Cat Rock & Bobs Hill Natural Area — Attraction in Thurmont

How do you rate something that is natural? I cannot say this is the best or worse hike I've been on. It just was. Here's the run down of what to expect. You start at the parking lot across the street from from Catoctin Mountains HQ. Then it's about a 1.3 mile ascend to the crossing of Cat's Rock and Bob's Hill. You will pass by water bars and large fallen trees which make good marks on your progress. Be careful. Once at the crossing. You continue "straight" for a very short while to Cat Rock. You'll already see it at the crossing. Otherwise, continue the trail to Bob's Hill on your right. It goes for another 1.3 ish miles mostly flat until you reach the end as it connects to the Catoctin Scenic Trail. There are no "good" stopping spots to catch a quick sit for a cup of coffee which we wanted to but it was still pretty. We went Jan 1 so there were no leaves to cover and luckily there was no snow or ice. I imagine the summer it is...

It was a moderately strenuous hike with increasing elevation from the very start. Not for newbies or beginners. Great leg strength and heart muscles required. It was close to 10 miles all together. And my pouch needed water twice when he never does on other flat land hikes! Free parking and few folks! I did not take my phone so these were randomly shot by my hiking buddy at the Bob Hill junction!

We had results and a nice milestone in our strength and endurance training preparations for what’s ahead! All praises to the Almighty Yah! His works are...

One of the best trails in the park! This 3 mile round trip hike can be enjoyed year round. I left from the Manor area parking lot off RT15 and made it back in a few hours. A lot more time would have been great so I could have enjoyed the scenery a little more but I was racing to beat darkness (October) at 7pm. Overall great experience. Make sure to wear comfortable...