Easy
Maryland · United States
- Distance
- 2.6 km / 1.6 mi
- Elevation gain
- 349 m
- Typical duration
- 38 min
- Waymarked route
Catoctin National Recreation Trail
ExpertMaryland · United States
- Distance
- 42.8 km (26.6 mi)
- Elevation gain
- 1,151 m (3,776 ft)
- Typical time
- 11 hr
- Difficulty
- Expert
- Route type
- Point to point
- Highest point
- 539 m (1,768 ft)
About Catoctin National Recreation Trail
Catoctin National Recreation Trail is a 42.8 km hiking route in Maryland, United States. It climbs roughly 1,345 m (4,413 ft) along the way. Most people take around 2 days at a comfortable pace, plus stops. Only take this on with mountain experience, solid navigation and a realistic view of your own pace.
This is mountain terrain, and the scale of the surroundings is the reason to come. You hear the falls before you see them, which makes the final approach genuinely exciting.
It runs point to point, so arrange transport at the far end or plan a return leg before you set off. The route is waymarked and marked on the ground with its own symbol, so navigation is straightforward in good visibility.
It walks well across three seasons, with spring and autumn offering the best combination of light, temperature and quiet paths. The nearest town of any size is Frederick, about 18.1 km away, which is where most people base themselves. The route is maintained by Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.
In short, Catoctin National Recreation Trail suits experienced mountain walkers who are comfortable with exposure, navigation and long descents. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.
Route map
Expert42.8 km1,151 m539 m
Numbered marks every 10 km
Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation
Elevation
Elevation profile
- Ascent
- +1,151 m
- Descent
- −1,223 m
- High
- 539 m (1,768 ft)
- Low
- 180 m (591 ft)
The route in detail
The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The first third does most of the climbing, so settle into a slow rhythm early rather than trying to hold a flat-ground pace. The upper section is where the route earns its reputation, and it is also where weather changes fastest. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.
Highlights
- Waterfall
- Mountain
- Waymarked route
- Waymarked and signposted
- Over 1,000 m (3,281 ft) of ascent
Know before you go
- Best season
- April to October
- Waymarked
- Yes, signed on the ground
- Surface
- Mixed natural surface
- Dogs
- Not recorded, check locally
- Wheelchair access
- Not accessible
- Entrance fee
- No fee recorded
- Camping
- Not recorded
- Drinking water
- Carry your own
- Toilets
- Not recorded
- Mobile coverage
- Generally usable
- Parking
- Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
- Emergency
- 112 in Europe, 911 in North America
How this trail scores
Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.
- Scenery
- 84/100
- Adventure
- 82/100
- Difficulty
- 100/100
- Accessibility
- 19/100
- Family
- 20/100
- Dogs
- 55/100
Terrain features, relief and photographic interest
Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is
Effort index from distance and climbing
Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it
Suitability for children who already walk
Access rules, terrain and water along the way
Tips from the trail
- Start at first light. A long day is far more pleasant when you are not racing the sunset on the descent.
- Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
- Go within a day or two of rain if you want the falls at full volume.
- Break the route into stages and decide your turnaround time before you set off.
- Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.
Warnings
- This route is long and sustained. Turn back early rather than late if the weather closes in.
- Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.
Safety
Emergency services in United States are reached on 911. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.
What to bring
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
- Weatherproof jacket
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Trekking poles for the descent
- Offline map and compass
- Head torch and spare battery
- Extra warm layer
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
- Real food, not just snacks
Photography
Shoot the first hour after sunrise from the higher ground: the low angle picks out every ridge and the valleys still hold mist. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
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