Catoctin Furnace — Attraction in Thurmont

Cunningham Falls State Park is a wonderful place to go camping. It's also a fun place to go day hiking or fishing. My family and I have visited Cunningham Falls State Park ever since I was a little girl. this is where I was introduced to the joys of camping. They have different loops that you can camp in. Some sites have electricity. they also have cabins that you can rent. The cabins are basic, with a double bed a set of bunk beds and a light. They also have little porches and a campfire ring and a picnic table outside. There's nothing like waking up in the morning starting your fire, and making coffee over the campfire while watching the sun come up through the trees. They also have very well-marked hiking trails. The trails range from beginner to experienced. We regularly hike on trails that are marked easy and take our grandkids. They love it. If you're going to go camping, this is the place to go! If you want to go in October however, you want to make a reservation. Colorfest which, is a big deal in Thurmont, is always the second full weekend in October and...

What a disappointment. I came here often as a child, but hadn't been in many years. Sad to see it has been turned into a tourist trap and revenue-generating machine for the state. The falls themselves are cordoned off now (!!!) and there are boardwalks and paths to which one is expected to rigidly stick. Whomever was responsible for this choice likely justified it in terms of "protecting the environment" but this is NOT the way to go. You can teach people to tread carefully and leave as little trace as possible without cordoning off all of nature. I won't come here again, they've ruined it. It's very sad to me that this is what kids today get, rather than the joy of truly...

No one should be surprised if it is going to be his/her first visit in the Cunningham Falls State Park. It definitely worth visiting for once specially hiking the rocky trails. But it may not be the best place if you intend to see the falls, swim in the lake, bbq, etc.

Swimming in the lake is not usually allowed after the labor day every year. So anyone intending to visit the place in the summer should keep in mind that swimming in the lake will not be permitted after the labor day.

I personally recommend this place for families which allows the kids explore the lake beach, scenic views of the wooded mountains, going on short hikes and stick around the...