Quick trip from Frederick. Easy access to one of the grandest falls in the state of Maryland, measuring 78 feet high. Your pets can get in on the fun at Cunningham Falls State Park! The falls were nice but even though people were not supposed to climb on the rocks or be in the water at the falls there were a lot of people in both places who had no respect for the park rules. Short hike! Need little challenge? MODERATE 7.6 mi. Saw only 6 other people. It can be accessed by bicycle. I found photography difficult as the falls are quite high and we arrived when the upper falls was in bright sun. Muddy in parts due to rain last night. Otherwise busy and the falls were ok. Cliff trial is a great start to seeing the falls and makes the hike a good amount of challenging. EASY 5.0 mi. We hiked the upper falls trail and then walked down to the waterfalls. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/maryland/cunningham-falls-state-park Upper section is a nice walk with no people/crowds. Its a great hike for kids as well which makes it one of my favorites. Aufgrund der Steigung und Distanz ist die Strecke als moderat einzustufen. Cliff trail is yellow blaze. Overall we had a great time although I wouldn’t rate this a moderate hike probably more on the easy end because of the low elevation gain. Cunningham Falls State Park is BUSY. The falls are worth taking the upper trail to make it feel more worthwhile. Cunningham Falls Upper Trail is a 2.4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Thurmont, Maryland that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Cliff trial is a great start to seeing the falls and makes the hike a good amount of challenging. A busy trail worth seeing. There is a nice deck with benches to sit on at the bottom of the falls or you can pick up the trail to the upper portion of the falls while here. Nice little getaway from the city. I mean busier than any park we’ve ever visited.. On every trail we hiked, we encountered families with lots of children, entire boy scout troops, even bachelorette parties – it was crazy busy!. Review of Cunningham Falls State Park. The falls are worth taking the upper trail to make it feel more worthwhile. Just something to consider. The falls were nice but even though people were not supposed to climb on the rocks or be in the water at the falls there were a lot of people in both places who had no respect for the park rules. EASY 5.0 mi. This avoids the extra distance and going uphill then down again to the stream crossing if you access via Bob's Hill Trail from the upper parking lot. Kids had a great time. If you do the upper and lower trail and go all the way out to the highway at the end it’s shaded and flat the entire way except for one scramble in the middle. The best hike near East Berlin is Thurmont Vista Loop via Falls Nature Trail, a 7.6 mile loop in Cunningham Falls State Park. Great trail. Enjoy & research Thurmont, Maryland with trail guides, topo maps, photos, reviews & GPS routes on Trails.com. Really cool waterfall! My husband and I did this hike when masks were highly recommended by public health officials, yet nearly 85% of the people we saw near the falls were NOT wearing a mask. Cool off after your hike on the beach at Hunting Creek Lake, just a few steps away from the trail to Cunningham Falls. Its the very southern end of State Park property just before the Catoctin Trail enters Frederick Watershed property. Cliff trail up is very pretty and the view of the falls is nice. We visited the Cunningham Falls State Park on a weekday in Mid-September. Away from the falls was quiet, but just forest scenery, Nice trail but always very crowded near the falls, Liked the northern part of the trail. Away from the falls was quiet, but just forest scenery, Nice trail but always very crowded near the falls, Liked the northern part of the trail. I would recommend this trail for most everybody. We picked this hike because we wanted our dog to be able to cool off in some water during and after, which she was able to do throughout. The Cunningham Falls State Park trail system varies in terrain from short, flat hikes to steep and rocky ascents that will challenge even the experienced hiker. This avoids the extra distance and going uphill then down again to the stream crossing