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Head west along the lower contours across from Catoctin Mountain to the largest waterfall in Maryland.


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Map Key

1.2

Miles

2.0

KM

Out and Back

1,243' 379 m

High

1,109' 338 m

Low

142' 43 m

Up

142' 43 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (3°)

10%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · River/Creek

ADA Accessible Limited ADA Accessible parking off Foxville Rd (77) to Boardwalk Trail.

Family Friendly Shortest out-and-back route on a wide path to Cunningham Falls.

April - October: 8 am - sunset, November - March: 10 am - sunset. $5 entrance fee for out-of-state visitors, $3 for MD residents.

Overview

This rolling path provides the shortest out-and-back hike to the largest waterfall in Maryland (with the exception of the Boardwalk Trail, which only provides ADA Accessible parking). This is a popular option for families and groups of all abilities and can be crowded on weekends or during nicer weather.

Need to Know

Visitors can be turned away when the park is at capacity during periods of high visitation (long weekends during the summer). Restrooms are closed during the winter.

Description

Look for the red-blazed Lower Falls Trail from the main parking area to the west of Hunting Creek Lake. Head northwest as the trail gradually climbs through the woods passing interpretive trail signs that provide interesting pieces of information about the area.

After just over half a mile, the trail ends at the falls where chances are good you'll find other visitors enjoying the views and cooling off in the warmer months.

For groups looking to take a different, slightly more challenging trail back to the parking area, look for the Cliff Trail which heads right (south) gaining a bit more elevation through the trees.

Contacts

Shared By:

Zander Göpfert

Trail Ratings

  3.6 from 5 votes

#4666

Overall
  3.6 from 5 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#47

in Maryland

#4,666

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998 Since Nov 5, 2019
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Photos

Overlook view of Cunningham Falls
Apr 7, 2018 near Thurmont, MD
Cunningham Falls
Sep 23, 2016 near Thurmont, MD
DSC04907
Nov 5, 2019 near Thurmont, MD
Cunningham Falls.
Oct 12, 2016 near Thurmont, MD
Trail views from Cunningham Falls State Park
Sep 2, 2015 near Thurmont, MD
Interpretive signage along Lower Falls Trail
Apr 7, 2018 near Thurmont, MD

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All Clear 38 days ago
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