain park and cunningham falls state park.
Cunningham falls state park also includes a manmade lake with a small beach, and a few different hiking trails. Boasting 78 feet tall, cunningham falls is easily reached by a short hike and the lush late spring colors will enhance its beauty. Primitive and electric hookups are available, so whatever makes you the most comfortable, feel free to bring it. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking and is accessible yearround. Nov 06, 2016 the cunningham falls area of catoctin mountain park is located north of foxville road md 77 near cunningham falls, just north of the junction of falls nature trail and hog rock nature trail. Cunningham falls lower trail and cliff trail loop is a 1.
The boardwalk trail provides access for wheelchairs. Park in the cunningham falls parking lot off william houck drive. South beach is at reduced capacity due to construction. Many problems are located in the rock and treechoked ravine right by. Old misery trailorange blaze 2 miles this steep, strenuous trail with many switchbacks and scenic views connects with the cat rock trail. Follow the cliff trail yellow blazes a few hundred feet up to large clearing with several prominent large boulders.
As of april 2020, the accessible falls trail and boardwalks at. Maple syrup festival at cunningham falls state park. The trail leads back down to the cunningham falls overlook, which offers stunning views that are worth the climb. Falls hikes dont forget to visit the 78foot cascading waterfall tallest in maryland. Catoctin mountain park and cunningham falls state park is a hiking adventure located in or near thurmont, md. Cat rock offers nice, albeit not fantastic, views of the surrounding catoctin mountains, but the real gem is the rock itself. A trip to cunningham falls state park would not be complete without a visit to the scenic 78foot waterfall, for which the park is named. Surrounded by the beautiful catoctin mountains, cunningham falls state park is home to marylands highest cascading waterfall. Cunningham falls outandback hiking trail, thurmont, maryland. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Outdoor recreation includes hiking, mountain biking, boating rentals available, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and swimming. Hike the cunningham falls lower trail, cunningham falls. You can also create your own loop by hiking the cliff trail to the falls and the lower trail back. Cunningham falls is one of the best waterfalls at least that i know of in maryland, and there are lots of great hikes in the area with overlooks of the surrounding area. Looking for a great trail in cunningham falls state park, maryland. There are two different trails that you can take to get to the falls, the cliff trail and the lower trail. Cunningham falls state park 10 tips from 1537 visitors.
The park has a 43acre lake, camping area, and is home to cunningham waterfall. Photographing catoctin mountain park and cunningham falls. Cunningham falls state park frederick county, md visit frederick. The state park has 9 hiking trails totaling over 30 miles of trail, as well as a lake. I was so impressed with the cleanliness of both the cabin and the bath house. May 14, 2016 this entry was posted in cunningham falls state park, maryland, strenuous hikes and tagged bobs hill, cat rock, cat rock loop, cat rock trail, catoctin mountain, catoctin trail, cunningham falls state park, hunting creek lake, loop hike, maryland, old misery trail, quartzite. The trail is well maintained and pretty wide at some. Cliff trail hiking trail, thurmont, maryland hiking project. Aug 27, 20 the trail climbs in fits and starts on a gradual to moderate grade with an occasional descent in between the climbs. Thurmonts cunningham falls state park has hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, hunting, picnicking, playgrounds, camping 180 campsites, and a 43 acre lake. The trail surface is good enough to support a wheelchair, but some of the grades are much too steep.
The easy outandback halfmile lower trail from the lake leads to the falls. Cunningham falls waterfalls of the great lakes region. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible yearround. Yesterday, i rode out to cunningham falls state park, and catoctin mountain park in thurmont maryland. Cunningham falls state park campground trailorange blaze 34 mile this strenuous trail gives campers access to the cliff trail. Many problems are located in the rock and treechoked ravine right by the road, with many more uphill from there. Offering easy to strenuous hikes, the east side trails can lead you to stunning overlooks and vistas, access to cunningham. Cunningham falls state park thurmont all you need to. The cunningham falls are located within the boundaries of cunningham falls state park and state park regulations and guidelines apply. Numerous maps and guides for the east side trails are available. The first boulder you come to is the flying squirrel boulder. The state park is the home of cunningham falls, the largest cascading waterfall in maryland, a 43acre 17 ha manmade lake, and the remains of a historic iron furnace.
Offering sweeping landscapes with the lake, and a meandering trail through the woods filled with wildlife and nature, a variety of. Once you arrive, have a seat on the rocks and enjoy the view. There are two main trails to the falls, the 12 mile lower trail, and the 34 mile cliff trail. Leisure opportunities like swimming, hiking, fishing and canoeing are available. The trail ends at the base of the parks scenic 78foot waterall. As part of the rei coop family, were dedicated to making websites and mobile apps that help outdoor enthusiasts connect, share information and get out into the places they love to play. Old misery trail orange blaze 2 miles this steep, strenuous trail with many switchbacks and scenic views connects with the cat rock trail. Cunningham falls is a hiking, trail running adventure located in or near thurmont, md. Sep 29, 2017 cunningham falls state park is located in frederick county, maryland. Very quickly the spur trail reaches sr 77, where you must turn left and walk 100 feet along the shoulder of the road to reach the handicap parking. We will eventually take the trail leading uphill and to the right to continue the loop, but for now turn left and begin the 0. They both leave from the parking lot near the entrance to the park. Cunningham falls is the falls for those found near frederick and hagerstown.
Hike to the waterfall at cunningham falls state park. Cunningham falls state park is a public recreation area located west of thurmont, maryland, in the united states. Maple syrup festival at cunningham falls state park march 2020. The trail led to a scenic 78foot waterfall, for which the park is named after. Sep 30, 2014 hike to the waterfall at cunningham falls state park. The trail climbs in fits and starts on a gradual to moderate grade with an occasional descent in between the climbs.
Cunningham falls, marylands tallest, is the focal park of the state park bearing its name, but there are plenty of other worth destinations in this 6,000acre wilderness a short striking distance from frederick, maryland. This trail terminates at the falls from either access point and. The falls, locally known as mcafee falls, can be accessed via a short trail from the lake area or a boardwalk from route 77 for those visitors with mobility impairments. Cat rock loop cunningham falls state park, md live and. Cliff trail lower trail loop cunningham falls state park. Other hiking trails of various difficulty levels weave through the park. The cunningham falls area of catoctin mountain park is located north of foxville road md 77 near cunningham falls, just north of the junction of falls nature trail and hog rock nature trail. Bouldering in cunningham falls, cunningham falls state park. Capital photography center classes cunningham falls. Cunningham falls are the largest cascading waterfall in the state. Outdoor activity is everywhere at cunningham falls state park. First, you can go to the state park and do a short. The most popular trail in the park, this trail takes visitors to the largest cascading waterfall in maryland. This can be done as a 2 day backpack with camping around the mile 16.
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