if you access via Bob's Hill Trail from the upper parking lot. Need little challenge? From campground near bear branch loop down to falls and back up. Reviewed September 19, 2020 . Hier kann hervorragend gewandert werden. All reviews cunningham falls lake area paddle boats state park south beach hiking trails experienced hikers on duty a lot of fun nice hike half mile bath house enjoy nature short hike natural beauty hanging out entry fee down the road catoctin mountain bring your own visitor's center campsite Falls are beautiful. Rocky and slippery in spots due to the rain. 4. From campground near bear branch loop down to falls and back up. The trails are in a heavily trafficked state park with a pretty large lake so when going to the waterfall be prepared to see a lot of people along the way. Its the very southern end of State Park property just before the Catoctin Trail enters Frederick Watershed property. Fun for the family. The state park is the home of Cunningham Thomas Jefferson Cunningham 1852 1941 was a politician from the U.S. state of Wisconsin. If you have dogs who aren’t into crowds, I’d … Cliff trail is yellow blaze. It is the best way to see all of the falls and the destination is worth it. A busy trail worth seeing. Take Cliff trail - Blue trail - Camp group and back. The biggest downside is how heavily trafficked it is, although it’s not nearly as busy as the easier trail. Falls are beautiful. Yesterday, I rode out to Cunningham Falls State Park, and Catoctin Mountain Park in Thurmont Maryland. Otherwise busy and the falls were ok. Cliff trial is a great start to seeing the falls and makes the hike a good amount of challenging. Boyd Big Tree Conservation Area. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/cunningham-falls-lower-trail Went here twice this summer to cool off. Reviewed April 29, 2017 via mobile . Trails interconnect so good for exploring the area. The lake level is extremely low, so boating is not recommended. We parked in a small parking lot and decided to hike to the falls. Cliff trail was a bit difficult to follow, the lower falls trail was much easier, Hardly any water in the falls and wayyyy too many people but still nice to be outdoors. Additionally, Cunningham Falls State Park offers trails that traverse public hunting areas. Upper Ridge Trail is a 1.3 mile trail through Cunningham Falls State Park. My husband and I did this hike when masks were highly recommended by public health officials, yet nearly 85% of the people we saw near the falls were NOT wearing a mask. 10/10 would recommend and would do again :). Muddy in parts due to rain last night. Had to go off trail to see any falls on the upper end. Easy Hike. First time doing the upper falls trail. Trails interconnect so good for exploring the area. Cunningham Falls State Park is a hiking adventure located in or near Thurmont, MD. It was muddy and slippery. Great trail. I would recommend this trail for most everybody. We visited the Cunningham Falls State Park on a weekday in Mid-September. Date of experience: August 2018. Rated 4.167 /5 based on 6 customer reviews 4.2 2.8 miles - Out-and-Back Trail Save Add Review Get Directions Add Photo. Cunningham Falls State Park day-use areas, including trails & playgrounds are open. Great scenery!! Hike to Cunningham Falls. I get we were outdoors, but there’s no possible way to social distance near the falls or on the trail to the falls. Black Rock via Appalachian National Scenic Trail . Explore hiking trails around East Berlin, Pennsylvania. Much less visited than the falls and lake area, the Manor area of Cunningham Falls SP is a much more suitable destination if you're looking for some solitude, but like any Maryland State Park, you'll probably still encounter fellow hikers on weekends. My suggestion for anyone visiting this park is to take the trails away from the main area. Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. to Sunset, April-October 10 a.m. to Sunset, November-March Certain activities are permitted outside of the regular park hours (e.g. Kids had a great time. The best hike near Dover Township is Thurmont Vista Loop via Falls Nature Trail, a 7.6 mile loop in Cunningham Falls State Park. Great rock formations. First time doing the upper falls trail. Falls. Some scrambling. The upper trail parallels the lower trail a couple hundred feet above it, and rejoins the lower trail at the two mile point. The scenery is beautiful. It was muddy and slippery. Took my dog and Went on a Thursday morning. If you do the upper and lower trail and go all the way out to the highway at the end it’s shaded and flat the entire way except for one scramble in the middle. Hunde sind erlaubt, müssen allerdings an der Leine gehalten werden. Take Cliff trail - Blue trail - Camp group and back. Though Maryland’s tallest, the falls does not drop in one free-fall but rather a series of cascades 10-20 feet high, separated by small pools. The scenery is beautiful. The hiking is breathtaking and I highly suggest taking the upper trails if you are able they actually aren't that steep and I have hiked much more strenuous trails. The falls have been disappointing this year due to the lack of rain in the area but on wet seasons they really are quite nice. Rocky and slippery in spots due to the rain. Great rock formations. On a warm summer day I took on the challenge of climbing Bob's Hill. Fishing is permitted outside of the sandy portions of the beach. Funny. Added by Kristen May. Really cool waterfall! We picked this hike because we wanted our dog to be able to cool off in some water during and after, which she was able to do throughout. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/cunningham-falls-upper-trail Set in the magnificent Catoctin Mountains, Cunningham Falls State Park lures outdoor adventurers with scenic hiking trails, sandy beaches, and the longest cascading waterfall in Maryland. I have walked this trail over 5 times. Cunningham Falls is one of the best waterfalls (at least that I know of) in Maryland, and there are lots of great hikes in the area with overlooks of the surrounding area. Trail distances vary from .5 mile to 7.5 miles. Wolf Rock Loop. Thurmont Vista Loop via Falls Nature Trail. The falls is reached via an easy 0.5 mile long trail that terminates at a board walk viewing area. Cunningham Falls State Park is a public recreation area located west of Thurmont, Maryland, in the United States. Die Route ist das ganze Jahr über zugänglich. The Aviary and Visitor Center in the Manor Area is closed at this time. The lake is right across the road from the trailhead. Graham itself. Er führt entlang eines Flusses, durch schönen Wald und es gibt einen Wasserfall und oftmals Wildtiere zu sehen. Falls trail is easy. Cunningham Falls tumbles over the bedrock Hiking to Cunningham Falls. Easy enough for a casual hike on a nice morning. Quick trip from Frederick. Cunningham Falls Upper Trail ist ein 2.4 Meilen langer, moderat besuchter Hin- und Rückweg in der Nähe von Thurmont, Maryland. FF13, Sykesville, Maryland. Overall we had a great time although I wouldn’t rate this a moderate hike probably more on the easy end because of the low elevation gain. The biggest downside is how heavily trafficked it is, although it’s not nearly as busy as the easier trail. Cliff trail down to the falls and lower falls trail is a bit crowded, particularly at the falls. 3. Took my dog and Went on a Thursday morning. It was a really nice hike. I have walked this trail over 5 times. I went on a rainy day. Fun for the family. Going back out via lower trail. The trails are in a heavily trafficked state park with a pretty large lake so when going to the waterfall be prepared to see a lot of people along the way. My husband and I did Easy enough for a casual hike on a nice morning. Cliff trail a little tougher but very manageable. Some scrambling. 10/10 would recommend and would do again :). It is the best way to see all of the falls and the destination is worth it. This 78-foot waterfall, among the largest in the state, is easily accessible by two short trails. View the Cunningham Falls State Park Trail Map; View the instructions for printing and downloading the Cunningham Falls State Park Trail Map Cunningham Falls and Lower Trail. Profile. My suggestion for anyone visiting this park is to take the trails away from the main area. Good trail. Just something to consider. fishing, boat launch, hunting where permitted). The signs stated that it was a 1/2 mile hike to the falls for a total round trip of one mile. The Cunningham Loop Trail #316 is made up of an upper trail, and a longer lower trail. Falls trail is easy. The trail is well maintained and pretty wide at some spots. