Catoctin Mountain Park in Thurmont, Maryland, is a popular park for outdoor lovers, and the Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock Trail is one of their most popular hikes!
The Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock loop is just under 4 miles, making it perfect for a morning or afternoon hike. The steep grade along the trail makes it challenging in sections, but a large chunk of the trail is easy.
And the views from Chimney Rock are worth the effort!
If you’re thinking about completing the loop to Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock, the guide below has everything you need to know. So, let’s start planning your next adventure!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock Loop at Catoctin Mountain Park
The Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock loop at Catoctin Mountain Park is a popular hiking trail in Maryland. It’s not far from Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Harrisburg and offers beautiful views of the region.
The trail has steep sections, especially between the parking lot and Wolf Rock. Depending on the time of year you visit, it could be slippery due to ice, snow, or wet rocks. We hiked the trail in February after a light snow and had to avoid patches of ice on the trail.
Both Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock allow visitors to climb and scramble on the rocks. However, there are deep crevasses that can be dangerous, so use caution. Overall, this is a fun, almost-4-mile loop that most hikers can enjoy.
What You Need to Know Before You Hike the Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock Trail
Parking
There are two parking areas you can use to access the Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock Loop.
First, you can park at the Visitor Center on Park Central Road. There are over 60 spaces in the main lot or the overflow lot across the street. The trail can be accessed on the eastern side of the main lot.
Another option is to park at the smaller Wolf Rock/Chimney Rock Parking Lot, which is located 1/2 mile north of the Visitor Center on Park Central Road. However, the road might be closed during the winter months.
Fees
Unlike many other National Park properties, visiting Catoctin Mountain Park is free.
Amenities
The Visitor Center at Catoctin Mountain Park has bathrooms and water fountains. It also has a small exhibit about the area’s history and a gift shop.
Closures
Due to Catoctin Mountain Park’s proximity to Camp David, the National Park Service will close off access to the park when the President or other high-ranking officials are at Camp David. Visit their website before visiting for updates.
Wildlife
Maryland is home to many types of wildlife, including black bears and poisonous snakes. Always be aware of your surroundings and watch out for the wildlife.
Pets
Leashed pets are allowed on the trails at Catoctin Mountain Park but not on any rock formations, including Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock. If you choose to hike this trail with your pet, do not bring them on the rocks with you.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Remember as you visit Catoctin Mountain Park to stay on established paths, pack out your trash (including food waste), and leave what you find behind.
The more popular these destinations become, the more we need to be diligent about keeping our parks and lands clean and safe for all. You can learn more here.
Hike to Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock
| Trail Location: | Access the trail at the Visitor Center Parking lot or Wolf Rock/Chimney Rock Parking Lot |
| Trail Length: | 3.8 miles |
| Trail Difficulty: | Moderate – It is steep on the way to Wolf Rock, which some may find difficult, but the trail levels off after that. |
| Trail Type: | Loop |
| Elevation Gain: | 870 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | Not Really (see the “Pets” note above) |
Trailhead
We started our hike at the Visitor Center parking lot. The trailhead is clearly marked on the eastern side of the lot.
Based on other reviews and recommendations, we chose to hike the trail clockwise, which means hiking to Wolf Rock first. This gets the more steep portion of the trail out of the way first.
On the Trail to Wolf Rock
The first 8/10 mile of the trail to Wolf Rock is relatively steep. There are very few switchbacks to ease the almost 500 feet of elevation over a short distance.
We hiked in winter after a light snowfall and encountered ice and snow on the trail, which made some spots slippery. Even in warmer months, I would watch for slippery spots if you hike after a rainfall. Hiking poles would be beneficial for this portion of the trail.
Once you reach the top of the ridge, the trail levels out, and there is very little elevation change. It’s a nice reprieve from the initial steep climb!
At Wolf Rock
Wolf Rock is a large rocky area the size of a football field. Parts of it are grown over with large trees, but you can still access a large portion of it.
There are some large crevasses, so be careful when exploring the area. There isn’t too much of a view at Wolf Rock, even in the winter, but it’s still interesting to climb around on the rocks.
Continue to Chimney Rock
The trail to Chimney Rock from Wolf Rock is about a 1/2 mile long and is relatively uneventful. It’s mainly flat with little elevation change. You’ll see a sign for the short, off-shoot trail to Chimney Rock. Follow that to the outcropping.
At Chimney Rock
Chimney Rock is a beautiful outcropping overlooking Catoctin Mountain Park and the town of Thurmont in the distance. There are several places you climb onto the rocks, and there are also large crevasses. Use caution when in this area.
Looping Back to the Parking Lot
Hiking back to the Visitor Center from Chimney Rock involves a lot of ups and downs. There are a few switchbacks at this end of the trail, making it easier to descend. The trail follows Foxville Road for a bit before heading back into the woods to the Visitor Center.
Other Hikes Near Catoctin Mountain Park
Catoctin Mountain Park has several hiking trails throughout the park. And with Maryland’s Cunningham Falls State Park next door, you could spend a few days completing some of the fun hikes in this area.
If you want to see Maryland’s tallest waterfall trail, from the Visitor Center parking lot, take the yellow-blazed Cunningham Falls Nature Trail, a 1.4-mile trail, to Cunningham Falls. Another popular trail is the Thurmont Vista Loop.
Catoctin Mountain Park is close to many other popular hikes in the area, like Annapolis Rock along the Appalachian Trail and the easy trail to the Washington Monument (the one in Maryland, not DC!).
Pin It For Later
