Cunningham Falls State Park
Thurmont, MD
A cascade tumbling over rock slabs in the Catoctin Mountains, reached by a short, popular trail from the parking area. Go on a weekday morning, and add the lake beach or a ridge hike for variety.
At 24 meters (78 feet), Cunningham Falls is Maryland's largest cascading waterfall; locals also called it McAfee Falls. It lies in Cunningham Falls State Park (established 1954, about 2,490 hectares or 6,157 acres) in the Catoctin Mountains near Thurmont. The park also includes the 17-hectare (43-acre) Hunting Creek Lake for swimming, boating and fishing, Big Hunting Creek as a trout stream (fly fishing only, catch and release), and easy to demanding hiking trails.
The park's Manor Area holds the historic Catoctin Furnace: the iron furnace was in blast by 1776 and produced ammunition for the Continental Army, including shells fired at the siege of Yorktown. For the waterfall, allow about one to two hours. Come on a weekday morning if you can, as the trail is popular. Mountain bikes are not allowed on the trails; there are campgrounds in the William Houck Area and the Manor Area.
- Nearest town
- Thurmont, MD
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 39.6240, -77.4680
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Granite Hill Camping ResortCampsite14 mi from Cunningham Falls State ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Gettysburg Battlefield ResortCampsite16 mi from Cunningham Falls State ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA HolidayMotorhome stopover16 mi from Cunningham Falls State ParkTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Round Top CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Cunningham Falls State ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Gettysburg CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Cunningham Falls State ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Artillery Ridge Campground & Gettysburg Horse ParkCampsite18 mi from Cunningham Falls State ParkTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Maryland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Cunningham Falls State Park?
Cunningham Falls State Park is in Thurmont, MD, at GPS 39.6240, -77.4680. It is about 15 mi from Frederick.
Can you camp near Cunningham Falls State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is William Houck Camping Area, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 61 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Cunningham Falls State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Antietam National Battlefield (18 mi), Gettysburg National Military Park (18 mi), Shepherdstown (22 mi) and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (25 mi).
When is the best time to visit Cunningham Falls State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)