Jacob Weller and his family stopped in the area that is now Thurmont in 1751, to nurse a sick child. The Weller family introduced several industries into the area with many residents working as mechanics. The hamlet was known as Mechanicstown by 1811.
It was renamed Thurmont (gateway to the mountains) when the railroad made the area more accessible.
Camp David, the Presidential retreat is found within this park but it is not open to the public. However, there are 25 miles of trails that wind through Catoctin Mountain Park as well as opportunity for camping, picnicking, wildlife viewing, fly-fishing, and cross country skiing.
Address: Catoctin Mountain Park, 6602 Foxville Road, Thurmont, MD 21788-1598, United States
Phone: 1 (301) 663-9388, Fax: 1 (301) 271-2764
Hours:
Sunrise-Sunset
Tips: Visitor Center hours: Monday through Thursday, 10:00am to 4:30pm; Friday, 10:00am to 5:00pm; Saturday and Sunday, 8:30am to 5:00pm.
Visitors can meet, feed or touch the exotic animals at the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo. Over 450 animals are found throughout the 30 acres including the venomous snake exhibit and the butterfly garden.
Address: Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo, 13019 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont, MD 21788-2134, United States
Phone: 1 (301) 271-3180, Fax: 1 (301) 271-2673
Cunningham Falls is known for its history, scenic beauty, as well as a 78-foot cascading waterfall. Swimming is permitted in Hunting Creek Lake, hiking along nine scenic trails, or a visit to the Catoctin Iron Furnace. Early settlers used timber from the forests to make charcoal to fuel the Catoctin Iron Furnace.
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Thurmont
