Hike the Catoctin Mountain Extended Loop Trail

Thurmont, Maryland

4.5/5

based on 2 reviews

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Details

Distance

8.6 miles

Elevation Gain

1696 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by The Outbound Collective

This is a challenging and rewarding trail that exposes you to some of Maryland's finest natural spaces.

This 8.6 mile loop trail in Catoctin Mountain Park is good for both hikers and trail runners. This loop is the larger loop in the park, comprised of Cunningham Falls, Hog Rock, Blue Ridge Summit, Thurmont Vista, Wolf Rock, and Chimney Rock. The trail gets a moderate rating because it's mostly rocky, making for a little more challenging footing.

To get started, park at the Catoctin Mountain Visitor's Center off of Foxville road (see map) to access the trail.

Trail is accessible March-November and is dog-friendly.

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Features

Camping

Running

Hiking

Forest

River

Scenic

Waterfall

Wildflowers

Wildlife

Reviews

Stephen Catalano

Hike the Catoctin Mountain Extended Loop Trail

08/14/20

I had been working up to doing a trail run here for awhile. Its got a hefty elevation gain, so don't underestimate the climb! But well worth it. Nice trail!

4.0

Kathryn Jarrell

Hike the Catoctin Mountain Extended Loop Trail

02/17/19

My friend and I did the extended loop recently and really liked the stop and go of it. It’s nice to hike 2 miles and see a vista and then hike another small distant and see another view, very different from the hike up x miles see view hike down x miles. The loop for us was around 11 miles. We actually hiked this in February, contrary to this post all the trails were open however there were warnings due to ice and snow. I would not hike this in the off season without proper waterproof hiking boots as we sludged through a decent amount of snow, ice, water, and mud. Overall very rewarding with multiple vistas can’t wait to come back in the spring when everything is green and in bloom.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Hike the Catoctin Mountain Extended Loop Trail

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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike Chimney Rock at Catoctin Mountain Park

Hike Catoctin Mountain

Hike the Old Misery Trail to Cat Rock

Hike to Cunningham Falls

Camp at the Adirondack Shelters in Catoctin Mountain Park

Hike to Devil's Racecourse on the Appalachian Trail

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