4-6 HoursFee applies
8-Mile Loop Trail
Catoctin Mountain Park
Covering the majority of the sites on the east side of the park, the 8-Mile Loop Trail provides hikers with a good challenge and rewards them with all of the best scenic points along the mountain ridge.
Visit All of the East Side This loop is a combination of all of the three major loops in the park and completes an 8.5 mile loop. The loop makes a complete circle back to any of these access points. While hiking this loop visitors will experience Cunningham Falls, Hog Rock, Blue Ridge Summit, Thurmont Vista, Wolf Rock, and Chimney Rock. This loop combines moderate and strenuous trails for a great day of hiking. Smaller trail loops can be incoporated on this lager loop to extend the hike. Please use caution when walking along rock surfaces. These areas can be slippery. Closely supervise children at all times. Watch for rattlesnakes in the areas of Chimney Rock and Wolf Rock. Wolf Rock, Chimney Rock, & Hog Rock formations are pet free areas.
Tags
HikingScenic ViewsTrailsWaterfallsDCscenic viewsOutside the Beltway
Visitor Photos
No visitor photos yet
Details
Duration
4-6 Hours
Duration Details
From Parking Lot at Park Headquarters (off Md. 77) Est. Time 0.2 M to Trailhead intersection (moderate incline) 10 minutes 1.1 M to Chimney Rock (steep, narrow incline) 35 minutes 0.5 M to Wolf Rock (moderate incline) 15 minutes 1.2 M to Thurmont Vista (moderate incline) 40 minutes 1.2 M to Blue Ridge Summit Vista (moderate decline/incline) 40 minutes 0.7 M to Hog Rock (moderate incline) 20 minutes 1.0 M to Cunningham Falls (moderate and steep decline) 35 minutes 1.2 M to Visitor Center (moderate incline) 40 minutes 1.0 M to Trailhead intersection (moderate decline/incline) 30 minutes 0.2 M to Parking Lot at Park Headquarters (off Md. 77) 10 minutes Total: 8.3 Miles, 4.5+ Hours
Fees
Admission to the park is FREE, but for those who qualify, Senior Passes, Military Passes, Access Passes, and Every Kid in a Park passes are available at the visitor center.
Fees Apply
No
Seasons
Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility
Chimney Rock Trail This trail is not wheelchair accessible. Thurmont Vista Trail This trail is not wheelchair accessible. Hog Rock Trail This trail is not wheelchair accessible. Cunningham Falls Nature Trail This trail is not wheelchair accessible.
Pets
Yes — If you hike with your pet in Catoctin Mountain Park, it must be on a leash 6 feet or less. This is to protect you, your dog and the wildlife and plants in the park. To be safe, you need to walk, not run, because there are tree roots and rocks on the trails and someone could get hurt if he/she goes too quickly.
Reservations
No
Location
8-Mile Loop