Alerts
Renovation Project
A sewer line renovation and replacement project along Maryland Route 77 will require the temporary closure of some activities in the William Houck Area of Cunningham Falls State Park in Thurmont starting in April and extending into the summer months.
The project, spearheaded by Maryland Environmental Service with cooperation from the Maryland State Highway Administration and the Maryland Park Service, includes the excavation and replacement of aging underground sewer lines that provide service to the William Houck Area of Cunningham Falls State Park.
Areas that will be impacted include the William Houck Area Campground, Hunting Creek Lake, and the falls. Beginning April 1 the lake area and campground will be closed to the public. There will be limited access to Cunningham Falls via the trail accessed from Catoctin Mountain Park. The Manor Area and Catoctin Furnace will remain open during this time. Reopening of all areas, which is dependent on project completion and weather, should open no later than July.
Campers with reservations for the affected time will be contacted and refunded.
Emergency vehicles will have access to MD 77 during the project. Please visit:
roads.maryland.gov for more information.
Lake, Beach and Falls Area Closures
On warm spring/summer weekends, the Lake, Beach and Falls Area of Cunningham Falls State Park may close due to capacity limitations. All traffic will be turned away from the entrance. The area usually re-opens in the afternoon. If you are not traveling with your party we suggest that you all arrive at the same time to insure the best chance that you will all get in.
No Cellular Service
Please be advised that most areas of Cunningham Falls State Park have very limited cellular service. Your phone may not work at the park. Please plan ahead. If you are meeting another party within the park, please make sure to set up a time and location to meet.
Cunningham Falls HikingAlthough many visitors wish to get an up close view of the spectacular natural attraction, swimming is prohibited and climbing is not advised at the falls. This policy is in place for the safety and protection of both the visitors and of the natural resource. Park staff has responded to hundreds of accidents at the Falls, most of which have been a direct result of visitors slipping or falling while attempting to explore the falls. In addition to visitor safety, we are dedicated to protecting, conserving and enhancing our natural resources. By eliminating human impact at the Falls, we are ensuring that the falls will be preserved as a wild and natural resource.
Help us protect our treasures. Please no hiking or climbing off of the trail in or around Cunningham Falls (McAfee Falls).
Firewood Alert
Firewood for camping can be purchased onsite or from a local vendor. Please do not bring firewood from great distances into the park. The Emerald Ash Borer and other forest pests are known to spread through the transportation of firewood. Please help us keep our trees safe. For more information please visit
The Maryland Park Service Firewood Policy web page
Iron Masters Ruins
The iron masters ruins in the Manor area of Cunningham Falls State Park are temporarily closed to the public.
