Catoctin Mountain Park Hike

Eleven guys showed up for our Northern Maryland hike and it turned out to be a great late season hike.  Except for a missed turn towards the end (adding an extra 1.5 miles), the hike went out without any issues and all seemed to have a good time.

Although there was a chance of rain, we didn't see anything worse than clouds during the hike.  And despite Maryland's reputation as a fairly flat state, the hike was surprisingly steep in some places, particularly on the last couple of miles back. 

And even though it was a warm Saturday within a couple hours drive of two major cities, we didn't pass an enormous amount of people and never felt too crowded at any spot.

Thanks to all who participated.  I hope that you all will join another Mid-Altantic hike again. . . or plan a good one yourself! 

Trip leader, Scott, put together another day hike that everyone seemed to enjoy - a bunch of great laughs and a sneaky ole' rattle snake playing possum while eyeing a lunchtime snack of GO flesh.  Scott,  thanks for taking the lead yet again. 

We'll meet up at the Falls Nature Trailhead across from the Catoctin Mountain Park (CMP) Visitor Center and, starting here, will do a loop that combines parts of all of the three major loops in CMP.  First, we'll follow the Falls Nature Trail west to Cunningham Falls, then continue north to Hog Rock Vista.  From Hog Rock, we'll continue northward (just east of the Camp David presidential retreat) to the Blue Ridge Summit overlook.  Then we'll turn east and head to the Thurmont vista, before heading south and down to Wolf Rock, perhaps the most photographed spot in CMP.  From there, we'll pass the CVP HQ and then turn west and back towards the CMP Visitor Center where we began. 

Total mileage is 8.0 miles.  The hike should take about 5 hours, so I expect a return to the starting point at about 3.30PM.

Participants should check the weather forecast for Thurmont, MD, and dress accordingly, including wearing sturdy boots or hiking shoes.  They should also plan on bringing lunch, water, and whatever snacks they wish to enjoy during the hike.