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The Adirondack Shelters, located near the northern most point of Catoctin Mountain Park, provide a destination for true nature immersion and an alternative to drive-up camping. A moderate three-mile uphill hike over rocky but generally gently rolling terrain leads to the three-sided shelters similar to those found on the Appalachian Trail.
At Catoctin Mountain Park, the beauty and solitude of nearly 6,000 acres of mature Eastern Hardwood Forest beckon visitors in need of an escape.
The shelters are for backcountry hikers looking for a remote getaway. Birdwatching, or birding is a popular form of wildlife observation.
Catoctin offers a 25-mile hiking trail system, fishing, picnic areas, and multiple camping options.
This is a rustic backcountry area with no vehicle access or potable water. There is one pit toilet shared between the two shelters. Campers must carry adequate drinking water and supplies and pack trash out at the conclusion of their stay. The two shelters are several hundred feet apart, making them close enough for groups to use both, but far enough away to offer privacy.
The sites are available year-round and can accommodate five campers. Tents or temporary structures are not permitted inside the shelters or surrounding area. Campfire rings are provided.
Located about 60 miles from Washington, DC and Baltimore, Maryland, Catoctin Mountain Park lies within the mountainous Blue Ridge Province of north-central Maryland. Scenic overlooks extend across the Monocacy Valley.
Head to Wolf Rack for scenic vistas and thrilling rock climbing and rappelling. Or tour the Historic Camp Misty Mount, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
GPS information is provided as verification of Shelter # 1, which is near Shelter #2. Users are asked to help protect park resources by using the trail system when accessing the shelters or other park features. Trail maps can be obtained at the park Visitor Center or downloaded from the Catoctin Mountain Park Website, [www.nps.gov/cato](http://www.nps.gov/cato). Hilly terrain and the forest canopy can prevent satellite signals from reaching your unit increasing the importance of a back-up strategy.
Take route 77 west 5 miles to Foxville Road, turn right and follow signs to Camp Round Meadow parking area.
What a beautiful spot to go on a wonderful hike. Great picturesque mountain lines. Just went on a little hike up the mountain to see what was up. And boy it didn't let me down. So many spectacular spots to take in. Will be back for some more hiking. It's just the beginning. I promise you. You won't be disappointed by beautiful views all around you 😉.
Great views, about an hour from Gaithersburg. Good hiking shoes recommended, for sure as some trails are rocky. The trails are, for the most part, well marked. FYI - they have a really nice visitors center, too.
We int need to hike the thurston-griggs trail but it was closed for the season. Instead we tried this nearby trail. The trail was in great condition. It's well marked and clear of snow.
Catoctin mountain Park is a great spot with a decent variety of terrain and views. Hikes are pleasant, well marked, and not difficult, and they have free, level 2 charging, in the park. There is a ranger station with friendly, knowledgeable rangers and volunteers, maps, pictures, and useful information. They also sell annual passes.
