Cunningham Falls State Park

About Cunningham Falls State Park

Cunningham Falls State Park is one of the most rewarding day trips available to Pine Ridge Campground seasonal campers. Located about 30 miles south in the Catoctin Mountains of Maryland, this 6,100-acre park is divided into two distinct areas — the William Houck Area, home to Hunting Creek Lake, the waterfall trailhead, and camping facilities, and the Manor Area, which houses the Scales and Tales Aviary, a visitor center, and the historic Catoctin Iron Furnace.

The centerpiece of the park is the 78-foot cascading waterfall, the tallest in Maryland. A moderate hike through hemlock forest brings you to the base of the falls, where rocky outcroppings frame the cascading water. The trail system ranges from easy half-mile walks to challenging 7.5-mile routes, so there is something for every skill level. The park also offers trout fishing in Big Hunting Creek, canoeing on the lake, and picnicking in shaded groves.

Summer visitors can swim in the designated beach areas of Hunting Creek Lake, with lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. The Scales and Tales Aviary in the Manor Area showcases injured birds of prey that cannot be released back into the wild, making it a favorite stop for families. The historic Catoctin Iron Furnace, a remnant of Maryland's early iron-smelting industry, adds a cultural layer to the natural experience.

For Pine Ridge seasonal campers, Cunningham Falls pairs perfectly with a visit to neighboring Catoctin Mountain Park for a full day of mountain exploration. The drive from camp takes about 40 minutes via Route 15 South, and you can easily fill an entire day between the waterfall hike, a swim in the lake, and a stop at the aviary.

With seasonal camping at Pine Ridge, you have the luxury of visiting Cunningham Falls at different times of year -- the swimming beaches in summer, spectacular fall foliage through the Catoctin ridgeline, and quiet winter hikes when the crowds thin out.

What to Expect

• Cunningham Falls: Maryland's tallest cascading waterfall drops 78 feet through a hemlock forest. A moderate trail leads to the base where you can view the falls from rocky outcroppings year-round.
• Hunting Creek Lake: A scenic mountain lake with designated swimming beaches, lifeguards on duty in summer, and calm waters for canoeing and fishing. Surrounded by forested shoreline.
• Trail System: Trails range from easy half-mile strolls to challenging 7.5-mile hikes through the Catoctin Mountains. Varied terrain includes forest canopy, rocky ascents, and ridgeline views.
• Scales and Tales Aviary: Located in the Manor Area, this aviary houses injured birds of prey that cannot return to the wild. Educational programs teach visitors about raptors native to the region.