Frederick County, Maryland
Cunningham Falls State Park
State park
The park sits in Catoctin Hollow west of Thurmont, with a 78-foot cascading waterfall, the 44-acre Hunting Creek Lake and trails linking to Catoctin Mountain Park.
Why Visit
It pairs the state's biggest waterfall with lake swimming and camping, all within 90 minutes of Baltimore and Washington.
Amenities & Facilities
- Waterfall trail
- Lake beach
- Campground and cabins
- Trails
- Nature center
Things to Do
- Hike to Cunningham Falls
- Swim at Hunting Creek Lake
- Camp overnight
- Climb the Catoctin trails
Best For
Families and day hikers looking for water and woods together.
Parking & Visiting
Parking is available in designated lots. Fees, hours and seasonal closures change, so confirm current details with Maryland State Parks or the park's managing agency before visiting.
Nearby Communities
- Thurmont
- Emmitsburg
- Frederick
Related Attractions
- Catoctin Mountain Park
- National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
- Thurmont Main Street
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Cunningham Falls?
The falls drop about 78 feet in a cascade, the largest cascading waterfall in Maryland.
Does the park have a swimming area?
Yes. Hunting Creek Lake has a guarded swimming beach operating seasonally.
Seasonal Note
Trail conditions, beach staffing, boat rentals and road access change with the season. Confirm current hours and closures with the managing agency before you travel, especially in winter and early spring.
