Cunningham Falls State Park: Majestic Retreat for Daytrip or Getaway

Cunningham Falls State Park, located at offers year-round hiking, camping and fishing. The 78 foot scenic waterfall is a majestic site that’s picture perfect.

Camping at Cunningham Falls State Park
Because the camper cabins fill quickly weeks to months ahead of time, reservations are highly recommended.

There are two cabin areas for camping at Cunningham Falls State Park, the William Houck Area Campground and the Manor Area Campground. Each site is about 23’ X 23’ , is made of stone dust , includes a fire ring and picnic table. Each camping look includes a centrally located bathhouse complete with hot showers and flush toilets.

Both the William Houck Area Campground and the Manor Area Campground are open from April through October. The William Houck Area has 107 basic sites and 33 with electric hook up, while the Manor Area has 31 basic and 8 electric sites.

The William Houck Area Campground cabin sites include a picnic table, lantern post and fire ring. Cooking is allowed outside of the cabin, which does not have a heat system or linens. Electric heaters or fans area are allowed, but must be turned off when the cabin is not attended. There are four-person and six-person cabins available, for a total of 9 and 4, respectively.

The Manor Area Shelter is the only location in the park that allows alcohol. Purchase of an alcohol permit when making a reservations is required. From November 1 through Deer Firearms season’s second weekend, primitive camping is allowed. A portable toilet is available during winter, when the bathhouse is closed.

Fishing at Cunningham Falls State Park

Fishing outlets at the park are numerous. All fishing requires a Maryland Freshwater Sport Fishing License for anyone over 15 years of age. The Maryland Freshwater Sportfishing Guide provides guidance regarding creel and size limits.

*Hunting Creek Lake. Stock and take trout, and reel in bass, sunfish, bluegill, catfish or crappie in this lake.
*Big Hunting Creek. Catch and release only for artificial fly fishing. Located along MD Route 77.
*Little Hunting Creek. Located in the Manor Area. The creek is for catch and release trout restricted to artificial lures and flies, or spinning gear.

From 9:30am until 2:30pm, the park serves sausage and pancakes for breakfast for an additional charge.

Fishing at Cunningham Falls State Park - The Historic Catoctin Iron Furnace
The Historic Catoctin Iron Furnace, situated near Route 806 in Frederick County, Maryland, was formerly the location for iron-making from 1776 through 1903, 127 years. The Historic Catoctin Iron Furnace is registered with the National Historic Register.

Cunningham Falls State Park is located at 14039 Catoctin Hollow Road, Thurmont, Maryland 21788. The park can be reached at 301-271-7574. The official website, www.dnr.state.md.us, has additional details.