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Cunningham Falls State Park
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Description: Cunningham Falls State Park is located on the mountain just west of Thurmont, MD, about 20 miles north of Frederick and about 15 miles south of Gettysburg.

We visit this park quite a bit as it is only about 1/2 hour from our home, yet it feels like it is a world away. There are actually two parks adjacent to each other on the mountain. One of course is Cunningham Falls, a MD state park. The other is Catoctin Mountain Park which is run by the National Park Service. Many of the trails etc. located in the Federal park can be enjoyed for free by campers staying at Cunningham Falls. While the Federal park does have a nice campground, it is not particularly suited for travel trailers. It is worth noting that Camp David is located within Catoctin Mountain Park, quite often you will hear and see the helicopters roaring over the Cunningham Falls Campground as it is just a short distance away. It is worth noting that some roads are closed when Camp David is in use. This hinders access to some of the trail heads, but they can still be reached by walking.

Cunningham Falls has several attractions, first being the falls itself, second being the the lake with it's swimming, fishing and non-power (elec ok) boating, the third main attraction are the numerous hiking trails. The lake is nestled down in a valley and surrounded by mountains, it is a great place to spend the day. Note: being only an hour or so from Baltimore, Washington and their suburbs, the lake are does get crowded on weekends during the summer. They close the park when the parking lot gets full. Because the two camping areas in the park are not within walking distance of the lake, if you want to use the lake in the high season it is best to get down there early (entrance is free with a camping pass) and planning on spending the day. They do have bath houses, bathrooms, a small store and food available at the lake. If you leave the lake to go back to your campsite, you may not get back in until the crowd starts to leave. However, you can leave the park itself and return to your campsite with no problem. Generally, during our summer visits, I hang at the trailer as I enjoy the peace and quiet while everyone is at the lake. We do enjoy visiting the park in the off months and experiencing the change of seasons.

There are two campgrounds located within the state park. One is the older "Manor" part of the park, that actually about 5 miles away from the lake. It is located directly off of route 15. We have not camped there as I understand the sites are older and tighter for most travel trailers. Plus I would think you would get traffic noise from the highway. They do have a nice day use area though, with an aviary. The Manor campground has 23 "basic" sites and 8 with electric. The other, more popular and larger campground, the "Houck" area, is up on top of the mountain closer to the lake (but folks don't generally walk due to the steep road to and from the lake along with the distance of a mile or so). There 107 "basic" sites and 30 sites in one loop with electric. We don't stay on the electric loop ourselves as we like the sites on the non-electric loops better, but we do this at most campgrounds anyway. Most sites will accept a trailer, even larger ones, but check out the listings when making reservations for more descriptions. It is worth noting that for most of the sites, the descriptions are very conservative as to what will fit.

Each loop in the Houck area has a modern, well kept bathroom with hot showers. Generators are allowed during appropriate hours, but noise limits are enforced. Most sites are wooded and all include picnic table and fire ring. Our favorite loops are the very top of the mountain, the Elderberry Loop and the Deer Spring loop. We have favorite sites on each loop that we can book depending on which ones are available.

It is also worth noting that Gettysburg is only about 1/2 hour away, right up Route 15. Of course that makes for a nice day trip, especially if you are like us and generally avoid commercial campgrounds (of which there are several around Gettysburg). If you are a buff, Antietam is also less than an hour a way. A good base to visit both places if you wish.

All in all, Cunningham Falls is a nice relaxing place to visit. It is also a great, quick get away if you live in the DC/Balto. metro areas.

Note that the photos in this review are from the MD DNR page for this park. Following is their blurb from the website for the park (please visit the website link for even more info) also visithttp://www.nps.gov/cato/index.htm for more info on Catoctin Mountain Park :

Cunningham Falls State Park is located in the picturesque Catoctin Mountains. It is divided into two separate but unique areas. The William Houck Area located three miles west of Thurmont on Route 77 has the lake area, falls and camping area. The Manor Area off Route 15 three miles south of Thurmont has the Scales and Tales Aviary, camping and the historic Catoctin Iron Furnace.
Outdoor activity is everywhere at Cunningham Falls State Park. Leisure opportunities like swimming, hiking, fishing and canoeing are available. For those who wish to get away for either a night or longer there are campsites and camper cabins available for rental from April through October.
The staff and volunteers at Cunningham Falls State Park strive to make your visit a pleasant one. If you have any questions or concerns please let us know.
The Falls

A trip to Cunningham Falls State Park would not be complete without a visit to the scenic 78-foot waterfall, for which the park is named. Cunningham Falls are the largest cascading waterfall in the state. 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.
Swimming

Swimming is allowed in three designated areas of Hunting Creek Lake, between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Swimming availability is not always guaranteed. It is your responsibility to call the Park office to check current swimming availability. Lifeguards are on duty during posted hours Memorial Day to Labor Day. For your safety and the protection of the natural resource swimming is not allowed at the Falls. Please remember to arrive early as the park often reaches capacity by mid to late morning on weekends and holidays.
Pet Policy

The Maryland Park Service is pleased to announce a revised Pet Policy effective April 9, 2010. The new policy offers expanded opportunities for pet owners to visit and enjoy their State Parks, while continuing to emphasize the importance of following the rules of responsible pet ownership when using public spaces.
Houck Area: Pets are allowed in Addison Run and Bear Branch camp loops. Pets are allowed on all trails (except Lower Trail to the Cunningham Falls, Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day).
Pets allowed in all day-use areas and lake (except for sandy portion of swimming beach area) after Labor Day 2010 to Memorial Day weekend 2011.
Manor Area: Pets are allowed in the campground and on all trails. Pets are allowed in the day-use area.

Camping

Cunningham Falls State Park has campsites in both the William Houck Area and the Manor Area.
The William Houck Area Campground has 107 basic sites, 33 sites with electric hook-up. The William Houck Area campground is open April through October. Click here for map and site descriptions.
The Manor Area Campground has 23 basic sites and 8 sites with electric hook-up. The Manor Area Campground is open April through October. Primitive camping at the Manor Area Campground is available from November 1 through the second weekend of Deer Firearms season. This means that the bathhouse is closed for the winter, but a portable toilet is available. Click here for map and site descriptions.
Each site is approximately 23’ X 23’ made of stone dust and has a picnic table and fire ring. There is a bathhouse with hot showers and flush toilets centrally located in the middle of each camping look.
Reservations are recommended for both areas, since they often fill weeks or months in advance.
Keywords: Cunningham Frederick Thurmont Gettysburg Catoctin
Campground Web Address: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclan...cunningham.asp
Campground Street Address: 14039 Catoctin Hollow Road
City: Thurmont
State or Province: Maryland
Postal Code: 21788



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