Basic Information

Nestled within the mountains of Western Maryland, Catoctin Mountain Park is one of more than 420 national park units in the nation. Whether you are a first-time visitor or come often, below is information you will need to know.

 

 

Physical Address

14707 Park Central Road
Thurmont, MD 21788

Directions

To reach the visitor center from the east, follow US Route 15 to MD Route 77 and go west about 3 miles. The visitor center is on the right side of the road. From the west, take I 70 to MD 66 at exit 35. Turn left onto MD 66 north and travel about 5 miles, passing through the roundabout. Turn right onto MD 64 and drive 1 mile. Turn right onto MD 77. Drive on MD 77 about 7.5 miles. The visitor center is on the left.

Directions Details

Operating Hours & Seasons

All Park Hours

• Every Day:Sunrise–Sunset

Hiking trails and parking areas are open year round, dawn to dusk, but may close as a result of security or safety concerns. Consult the park's website for updates: http://www.nps.gov/cato/index.htm. The visitor center, camps, and campgrounds have separate hours. Please see descriptions for those facilities elsewhere.

Weather

Summer (June-Aug) average temperature is between 61 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit. Fall (Sep-Nov) average temperature is between 45 and 64 degrees Fahrenheit. Fall foliage is at its peak in mid-October Winter (Dec-Feb) average temperature is between 24 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter snowfall is between 5-12" per month. Spring (March-May) average temperature is between 41 and 63 degrees Fahrenheit. Average precipitation is approximately 4 inches per month. (Source: usclimatedata.com)

Fees & Passes

Admission to the park is FREE, but for those who qualify, Military Passes and Access Passes are available at the Visitor Center.

Entrance Fee-free

This site is fee-free year-round. No entrance fee or pass is required.

Visitor Centers

Visitor Center

The visitor center hosts new exhibits, installed in spring 2019. Learn about the history of Catoctin Mountain and the national park that was created here. American Indians, farmers, iron makers, the WPA, CCC, Jobs Corps and so many others played a role in making Catoctin Mountain Park the special place it is today. Discover how even your visit plays a part in the making of this park. Eastern National provides a small sales area with items to help you remember your visit.

• Every Day:9:00 AM–4:30 PM

The Visitor Center is currently open from 9am-4:30pm and features a small exhibit, store, restrooms, and trail advice.

Closures & Seasonal Exceptions

Holidays

2025–2026

New Year's Day	January 1, 2026	Closed
Thanksgiving Day	November 27, 2025	Closed
Christmas Day	December 25, 2025	Closed
Holiday	Date	Hours

Internet & Cellular Access

Public WiFi is not available.

Cellular access can be limited in most of the park areas. Reception improves (depending on carrier) in the higher elevation areas of the park. Check with your provider to verify coverage. Cellular service is available in most nearby communities and along some of the major highways leading to the park. However, areas without coverage exist throughout the region.

Internet & Cellular Access Details

 

The park is open daily from dawn until dusk.

The visitor center is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is closed on the following federal holidays:

New Year's Day

Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day