About Catoctin National Recreation Trail
This trail traverses Gambrill State Park, the Frederick City Watershed, Cunningham Falls State Park and Catoctin Mountain National Park.
Photo by Tobias Mrzyk on Unsplash
Easy⛰️ 4,413 ft
Catoctin National Recreation Trail
Thurmont, Maryland · Frederick County · rwn · Potomac Appalachian Trail Club
This trail traverses Gambrill State Park, the Frederick City Watershed, Cunningham Falls State Park and Catoctin Mountain National Park.
Advertisement
39.56731, -77.46774
Open in OpenStreetMap5-Day Forecast
Weather at Catoctin National Recreation Trail
Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.
Today
Drizzle
78°/67°
💧 26%🌬 8mph
↑ 6:13 AM ↓ 8:18 PM
Thu
Violent Rain
88°/72°
💧 11%🌬 19mph
↑ 6:14 AM ↓ 8:17 PM
Fri
Thunderstorm
90°/65°
💧 23%🌬 16mph
↑ 6:15 AM ↓ 8:16 PM
Sat
Drizzle
89°/63°
💧 22%🌬 11mph
↑ 6:16 AM ↓ 8:14 PM
Sun
Overcast
93°/64°
💧 5%🌬 10mph
↑ 6:17 AM ↓ 8:13 PM
Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.
What “Easy” Means
Gentle terrain, well-marked. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.
What to Pack & Wear
Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.
👔 What to Wear
- UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
- Light shorts/skirtLoose-fit, breathable.
- Wide-brimmed sun hatPlus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
- Polarized sunglassesCritical for glare from sun + sand/water.
🎒 What to Pack
- WaterBring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- High-energy snacksA snack for the trail.
- Sun protection (UV 7)SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- First-aid kitBlister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- Offline mapDownload your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
- Trekking polesSave your knees on steep descents; help on uneven terrain.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Trail Safety in Maryland
Trail conditions in Maryland change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:
- Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
- Tell someone your plan and expected return time
- Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
- Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes
References & Maps
Nearby
Other Trails Near Catoctin National Recreation Trail
Closest trailheads, sorted by distance from this one.
Guides & rankings
More on hiking in Maryland
Photo: Tobias MrzykState Rankings
The 10 Longest Hiking Trails in Maryland, Ranked
Maryland's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.
Photo: Tobias MrzykState Rankings
Maryland's 10 Most Punishing Trails by Elevation Gain
Steep is hard. These are the ten Maryland trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.
Photo: Maddi BazzoccoState Rankings
The Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in Maryland
Ten gentle, well-marked Maryland trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.
Photo: Tobias MrzykState Rankings
The 10 Most Challenging Hikes in Maryland
Maryland's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.
Photo: Diego LozanoParks & Travel
The Best National Parks & Recreation Areas in Maryland
Federal parks and recreation areas in Maryland ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.
Photo: Tobias MrzykState Rankings
Best Waterfall Hikes in Maryland: 10 Trails to See Falls Up Close
Maryland's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.