Rock formation with mountains in the background
A challenging hike leads to Chimney Rock, the most popular vista in the park. NPS Photo/Peggie Gaul

Catoctin Mountain Park

Federal Recreation Area · Maryland · National Park Service

President Franklin D. Roosevelt created programs to give people a chance to rebuild their lives from the Great Depression. The Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps gave this land a second opportunity and through re-growth, a new role as a recreation area.

Plan your visit

Know before you go

Phone
3016639388
Official site
www.nps.gov
Managed by
National Park Service

Getting there

What's here

Highlights: African American Heritage · Industry · Mills · Logging and Timber Cutting · Native American Heritage · Reconstruction · Social Movements · Civil Rights · Animals · Birds · Fish · Climate Change · Forests and Woodlands · Geology · Trails

Activities & features: Camping · Car or Front Country Camping · Group Camping · Climbing · Compass and GPS · Orienteering · Fishing · Fly Fishing · Food · Picnicking · Hiking · Front-Country Hiking · Horse Trekking · Horseback Riding · Junior Ranger Program · Skiing · Cross-Country Skiing · Snowshoeing · Museum Exhibits · Shopping · Bookstore and Park Store

Nearby parks

Parks of Maryland

Sources: National Park Service, Google Places · updated 2026-08-12