1 Photos

Hike the Catoctin Mountain Extended Loop Trail

8.6 miles 1696 ft gain  - Loop Trail

Save Add Review Get Directions Add Photo

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. 
Read More

Tags

Camping
Running
Hiking
Forest
River
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Go Pro.

We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more!

Learn More

Reviews

Leave a Review

Overall rating: 

🥇Top Contributor

Hike the Catoctin Mountain Extended Loop Trail

3 months ago

Finally crossed this off my list

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!

🥉Contributor

Hike the Catoctin Mountain Extended Loop Trail

almost 2 years ago

Extended loop in Feb

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.

Leave No Trace

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

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.

Stay Nearby

Thurmont, Maryland

Camp Misty Mount

Overview Camp Misty Mount brings together small groups, families and individuals for rustic mountain cabin camping in the Catoctin Mountains of Maryland. The historic stone and wood cabins were bui...

Thurmont, Maryland

Camp Round Meadow

Overview Camp Round Meadow, a four-season camp, includes four dormitories, dining hall, commercial kitchen, gymnasium and conference room. The facility accommodates a maximum of 120 people. Origin...

Sabillasville, Maryland

Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground

Overview Poplar Grove offers youth groups and organizations enjoyable year-round primitive tent camping. Located just steps away from the Catoctin Mountain Park portion of the Catoctin National Rec...

Sabillasville, Maryland

Owens Creek Campground

Overview Owens Creek Campground offers families and individuals enjoyable primitive tent camping. Located just five miles from Thurmont, Maryland, in the rolling hills of Catoctin Mountain Park. Re...

Nearby Adventures

  • Hike Chimney Rock at Catoctin Mountain Park

    Chimney Rock is the quintessential breathtaking view that makes a hike worthwhile. By parking at the most northeast parking lot on the trail map you are able to include the sweeping views of Thurmont Vista, and Wolf Rock on your way to Chimney Roc...

    5 miles 600 ft gain

  • Hike Catoctin Mountain

    Park at Catoctin Mountain Visitor Center. The hike starts at the end of the gravel parking lot across from the visitor center. This is definitely a popular hiking location, so come early on the weekends to guarantee a parking spot and to avoid the...

    8.4 miles 1370 ft gain

  • Hike the Old Misery Trail to Cat Rock

    The best place to park is on Catoctin Hollow Road in the parking lot that's on the same side of the road as the lake. It's not a huge lot but we were here mid-summer around 10am and found a spot easily. The trail head is on the other side of the s...

    4.5 miles 500 ft gain

  • Hike to Cunningham Falls

    This 78-foot waterfall, among the largest in the state, is easily accessible by two short trails. Lower Trail (0.5 miles) leads directly to the falls, whereas Cliff Trail (0.75 miles) has slightly more difficult terrain and takes you to a viewing ...

    2.8 miles

    • More Nearby Adventures

    Discover
    Community
    Company
    Follow Us
    Mobile Apps
    Get it on Google Play

    © 2020 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy