Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Cunningham Falls adventure.
A lake, a waterfall, and a maple syrup festival make this mountain getaway a family favorite. Â
Maple forests blanket the southern foothills of the Catoctin Mountains at Cunningham Falls State Park. Most day visitors make a beeline for the William Houck Area, home to the parkâs namesake 78-foot waterfall. After hiking to the falls, head down to William Houck Lake to swim, rent a paddleboat, or relax on the sandy beach. Hikers can challenge themselves to some tough, mountainous trails throughout the park, or seek out a quiet spot to fish along the creeks. To the south, highlights of the Manor Area include the historic Catoctin Iron Furnace and an aviary, where you can spot hawks and bald eagles.
As one of Marylandâs most popular state parks, Cunningham Falls draws huge crowds, especially over summer weekends and during its annual Maple Syrup Festival (March). Plan an early arrival if visiting at this time, especially over the Memorial Day and Fourth of July holiday weekends, when the park is likely to reach capacity and close the gates. Camping season runs from early April through the end of Octoberâthe Manor Area stays open through early December.