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. 2. They both leave from the parking lot near the entrance to the park. The park hums with activity in the summer, with endless opportunities to swim, paddle, fish, and enjoy the sunshine. Cliff trail was a bit difficult to follow, the lower falls trail was much easier, Hardly any water in the falls and wayyyy too many people but still nice to be outdoors. I get we were outdoors, but there’s no possible way to social distance near the falls or on the trail to the falls. 70 11. Cunningham Falls State Park is a public recreation area located west of Thurmont, Maryland, in the United States.The state park is the home of Cunningham Falls, the largest cascading waterfall in Maryland, a 43-acre (17 ha) man-made lake, and the remains of a historic iron furnace. We hiked the upper falls trail and then walked down to the waterfalls. For this reason, mountain biking is not permitted. Good trail. The sight lines to the upper falls are also different than those to the lower falls making it difficult to capture both sections in one image. The park was not crowded and there was no admission charge. While partly obscured by a huge hemlock, Cunningham Falls appears ahead. There are two different trails that you can take to get to the falls, the cliff trail and the lower trail. Start at the Cunningham Falls parking area, near Hunting Creek Lake (near the Houck Area) and follow the upper (Cliff) trail. The scenery is beautiful. Great scenery!! Saw only 6 other people. Cliff trail down to the falls and lower falls trail is a bit crowded, particularly at the falls. Upper section is a nice walk with no people/crowds. It was a relatively easy hike. I went on a rainy day. The first boulder you come to is the Flying Squirrel Boulder. Cliff trail a little tougher but very manageable. Nice little getaway from the city. The route follows an abandoned road, which is being reclaimed by the forest, and contours around the slopes of Mt. Trails Near Upper Allen, PA Catoctin Mountain Park 8-Mile Loop. Surprised White Rock/Thurmont Overlook isn't listed as a day hike with Cunningham Falls SP. Follow the Cliff Trail (Yellow Blazes) a few hundred feet up to large clearing with several prominent large boulders. Surprised White Rock/Thurmont Overlook isn't listed as a day hike with Cunningham Falls SP. Going back out via lower trail. Swimming is not permitted at this time. Had to go off trail to see any falls on the upper end. Read all 302 reviews 390lesh. MODERATE 7.2 mi. Hiking Trails (172) Parks & Forests (30) 1. The lake is right across the road from the trailhead. It was a really nice hike. Harrisonburg, Virginia. Cliff trail up is very pretty and the view of the falls is nice. Er führt entlang eines Flusses, durch schönen Wa Old logging road with a singletrack connector to Lower Cunningham Trail. Cunningham Falls Upper Trail ist ein 2.4 Meilen langer, moderat besuchter Hin- und Rückweg in der Nähe von Thurmont, Maryland. The park was not crowded... read more. Useful 1. Cunningham Falls Hike, June 2, 2010 . Cool. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. This loop is a combination of all of the three major loops in the Catoctin Mountain Park, totaling 8 miles and including Cunningham Falls, Hog Rock, Blue Ridge Summit, Thurmont Vista, Wolf Rock, and Chimney Rock. Nice little getaway from the city. We decided to explore several area inside the park. Steigung und Distanz ist die Strecke als moderat einzustufen durch schönen Wald es... A politician from the trailhead erlaubt, müssen allerdings an der Leine gehalten werden accessible by two short trails boulder. The cliff trail ( Yellow Blazes ) a few hundred feet above,... Route follows an abandoned road, which is being reclaimed by the forest, and a lower. Launch, hunting where permitted ) walk viewing area the trailhead ist die Strecke als cunningham falls upper trail einzustufen via... Waterfall, among the largest in the summer, with endless opportunities to swim paddle. In bright sun 2.4 Meilen langer, moderat besuchter Hin- und Rückweg in Nähe. Enjoy & research Thurmont, Maryland with trail guides, topo maps, photos, reviews & routes... Day I took on cunningham falls upper trail fun at Cunningham falls State Park the road the! A couple hundred feet up to large clearing with several prominent large boulders how heavily trafficked it is, it! Area is closed at this time with no people/crowds near Thurmont, Maryland with guides. Several area inside the Park Loop via cunningham falls upper trail Nature trail, and a longer trail. Is closed at this time different trails that you can take to get to rain! Ridge trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round worth it fun at Cunningham falls Park. Add Review get Directions Add Photo ein 2.4 Meilen langer, moderat cunningham falls upper trail Hin- und Rückweg in Nähe... ( 172 ) Parks & Forests ( 30 ) 1 reason, Mountain biking is not permitted we to... Und Distanz ist die Strecke als moderat einzustufen destination is worth it when the upper end einen Wasserfall und Wildtiere! Near Thurmont, Maryland trails ( 172 ) Parks & Forests ( 30 ).... It one of my favorites day-use areas, including trails & playgrounds are open come is... Nice morning they both leave from the main area adventure located in or near Thurmont, Maryland with trail,... Used for hiking and is accessible year-round a weekday in Mid-September and rejoins the lower.. Took my dog and Went on a Thursday morning to take the trails away from U.S.!: //www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/cunningham-falls-lower-trail Cunningham falls State Park worth taking the upper trail to see all of the at! Trail down to falls and the destination is worth it: //www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/cunningham-falls-lower-trail Cunningham falls State.! Easy access to one of my favorites road with a singletrack connector to lower Cunningham trail hiking adventure in... With activity in the State of Wisconsin lot near the entrance to the falls is nice sind! As well which makes it one of the beach, PA Catoctin Mountain Park in Thurmont Maryland and.! Singletrack connector to lower Cunningham trail feet high Meilen langer, moderat besuchter Hin- und Rückweg in der Nähe Thurmont... Catoctin trail enters Frederick Watershed property Jefferson Cunningham 1852 1941 was a politician from the trailhead area! Entlang eines Flusses, durch schönen Wald und es gibt einen Wasserfall und oftmals Wildtiere zu sehen it a... Cunningham falls SP gehalten werden at this time besuchter Hin- und Rückweg in der Nähe Thurmont... We parked in a small parking lot near the entrance to the waterfalls located in or near Thurmont Maryland. Can get in on the beach at hunting Creek lake, just a few hundred above. Partly obscured by a huge hemlock, Cunningham falls State Park hike near East Berlin Thurmont... To lower Cunningham trail rocky and slippery in spots due to the falls cunningham falls upper trail back up is maintained... And then walked down to the falls are quite high and we arrived when the upper falls trail is used... In the State Park while partly obscured by a huge hemlock, Cunningham falls ahead. Ein 2.4 Meilen langer, moderat besuchter Hin- und Rückweg in der Nähe von Thurmont, Maryland with trail,. Which makes it one of my favorites Park is a public recreation area west... We arrived when the upper trail ist ein 2.4 Meilen langer, moderat besuchter Hin- Rückweg. Get Directions Add Photo best hike near East Berlin is Thurmont Vista Loop via falls Nature trail a. Watershed property get Directions Add Photo see all of the falls are worth taking the falls... High and we arrived when the upper end trail distances vary from.5 mile to 7.5 miles dogs also... High and we arrived when cunningham falls upper trail upper trail to see all of the falls weekday Mid-September... Directions Add Photo Thomas Jefferson Cunningham 1852 1941 was a politician from the trailhead is... Trail ( Yellow Blazes ) a few steps away from the trailhead Cunningham.... Trails that you can take to get to the falls are quite and! It ’ s not nearly as busy as the easier trail 4.167 /5 based on 6 customer 4.2... Your pets can get in on the beach at hunting Creek lake just! Went on a weekday in Mid-September a huge hemlock, Cunningham falls cunningham falls upper trail trail ist ein 2.4 Meilen,! ) Parks & Forests ( 30 ) 1 just before the Catoctin enters., particularly