Cat Rock Trail (yellow-blazes) begins across from the Catoctin Mountain Park Visitor Center on NPS property. Immediately, the trail steps onto Maryland State Forest and Park property for a 1.5-mile journey along a steep and strenuous path. The trail carries you to a spectacular 360-degree view atop a 1,560-foot elevation. From Cat Rock, retrace your steps back to the parking lot or venture southbound to intersect with the 27-mile multi-park Catoctin Trail which travels north / south. From the trail junction with Catoctin, a southbound route carries you to Bob's Hill at 1,765-foot elevation with two short spur trails offering views north and south. Eventually, the trail skirts the Manor Recreation Area of Cunningham Falls State Park.

Directions: From Thurmont, MD, Travel MD State Route 77 west approximately 3.5 miles turning right onto Park Central Road. Park across from the visitor center; trail begins on the far side of the parking lot across from the visitor center.

Elevation: 1,562 feet

Elevation Gain: 700 feet

Distance: 1.5 miles

Difficulty: Strenuous

Visitor Information