Catoctin Mountain Park

5,000 acres of nature in Maryland, protected by the NPS. Hike all 25 miles of trails or enjoy tent or cabin camping. RT/follow/likes ≠ endorsements

[Catoctin Mountain Park @CatoctinNPS]

Due to power outages & inclement weather, the Visitor Center will remain closed today 12/24. It is closed tomorrow 12/25 due to the holiday. We hope that power will be restored by Monday & wish everyone a safe & warm weekend.
Archive photo may not reflect current circumstances.

[Catoctin Mountain Park @CatoctinNPS]

UPDATE: As of 9:30am, the Visitor Center is closed for the day. The building lost power shortly after opening, and icy, windy conditions continue to pose a threat.

[Catoctin Mountain Park @CatoctinNPS]

Oh, the weather outside is frightful....
As of 8:00am, the Visitor Center is planned to open at 9:00am this morning. However, staff are carefully monitoring weather conditions and may recommend a change in operations as the day goes on. Please use extreme caution when traveling.

[Catoctin Mountain Park @CatoctinNPS]

UPDATE: as of 10:00am, the Visitor Center and park administrative offices will be closed for the day. Staff is working to react to changing weather conditions. Please use extreme caution when traveling today.

[Catoctin Mountain Park @CatoctinNPS]

As of 7:30am 12/22, the Visitor Center plans for a delayed opening at 11:00am. Park Central Road is closed in expectation of weather. Please use extreme caution when traveling today. Updates will be posted here and at https://t.co/PoH10b1CU0 when they are available.

[Catoctin Mountain Park @CatoctinNPS]

Oh deer, it's the shortest day of the year! That means less time for hiking and adventuring in the park. Fear not, tomorrow will be longer! Happy Solstice!
(note: archive photo, not from today- no snow right now!)

[Catoctin Mountain Park @CatoctinNPS]

UPDATE: Due to ice, lack of power, and deteriorating conditions, the Visitor Center will be closed for the remainder of the day. We hope to see you tomorrow!

[Catoctin Mountain Park @CatoctinNPS]

The power is currently out at the Visitor Center. Staff have started an emergency generator, but some amenities may not be available. Call [phone] before visiting if your heart was set on purchasing from the gift store today, to check and see if it is operational.

[Catoctin Mountain Park @CatoctinNPS]

our area* whoops! Turns out the social media admin's fingers are frozen, too.

[Catoctin Mountain Park @CatoctinNPS]

Our are had freezing rain overnight. Our team is hard at work making sure that roads and parking areas are safe. The Visitor Center will have a delayed opening today & will be open from 11:00am-4:30pm. Road conditions vary by area, please use extreme caution when traveling today!

[Catoctin Mountain Park @CatoctinNPS]

If you're considering outdoor adventures tomorrow (or anytime this winter), please check the weather, the roads, and the park website before you leave! We may delay opening the Visitor Center while our team makes sure parking lots are safe!

[Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) @MDMEMA]

This is looking like a significant event for western Maryland. Lots of freezing and ice on the roads is likely tonight through Thursday. Drive CAREFULLY. High winds could knock out power. You can learn more about what to do during an outage here: https://t.co/2oCqyEcXlE #wecare

[Catoctin Mountain Park @CatoctinNPS]

🎶Chestnuts roasting on an open fire... 🎶
In the 17 & 1800s, they would have been a common treat- the forest was mostly American Chestnut. In the 1910s, a disease hit the ACs hard, so our forest today is different. Image: one of the few remaining chestnut trees in the park.

[Catoctin Mountain Park @CatoctinNPS]

The turkeys at Catoctin are thankful they live in a no-hunting zone, the rangers are thankful for the wonderful visitors they see every day- what are you thankful for?
The Visitor Center will be closed tomorrow (11/24). Parking lots & trails are open from dawn to dusk.
NPS Photo

[Catoctin Mountain Park @CatoctinNPS]

Happy "Go Take a Hike" Day!
As one of our late, great volunteers said- where else but a park can you tell people to "Go Take a Hike"?

[Catoctin Mountain Park @CatoctinNPS]

Happy Wildlife Wednesday! Have you ever seen a red-tailed hawk or other raptor in the park? If you haven't seen one, maybe you've heard one: their cry is often used in movies and TV.

[Catoctin Mountain Park @CatoctinNPS]

Can’t decide what to do on a Tuesday night? Have any interest in spies at all? Enjoy visiting local libraries? Well, you are in luck! Please join us at the Thurmont Regional library at 7:00pm in their community room for a talk titled "Spies on the Mountain".
NPS Photo/

[Catoctin Mountain Park @CatoctinNPS]

On this Veterans Day, we remember and celebrate all that the military have contributed to the park. From World War 2 sailors taking respite and relaxation at the cabins, to Marines volunteering to help carry large exhibit pieces- thank you!

[Catoctin Mountain Park @CatoctinNPS]

This event is Sunday, November 13 from 9am-5pm, please bring your lunch and a water bottle!

[Catoctin Mountain Park @CatoctinNPS]

No plans for Sunday? Join us for a volunteer project @ Owens Creek Campground! Projects include spreading gravel, stacking firewood, & clearing tent pads- a great way to get a workout & give back to the park you love! Register here: https://t.co/oGgGnajECr NPS Photo/Bensburg

[Catoctin Mountain Park @CatoctinNPS]

Happy Wildlife Wednesday! With this chilly weather, we are 𝘨𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 towards winter. But not the flying squirrel, he's gliding (they don't technically fly, but they're still cool) towards hibernation. Sounds like a good plan to me.