Catoctin Mountain Park

I posted a couple weeks ago that I had a great time doing some hiking in the Cumberland area and mentioned wanting to hike at Catoctin soon.  It sparked two or three messages from other people saying that they would like to go too.  I am definitely not the best event planner in the world but I would like to toss out a date to go to see if anybody is interested.  It could be a meet & greet, hike or whatever you want to call it.  I'm thinking Saturday, 10 Nov 07.  It is the Veteran's Day weekend so I'm wondering if people will even be around?   Catoctin Mountain Park is located in Thurmont, MD, which is a little north of Frederick, MD, on Route 15.   It's been years since I've been there but recall they offer trails to Wolf Rock, a couple scenic overlooks and there's also Cunningham Falls nearby.  Additional info including maps, directions and things to do can be found at the NPS web site: http://www.nps.gov/cato/ If there's interest, I'll contact the park to figure out the best place to meet and the best trails, etc. Now the hard questions... I'm not sure if people are interested in hiking and then leaving or staying and making a day of it.  Camping?  All are options.  Please let me know your thoughts.  This is sorta a spur-of-the-moment thing so I have no preconceived ideas of what anybody wants to do. --Eric

Hi Eric, It sounds like a great idea!   Traci had planned something similar in the spring that ended up having to be abandoned because of bad weather. I'm not sure what kind of a hiker I would be, even though I am a great 'walker'.   We are tentatively planning a trip to CT that weekend to see the respectively families, but if those plans fall through I will keep this in mind. Hugs, Mo

Catoctin is wonderful! I will have my kids that weekend, so if it is a hiking deal, I'd have to go with a kid-friendly path. There are all kinds of trails and paved walks. The one I like best goes from the William Houk area over to the Falls - but it may be a bit much for kids.  There are several places to meet. The Wm Houk area is picnic tables and a swimming area (that will be REALLY useful in November ;)  ) but we could at least meet there. There is also a Ranger Station right at the foot of the mountain - the folks there are very helpful, we could meet there and let them help pick which trail to go on.  Also, for those who don't know, Camp David, or Area 13 as it became known after 9/11, is on that mountain. So depending on dignataries that weekend, some of the trails may be off limits. But is it beautiful up there!

I am thinking that I can drop my daughter off in columbia and then head out there.  I think it would be great fun.  BUT remember I am the one with little legs.  My only worry is the fluid, I need to get fluid in if I am going to do this.   Hugs Kristen

We would all watch over each other on the fluids!!!  

Between Mo and another off-board discussion, I'm thinking that 10 Nov is already a bad date.  How is everyone with 17 Nov 07? --Eric

So far, it appears that Nov 17 will work better all the way around.  I'm not sure about dogs but I can ask.

The 17th works for me too.  Kid free that weekend, so I can make any trail my tail can do! LOL

I think the 17th will work for me!!!   I'm psyched for this Hugs, Mo

I love to hike! Do you know if dogs are allowed on a leash. I have two greyhounds that would be sad if I went without them! Thanks Amy