Catoctin Mountain Park

About Catoctin Mountain Park

Catoctin Mountain Park is a hidden gem of the National Park Service and one of the best outdoor day trips available to Pine Ridge Campground seasonal campers. Located about 32 miles south in the Catoctin Mountains of northern Maryland, this NPS site preserves a forested mountain landscape that once served as a Civilian Conservation Corps recreation area during the 1930s.

The park's 25 miles of hiking trails lead to some of the most dramatic natural features in the mid-Atlantic. Chimney Rock offers panoramic views from a craggy overlook, while Wolf Rock presents a massive quartzite boulder field that challenges scramblers and rock climbers alike. The Thurmont Vista trail rewards hikers with sweeping views of the Monocacy Valley, and quieter paths wind through old-growth hardwood forests alive with wildflowers in spring and color in autumn.

Beyond hiking, the park offers trout fishing in mountain streams, six miles of horseback riding trails with trailer parking, two orienteering courses with free classes in spring and fall, and permitted rock climbing at Wolf Rock. The historic Blue Blazes Whiskey Still site tells the story of Prohibition-era moonshining in these mountains. In winter, park roads closed to vehicles become cross-country ski routes when snow cover reaches three to four inches.

Camping options include Owens Creek Campground, the rustic cabins at Camp Misty Mount, and Adirondack shelters. Ranger-led programs run throughout the warmer months, covering topics from wildlife ecology to mountain history. The visitor center provides trail maps, exhibits, and current conditions.

Pine Ridge seasonal campers will appreciate that admission to Catoctin Mountain Park is completely free -- no entrance fee, no parking fee. Pair it with neighboring Cunningham Falls State Park for a full day of Catoctin Mountain exploration, and return throughout your camping season to hike different trails as the landscape changes.

What to Expect

• Chimney Rock Trail: A popular moderate hike leading to a dramatic craggy overlook with panoramic views of the Catoctin valley. The rocky summit is one of the most photographed spots in the park.
• Wolf Rock: A massive quartzite boulder field that draws scramblers and permitted rock climbers. The unique geological formation offers a challenging and rewarding side trip off the main trail system.
• Camping and Cabins: Owens Creek Campground provides tent and RV sites in a wooded mountain setting. Camp Misty Mount offers rustic 1930s-era CCC-built cabins for a unique overnight experience.
• Historic Sites: The Blue Blazes Whiskey Still site preserves the story of Prohibition-era moonshining in the Catoctin Mountains. Interpretive signs along the trail explain how moonshiners operated in these remote hollows.