Part of the forested ridge that forms the eastern rampart of the Appalachian Mountains in Maryland, this mountain park offers sparkling streams, panoramic views of the Monocacy Valley, spectacular rock outcrops, and borders on the Camp David presidential retreat first used by Franklin Delano Roosevelt during World War II.

In 1935, after centuries of heavy resource use, more than 10,000 mountain acres were acquired by the Federal government. Under the management of the National Park Service and the Maryland Park Service, this land has been permitted to develop into an eastern hardwood climax forest, much as it was when seen by the first Europeans. As you walk the trails you will find chestnut oak, hickory, black birch, and a scattering of other trees. Old fields in the mountain valleys are now covered with black locust, wild cherry, sassafras, and yellow poplar. In moist areas you will find red oak, beech, yellow poplar, yellow birch, hemlock, ash, and white oak. Activities include hiking, horseback riding, wildlife watching, cross country skiing, wildflower photography, picnicking, camping, and fishing. There are white-tailed deer, pileated woodpeckers, purple-fringed orchids and columbines among the oak and beech trees.

• Catoctin Mountain Park -

• Climb the spectacular Wolf Rock.
• Stroll the Hog Rock Nature Trail and learn about the richly diverse eastern hardwood forests.
• Stop by the Visitor Center for an orienteering course.
• Try your luck fly fishing in the first catch-and-return trout stream in the state of Maryland.