Cunningham Falls State Park
Cunningham Falls State Park is Maryland’s waterfall wonderland—home to the state’s highest cascading waterfall at 78 feet, nestled in the scenic Catoctin Mountains just west of Thurmont. Swim at the sandy beach on 43-acre Hunting Creek Lake, hike through hemlock forests to the thundering falls, and camp at 161 wooded sites. Explore the historic Catoctin Iron Furnace and meet raptors at the Scales & Tales Aviary. Just an hour from Baltimore and Washington D.C., this is the Mid-Atlantic’s ultimate outdoor escape.
📢 Popular Park Advisory
On warm spring and summer weekends, the lake, beach, and falls area may temporarily close once capacity is reached. Arrive early (before 10 AM) or visit on weekdays. Cell service is limited in the Catoctin Mountains.
Cunningham Falls – 78 Feet of Maryland’s Finest
| Waterfall Details | Information |
|---|---|
| 💧 Height | 78 feet (24 meters) |
| 🏆 Distinction | Maryland’s highest cascading waterfall |
| 🥾 Trail | Multiple trails from William Houck Area |
| 🌲 Setting | Hemlock forest, rocky cascade |
| 📸 Best Time | After rainfall for maximum water flow |
Hunting Creek Lake – 43-Acre Swimming Lake
| Lake Features | Details |
|---|---|
| 📐 Size | 43 acres |
| 🏖️ Beach | Sandy swimming beach |
| 🚣 Boating | Non-motorized boats allowed |
| 🎣 Fishing | Bass, panfish (MD license required) |
| 📅 Season | Memorial Day – Labor Day |
Camping – 161 Sites in Two Areas
| Campground | Standard | Electric |
|---|---|---|
| 🏕️ William Houck Area | 106 sites | 33 sites |
| 🏔️ Manor Area | 12 sites | 10 sites |
| Camping Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Season | April – October |
| 🏠 Camper Cabins | Available (reservations required) |
| 📞 Reservations | Online or by phone |
Park Attractions
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| 🦅 Scales & Tales Aviary | Live raptor exhibits (Manor Area) |
| 🏭 Catoctin Iron Furnace | Historic 1774 iron furnace ruins |
| 🥾 Hiking Trails | Multiple difficulty levels |
| 🏔️ Setting | Catoctin Mountain range |
Park Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 💵 Entry Fee | $3/person weekdays, $5/person weekends (Memorial Day–Labor Day) |
| 📐 Size | 4,946 acres |
| 📍 Location | West of Thurmont, Frederick County |
| 🚗 Distance | ~1 hour from Baltimore & D.C. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Cunningham Falls?
Cunningham Falls is 78 feet (24 meters) tall, making it Maryland’s highest cascading waterfall. The falls tumble through a rocky hemlock forest in the Catoctin Mountains. Multiple hiking trails of varying difficulty lead to the falls from the William Houck Area. The falls are most impressive after rainfall.
Can you swim at Cunningham Falls State Park?
Yes! The 43-acre Hunting Creek Lake has a sandy swimming beach open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. It’s one of the most popular swimming spots in Maryland and can reach capacity on summer weekends—arrive early! Non-motorized boating and fishing are also available.
Does Cunningham Falls State Park reach capacity?
Yes, frequently. On warm spring and summer weekends, the park temporarily closes once capacity is reached. The lake, beach, and falls area are especially crowded. To avoid being turned away, arrive before 10 AM or visit on weekdays. The park reopens as visitors leave.
What is the Scales & Tales Aviary?
Scales & Tales is a live raptor exhibit located in the Manor Area of Cunningham Falls State Park. It features birds of prey including owls, hawks, and eagles that cannot survive in the wild. Educational programs help visitors learn about raptor conservation. It’s a unique attraction that sets this park apart!
Is there cell service at Cunningham Falls State Park?
Limited. Cell phone service is unreliable in many areas of the Catoctin Mountains. Plan accordingly—download offline maps before arriving, bring cash for day-use fees, and let someone know your plans. This is part of the park’s appeal for those seeking to disconnect!
💧 Maryland’s Waterfall Paradise
Hike to the state’s highest waterfall, swim in Hunting Creek Lake, and camp in the Catoctin Mountains—just an hour from Baltimore and D.C. Visit the official Cunningham Falls State Park website for current status and camping reservations.
Explore More Maryland State Parks
Cunningham Falls State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Maryland. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Maryland guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
