Cunningham Falls State Park, MD

Cunningham Falls State Park in Maryland holds a 78 foot waterfall called Cunningham Falls or McAfee Falls which is the largest cascading waterfall in Maryland.

Plus it is also next to Catoctin Mountain National Park which I had to skip as it was getting late but Catoctin has a hike to a Furnace and both parks would be a great day trip.

I found it on my way back from Niagara Falls. It is a short walk to the falls which was mostly up hill but it did not feel like it was up hill as it is easy and gentle climb which a wheelchair or stroller could do without much of an issue.

It is very pretty hike and enjoyable with all kinds of different things to see along the way. Deep rocky hillsides and an abundance of life growing in between.

The trail splits about 2/3 of the way up. One goes uphill to the top of the falls which is .75 miles and the other to the lower area of the falls is .5 miles from the parking area.

I wanted to do both but after a few days in Niagara Falls and a long drive in front of me, I did not have the energy or time.

They have a few decks to walk on to at the bottom of the waterfalls but you can also climb up it or down it.

I love how the waterfall travels down the full mountain and ends in a little stream which goes all the way down to the lake.

It does not look all that big in the picture, but look at all people up there. It becomes more impressive outside of pictures that can’t do it justice.

The greatest thing about this trail is going back to the car is all downhill. lol. But it is also very wide and pretty on both sides.

This was a great little hike to do before I got back on the road. What was also very very special to me and I will always remember…

At the end of my hike, I was getting in the car and just sitting back for a few minutes relaxing when a couple with two young boys, 7 and 9 ish, my best guess, were finishing up as I was dealing with my GPS.

One of the boys was very thirsty and the mom was saying that she would get him a drink shortly but they were waiting for the rest of their party. Of course, someone in the rest of their party had the keys and the car was down the way.

One of the most important things that I keep in my van is water. I gave a bottle to the younger boy with his parents permission. He drink some but stopped half way through.

Looked at the bottle and handed over to his older brother who was behind him licking his lips but not saying a word while his brother was drinking. I gave them another bottle.

It made my day that the young boy would look out for his older brother will out be asked. I know that I have also found myself forgetting or not taking enough water for what looked like a short hike that turned into so much longer because I either went right instead of left or was not planning on going or found another trail or thing that I wanted to see. I keep water bottles in the car and they have saved me more then once.

The park also has a great lake with a beach like area for those that might want to stay around and take a swim. Areas for picnics and more hiking is also just around the corner.

Plus check out the Scales Tales Aviary, I was in looking at getting home very late so I just did the hike to the Falls but the park has so much more to offer including boat rentals during the summer season.

Just outside the park, to the right of the park sign is a parking area and boat launch. No gasoline motors are allowed but electric motors, no motor boat, and canoes are allowed on the Hunting Creek Lake which is a man made lake.

A Very Brief History

During the 19th century, settlers cut down most of the trees for charcoal to power the Catoctin Iron Furnace. But in the 1930s, the Federal Government purchased the land and transformed the area for recreational use.

After almost 90 years, the area is looking as if humans had not clear cut the forest. This park is a great look at what can be done to reestablish forest.

Note: At the top of the Falls, an old homestead that can be found. I really have to go back to this place. I wish I had more time when I was there to really explore this place!

If you find the time, please send me pictures and your experiences at penelopepercivaltravels@gmail.com