Cunningham Falls State Park is located off of US 15 Southwest of Thurmont Maryland. The park is named for the 78-foot waterfall, the largest in the State of Maryland.
Before the first Europeans arrived, several Native American tribes hunted and fished the area of Cunningham Falls State Park. Tradition says the name “Catoctin” came from the Kittocton tribe, who lived at the foot of the mountains near the Potomac River.
Early settlers used timber from the forests to make charcoal to fuel the Catoctin Iron Furnace. The furnace was built in 1778 and was used to supply iron to the Continenta
The 44 acre lake in Cunningham Falls State Park, Hunting Creek Lake, has a beach with three swimming areas with lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Canoe and paddleboat rentals are available during the summer season. A boat ramp is located off Catoctin Hollow Road and non-gasoline powered boats may be launched for a small service charge. A fishing pier is next to the boat ramp. One can fish for trout, bass, sunfish, crappie and catfish. Big Hunting Creek flows through the lake and provides year round fly fishing opportunit
Cunningham Falls State Park is home to a variety of animals and plants. One can often see signs of whitetail deer, turkey, fox, squirrel, raccoon, skunk, chipmunk and other species. Occasionally, a black bear is seen in the park. Songbirds, woodpeckers and birds of prey can often be seen while hiking the trails.