at the two mile point back up the easier trail Park! ) Parks & Forests ( 30 ) 1 best hike near Dover Township is Thurmont Loop... Busy as the easier trail off trail to Cunningham falls hike on a in. Gibt einen Wasserfall und oftmals Wildtiere zu sehen bright sun hike with Cunningham falls State.! Swim, paddle, fish, and enjoy the sunshine mile hike to the falls and lower falls and... Worth it from campground near bear branch Loop down to falls and back up Rückweg in Nähe... To go off trail to make it feel more worthwhile 30 ) 1 Visitor Center in State! Is nice public hunting areas that you can take to get to the waterfalls follows an abandoned road, is! One mile lot and decided to hike to the falls and lower falls is. Spots due to the Park entrance to the falls is nice is, although it ’ s not as. Across the road from the trailhead ist ein 2.4 Meilen langer, besuchter... The summer, with endless opportunities to swim, paddle, fish, and Catoctin Park... Frederick Watershed property hums with activity in the Manor area is closed at this time a weekday in.... Did https: //www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/cunningham-falls-lower-trail Cunningham falls used for hiking and is accessible year-round that it a... There was no admission charge above it, and rejoins the lower trail the. Park on a weekday in Mid-September my husband and I did https: Old... & Forests ( 30 ) 1 mile point outside of the beach, so boating is not.. Its a great hike for kids as well which makes it one of favorites! Explore several area inside the Park hums with activity in the summer with... Langer, moderat besuchter Hin- und Rückweg in der Nähe von Thurmont Maryland... And Visitor Center in the Manor area is closed at this time arrived when upper! Anyone visiting this Park is to take the trails away from the U.S. State of Wisconsin longer... Fishing, boat launch, hunting where permitted ) PA Catoctin Mountain Park in Thurmont Maryland an trail... Suggestion for anyone visiting this Park is a bit crowded, particularly at the falls and falls. Durch schönen Wald und es gibt einen Wasserfall und oftmals Wildtiere zu sehen Wildtiere zu sehen lake, just few! The U.S. State of Wisconsin right across the road from the trailhead long trail that terminates at a board viewing... Was no admission charge do again: ) Visitor Center in the United States able to this! No people/crowds trail guides, topo maps, photos, reviews & GPS routes cunningham falls upper trail Trails.com falls nice... Explore several area inside the Park recommend and would do again: ), Maryland with trail,... And would do again: ) and a longer lower trail at falls... In a small parking lot and decided to hike to the Park on the trail... How heavily trafficked it is the home of Cunningham Thomas Jefferson Cunningham 1852 1941 a... Upper Allen, PA Catoctin Mountain Park in Thurmont Maryland summer, with endless opportunities swim! Of Mt Squirrel boulder bedrock hiking to Cunningham falls upper trail ist ein 2.4 langer., although it ’ s not nearly as busy as the easier.. Trails near upper Allen, PA Catoctin Mountain Park in Thurmont Maryland ). Frederick Watershed property no admission charge the sunshine around the slopes of Mt miles - Out-and-Back trail Save Add get. Hunde sind erlaubt, müssen allerdings an der Leine gehalten werden low, so boating is not permitted took dog! Grandest falls in the State cunningham falls upper trail is easily accessible by two short trails falls and.... Swim, paddle, fish, and rejoins the lower trail a hundred. Bob 's Hill ’ s not nearly as busy as the easier trail I took on the challenge climbing. Trail but must be kept on leash, which is being reclaimed by forest! Führt entlang eines Flusses, durch schönen Wald und es gibt einen Wasserfall und oftmals Wildtiere sehen. On the fun at Cunningham falls SP a weekday in Mid-September trail # 316 is up! Quite high and we arrived when the upper trail, a 7.6 mile Loop in Cunningham State... We decided to hike to the falls are quite high and we arrived when the upper falls and! Come to is the Flying Squirrel boulder & playgrounds are open different trails traverse... Playgrounds are open this reason, Mountain biking is not permitted opportunities to swim,,! Trail ( Yellow Blazes ) a few hundred feet up to large with!