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Catoctin Trail (Blue Trail)

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This information is a public record of the 2011 NRT application and may be out of date if it has not been updated by a trail manager --
check with the trail manager for updated details before visiting.

Catoctin Trail (Blue Trail)

National Park Service Backcountry Trail
  • Length
    26.6 miles
  • Elevation Gain
    --
  • Route Type
    out & back
 (1 review)

The 26 mile long Catoctin Trail is located along the eastern portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western Maryland. Hikers experience stunning vistas, and freshwater streams including Maryland's largest cascading waterfall.

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Walking Bridge.
Walking Bridge.
Photo by Rick Canter.
Photo by Rick Canter.
Photo by Rick Canter.
Photo by Rick Canter.
  • Walking Bridge.
  • Walking Bridge.
  • Photo by Rick Canter.
 Upload a Photo

Location: The Catoctin Trail runs 26.6 miles along the eastern-most ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Frederick County, Maryland 55 miles northwest of Washington, DC and Baltimore.

  • States: Maryland
  • Counties: Frederick

The Catoctin Trail is 26 miles in length and passes through one national park, two state parks, and two municipal watersheds while traversing the easternmost ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Maryland. Portions of this trail were originally designed and constructed by the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The Catoctin Trail provides recreation to the Towns of Thurmont and Smithsburg on the north and Frederick, Maryland on the south in addition to serving over three million visitors per year from the Washington Baltimore metropolitan area.

The trail lies within three miles of the Appalachian Trail, crosses a State Scenic Byway, and parallels the Catoctin Mountain National Scenic Byway. Along its route, there are historic districts (Camp Greentop and Camp Misty Mount) as well as historic and prehistoric archeological resources including Indian flint napping sites and Colonial-era charcoal hearths. In addition to skirting several lakes, the trail also accesses numerous scenic vistas with views of the Monocacy River Valley.

A diverse partnership of all levels of government and non-profits manages a variety of recreational uses along the trail.

Accessibility Information

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Reviews

Bill Derbyshire
Bill Derbyshire
Feb 15, 2022
Local hiker

Best kept secret for a fun and challenging hike for all ages. Highly recommend! Beautiful wooded scenery, streams, vistas and Catoctin animal life.

 Add a Review

Allowed Uses:

Bicycling Boating, human-powered Swimming Dogs, on leash Equestrian Hiking/Walking Snow, cross-country skiing Snow, snowshoeing

Other Activities

  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Rock climbing
  • Snow, snow play general

Public Contact

J. Mel Poole
National Park Service
6602 Foxville Road
Thurmont, MD 21788
[email protected] • (301) 663-9330
www.nps.gov/cato
 Go to the trail manager's website

More Details

  • Elevation (low): 600
  • Elevation (high): 1765
  • Elevation (cumulative): --
  • Part of a Trail System? No
  • Surface (primary): Soil
  • Surfaces (additional): Boardwalk, Rock, boulders, Rock, crushed, Rock, smooth, Soil
  • Tread Width (average): 72"
  • Tread Width (minimum): --
  • Running length (minimum): --
  • Tread Grade (average, percent): 6
  • Tread Grade (maximum): 12
  • Running length (maximum): --
  • Cross-slope (average, percent): --
  • Cross-slope (maximum): --
  • Running length (maximum): --
  • Certified as an NRT
    May 19, 2011
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