There are definitely days that Washingtonians want to just get away. In the summer when it’s hot and humid and the city feels stifling, you might be tempted to disappear all together. Luckily, you don’t have to board a plane to feel like you’re in another land. All you need to do is head an hour into Maryland to the other worldly extended loop trail in Catoctin Mountain Park.
Catoctin Mountain Park is about an hour outside of Washington DC in Thurmont, Maryland. The Catoctin Moutains form the eastern rampart of the Appalachian Mountains.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson
While there are several trails in the park you can take, we recommend taking the Extended Loop Trail.
Flickr/N8ure Lover
This 8.6 mile trail will take you high above it all, 1,843 miles above it all, to be exact.
Flickr/mudflapDC
The extended trail is a loop that combines all three major loops in the Catoctin Mountain Park. You will get to see some of the most stunning features and sights in the park.
Flickr/TrailVoice
Favorite views include the breathtaking Thurmont Vista…
Yelp/Sara M.
rock scrambling over Wolf Rock…
Flickr/TrailVoice
the stunning scenery at Chimney Rock and the Blue Ridge Summit…
Flickr/TrailVoice
and, of course, the amazing Cunningham Falls.
Flickr/fauxto_digit
You really do get to enjoy everything the park has to offer and you will forget that you are just a few miles away from busy cities and thriving suburbs.
Flickr/MudflapDC
As you hike at Catoctin Mountain, you’ll feel like’ve escaped it all and among the nature, the wildlife and the views; you may just want to stay a world away as long as you can!
Flickr/dpbirds
There is so much to explore around Washington DC, including these seven amazing trails that will lead you to ancient ruins!
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson
Flickr/N8ure Lover
Flickr/mudflapDC
Flickr/TrailVoice
Yelp/Sara M.
Flickr/fauxto_digit
Flickr/MudflapDC
Flickr/dpbirds
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
