Catoctin Trail Permit: Route
Catoctin Trail permits are booked by advance reservation in Cunningham Falls State Park (MD). The route covers 26.6 miles.
This guide covers the Catoctin Trail camping permit.
Nightly campsite fee through Maryland State Parks (confirm current rate at booking)
Permit Cost
2 days
Duration
26.6 miles
Distance
moderate
Difficulty
About Catoctin Trail
The Catoctin Trail runs about 26.6 miles across Frederick City Watershed, Cunningham Falls State Park, Catoctin Mountain Park, and Gambrill State Park in Maryland. Camping at the two state parks books through Maryland State Parks; this page sells a cancellation alert on that reservation.
The Catoctin Trail
- Distance
- 26.6 miles
- Route type
- point-to-point
- Trip length
- 2 days
- Difficulty
- moderate
Entry points: Gambrill State Park, Mt. Zion Road
Catoctin Mountain, Frederick County, Maryland
Points along the route
- Gambrill State Park (southern trailhead)Mile 0, 1,569 ft
- Frederick City Watershed
- Cunningham FallsMile 4.6, 1,272 ft
- North Bob's Hill OverlookMile 9, 1,699 ft
- White RockMile 12.6, 1,386 ft
- Manor Area Campground, Cunningham Falls State ParkMile 16.6
- Catoctin Mountain Park (NPS)
- Owens Creek Campground
- LaurelcrestMile 20.1, 1,724 ft
- Bootjack SpringMile 25.5, 1,387 ft
- Mt. Zion Road (northern trailhead)Mile 26.6, 1,341 ft
Catoctin Trail permit detailsandAll Cunningham Falls State Park (MD) permits
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Pro Tips
Cunningham Falls State Park's Manor Area and Gambrill State Park both book through Maryland State Parks' reservation system.
The Catoctin Mountain Park section (NPS) is a separate agency; Owens Creek Campground there books through Recreation.gov.
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Catoctin Trail permit?
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Catoctin Trail permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
How long is the Catoctin Trail route?
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The route is 26.6 miles, as a point-to-point. Plan on 2 days.
How difficult is the Catoctin Trail route?
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This is a moderate route, requires good fitness and some outdoor experience.
Where does the Catoctin Trail route start?
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The permit covers 2 entry points: Gambrill State Park, Mt. Zion Road.
Don't Miss Your Catoctin Trail Permit
Cancellations happen every day. PermitSnag monitors Catoctin Trail availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
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