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Rock formation with mountains in the background
NPS Photo/Peggie Gaul
ParkHorse trails

Catoctin Mountain Park

MD · Thurmont

President Franklin D. Roosevelt created programs to give people a chance to rebuild their lives from the Great Depression. The Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps gave this land a second opportunity and through re-growth, a new role as a recreation area.

Riding guide

Highlights

Catoctin Mountain Park sits along the forested ridges of the northern Blue Ridge Mountains in Maryland, offering riders…

Riding

Rideable terrain here is noted as 6 miles, giving riders a clearer sense of scale before they ever unload. For equestrians, the park’s riding experience centers around a small but scenic network of forest trails located primarily on the western side of the park. Riders follow natural dirt paths marked with orange triangle blazes, winding through dense oak, maple, and tulip poplar forests. These trails travel across rolling mountain terrain and occasionally cross creeks and rocky sections typical of Appalachian foothill landscapes. Approximately 6 Miles of trails are maintained for horseback riding, with an additional segment of the Catoctin National Recreation Trail also allowing equestrian access.

Rideable terrain

6 miles

Trailer parking

Camp Greentop Horse Trailhead (Primary Staging Area) Camp Greentop This is the main designated horse trailer parking area in the park. Why riders use it: Official trailer parking area for the park’s horse trails Located directly across from the Camp Greentop entrance Provides access to the Orange Triangle equestrian trail system This lot connects directly to the park’s ~6 Miles of designated horse trails. Round Meadow (Overflow / Alternate Parking) Round Meadow This is the backup staging area when the main lot is muddy or inaccessible. Why riders use it: Larger open area than the Camp Greentop lot Can accommodate trailers when the main parking area is unusable Riders must lead or ride horses along Park Central Road to reach the horse trails The National Park Service specifically recommends this location when the main trailer lot cannot be used.

Horse regulations

Horse Use Regulations Horseback riding is permitted in Catoctin Mountain Park, but it is limited to a small number of designated trails and is subject to several important rules designed to protect park resources and visitor safety. Horses Are Allowed Only on Designated Trails Horses may only be ridden on specific approved routes, including: The designated Horse Trail system (Orange Triangle blazes) The section of the Catoctin National Recreation Trail north of Park Central Road Riding anywhere else in the park, including hiking trails or cross-country areas, is prohibited. Day-Use Riding Only Equestrian trails in the park are open for day use only. Overnight horse camping or backcountry stock trips are not permitted within the park. Stay on Established Trails To protect natural resources: Cross-country riding is not allowed Cutting switchbacks or creating new trails is prohibited Horses must remain on the designated horse trails at all times Stock Control Requirements Riders must maintain full control of their animals: Loose herding or free-trailing horses is prohibited Horses must be properly tied or picketed when stopped A halter and lead rope must be carried on the horse at all times Distance from Water Sources To protect park ecosystems: Horses must be tied or picketed at least 100 feet away from natural water sources such as streams and springs. Group Size Limits Larger riding groups must obtain special permission. Groups of more than 10 horses and riders require a permit from the park. Trail Closures and Conditions Horse trails may temporarily close due to: Severe weather Trail damage Security closures Riders should check with the visitor center before visiting to confirm trail conditions

Getting here

Use 14707 Park Central Road, Thurmont, Maryland as your primary planning reference before you haul in. Camp Greentop Horse Trailhead (Primary Staging Area) Camp Greentop This is the main designated horse trailer parking area in the park. Why riders use it: Official trailer parking area for the park’s horse trails Located directly across from the Camp Greentop entrance Provides access to the Orange Triangle equestrian trail system This lot connects directly to the park’s ~6 Miles of designated horse trails. Round Meadow (Overflow / Alternate Parking) Round Meadow This is the backup staging area when the main lot is muddy or inaccessible. Why riders use it: Larger open area than the Camp Greentop lot Can accommodate trailers when the main parking area is unusable Riders must lead or ride horses along Park Central Road to reach the horse trails The National Park Service specifically recommends this location when the main trailer lot cannot be used.

Planning your visit

Limited Trailer Parking Horse trailer access is available but limited. Most riders stage at: Camp Greentop Horse Trailhead (primary trailer parking area) Round Meadow (secondary staging area if the main lot is muddy or full) Space for trailers is relatively small compared to large western parks, so arriving early is recommended, especially on weekends. Trails Are Rocky and Narrow The park sits within the Appalachian foothills, so riders should expect: Rocky natural dirt trails Narrow wooded paths Occasional creek crossings Short but steep hills These trails are better suited for experienced trail horses comfortable with uneven terrain. No Horse Facilities in the Park Catoctin Mountain Park does not provide developed equestrian facilities such as: Corrals Water for horses Boarding or rental stables Horse camping areas All rides are day-use only, and riders must bring everything needed for their horses. Expect Shared Trails Although equestrian trails are designated, riders may encounter: Hikers Trail runners Park staff or maintenance crews Riders should slow down, communicate clearly, and maintain safe control of their horses. Weather and Trail Conditions Matter The park’s forested trails can become muddy after heavy rain. When conditions are poor, riders may be asked to stage from alternate parking areas or postpone rides to prevent trail damage. Checking trail conditions before arriving is strongly recommended.

Where to stay

Catoctin Mountain Park Visitor Center is the main visitor-contact point tied to this destination, which is helpful when you want current conditions, maps, and stock-use updates before riding. This entry reads best as a bring-your-own-horse destination rather than a horse-rental stop, and amenities should be confirmed directly before travel. For a polished trip plan, pair the ride with lodging, fuel, and resupply planning in or near Thurmont before heading deeper into federal-land access points.

Park map

Trails

No trails synced for this park yet.

Campgrounds

Points of interest

Things to do

Visitor centers

Hours of operation

Catoctin Mountain Park

Hiking trails and parking areas are open year round, dawn to dusk, but may close as a result of security or safety concerns. Consult the park's website for updates: http://www.nps.gov/cato/index.htm. The visitor center, camps, and campgrounds have separate hours. Please see descriptions for those facilities elsewhere.

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Activities

CampingCar or Front Country CampingGroup CampingClimbingCompass and GPSOrienteeringFishingFly FishingFoodPicnickingHikingFront-Country HikingHorse TrekkingHorseback RidingJunior Ranger ProgramSkiingCross-Country SkiingSnowshoeingMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park Store

Weather

Summer (June-Aug) average temperature is between 61 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit. Fall (Sep-Nov) average temperature is between 45 and 64 degrees Fahrenheit. Fall foliage is at its peak in mid-October Winter (Dec-Feb) average temperature is between 24 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter snowfall is between 5-12" per month. Spring (March-May) average temperature is between 41 and 63 degrees Fahrenheit. Average precipitation is approximately 4 inches per month. (Source: usclimatedata.com)

Contact

Voice3016639388
Fax3012710205
EmailCATO_superintendent@nps.gov

Photos

Stay near this park

No horse-friendly stays listed near Catoctin Mountain Park yet. Know a great barn or property? Help fellow riders by listing it.

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Directions

To reach the visitor center from the east, follow US Route 15 to MD Route 77 and go west about 3 miles. The visitor center is on the right side of the road. From the west, take I 70 to MD 66 at exit 35. Turn left onto MD 66 north and travel about 5 miles, passing through the roundabout. Turn right onto MD 64 and drive 1 mile. Turn right onto MD 77. Drive on MD 77 about 7.5 miles. The visitor center is on the left.

Get directionsOfficial directions

Source: nps.gov