Cunningham Falls State Park located in Maryland is a wonderful place to visit during all times of the year, but especially during the peak colors of fall. On a recent adventure I passed through the Catoctin Mountains and was reminded of how wonderful this area is to visit. Cunningham Falls is an especially interesting area for any outdoor enthusiast.
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| By Jarek Tuszyński - Own work, CC BY 4.0, Commons Wikimedia |
While driving through the park at sunrise, I saw scattered groups of hikers crossing the road or leaving the parking areas for the trailheads. I thought it would be a shame if this area isn't known to others who might enjoy that natural setting. That's why I decided to give a very brief overview and spread the word.
Cunningham Falls State Park
Are you looking for a way to unwind, relax, and unplug? This area might the perfect spot. The website confirms this by stating that cell communication may be spotty or non-existent as many carriers do not provide service in this area.
This Maryland state park is over 6,000 acres that includes a 43 acre man-made lake and the largest cascading water fall in Maryland.
The park is divided into two sections.
The William Houck area of the state park is located three miles west of Thurmont, Maryland on winding, tree-lined route 77. Camping, the falls, and the lake are located in this area. I have spent the most time in this section of the park. I have enjoyed hiking near the 78-foot waterfall on several occasions. I was always glad to spend time in the serene setting; surrounded by rocks, boulders, and flowing water in the wooded area.
The Manor area is located three miles south of Thurmont, off Route 15. The Scales, Tales Aviary, camping and the historic Catoctin Iron Furnace.
I am not as interested in history as I am in hiking and crossing creeks on foot, using rocks as stepping stones. But I found the Catoctin Iron Furnace a very interesting site to visit. It is hard for me to imagine this furnace being built of stone in the 1770's and began operating in 1776 to manufacture iron for household and industrial goods.
Over the years, I've known people who use the camping areas in Cunningham Falls as their preferred, local getaway. I personally have not camped there so I am not familiar with the amenities. But I am aware that it is a recommended spot to spent a weekend or vacation.
Whether you are looking for a place to stayover, for a day hike, or for a more meaningful historic experience, Cunningham Falls State Park may be the spot for you.
Cunningham Falls State Park website
Nearby sites and attractions:
Catoctin Furnace Historical Society information
Driving tour information for the three covered bridges in the area: Loy's Station Covered Bridge, Roddy Road Covered Bridge and Utica Covered Bridge.
I have enjoyed the annual Catoctin Color Fest in Thurmont, Maryland. It is held in October and features a large collection of art, jewelry, crafts and food vendors. It is a super enjoyable festival in a small town setting during a beautiful time of year.
Looks like the perfect place for a getaway! I took a look at the website to make sure they have cabins available and was thrilled to discover there are indeed cabins. I'm sure it is stunning to see in fall and the October fest sounds like a lot of fun. It truly is amazing how many beautiful places there are to visit in our country.
ReplyDeleteI have met friends of my son who just spent 6 months touring, visiting, hiking and camping in numerous National parks throughout the western part of our country. I'm sure they will add state parks to their itinery once they finish the National parks and Cunningham Falls State Park sounds like a perfect spot for them. I'll show your really fascinating review to them.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like my kind off place. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a perfect place to enjoy nature’s beauty, especially on a fall day! I am not a hiker, but I am sure ai would enjoy a long walk amid the trees and water.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting. What part of Maryland is Thurmont in?
ReplyDeleteOh I wish I were younger and could hike those trails. Given that we don't do that too much, a nice drive through would be nice as well. I will put this on my wish list of places to go when we head Stateside! Thanks Dawn Rae for this lovely tour of a beautiful place to visit!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a lovely place to hike - beautiful!
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