Kirk and I had to go to Maryland, and the weather was perfect for a drive into the Catoctin Mountain. When we left, it was only 63 out, and it never got above 73. It’s been in the high 80s to mid 90s since June, so this was so nice.
We took I-81 to Maryland, from West Virginia, then drove through historical Hagerstown, then eventually 64 to 77 across the mountain ridge.
As we headed up 77, and its winding road, I realized how much I had missed being in the mountains. In the PNW this would have been in the foothills. Besides a lack of evergreen trees, it reminded me of my childhood strongly. A very pretty road. The AT crosses the road as well back here.
We turned into Cunningham Falls State Park and drove in by Hunting Creek Lake. Eventually, we reached the entrance booth. Fees are based on person. Being out of state, it is $5 per person.
We got lucky and got a spot at the Cunningham Falls Lower Trail parking lot, so I didn’t have extra walking. On weekends, the overflow parking is down the road, above the lake. The trailhead has two trails: Lower Falls Trail and the Cliff Trail. I hadn’t been planning on hiking, but the Lower Trail is an easy – and short hike.
The Catoctin Mountain is the easternmost mountain ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Which are part of the Appalachian Mountains. The highest elevation is 1,880 feet. Not a high ridge, but beautifully forested.
Along with plenty of people ignoring the signs to not climb the waterfall….so many people climbing to the top.
~Sarah