Need a good hike to get into nature? One of the fastest way for Frederick area residents and visitors to get fully immersed in nature is to head to Catoctin Mountain Park, just over 30 minutes north of town. This Blue Ridge Mountain park has lots of hikes through thick forest, the best of which, in our opinion, is the Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock Loop Hike.
This moderate hike takes about 2-3 hours, includes some great views, and is perfect for a half-day excursion not far from Frederick. In fact, we consider it one of the best hikes around Frederick, no matter the season.
Contents: Guide to the Wolf Creek and Chimney Rock Loop Hike
Overview of The Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock Loop Hike
Catoctin Mountain Park has a wide network of trails from which you can create all kinds of great hikes. For the Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock Loop hike, we will utilize the East Hiking Trails, specifically the Thurmont Vista Loop trail (Pink/Purple blaze) and the Chimney Rock/Wolf Rock/Visitor Center Loop trail (Orange blaze).
- Trailhead: Multiple spots in Catoctin Mountain Park (see below)
- Distance From Frederick: ~17 miles, 25 Minutes
- Fee and Passes: Free, no pass needed
- Parking: Multiple Lots (read below)
- Total Distance: 3.8 Mile Loop
- Duration: ~2-3 Hours
- Elevation Gain: 860 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dog Friendly: Only on leesh, and not allowed on rock formations
Getting To the Trailheads and Parking
You can start and end this hike at multiple places. Both spots have free parking, and since this is a loop trail, you’ll do the same hike from both places.
- Trailhead Location #1: Catoctin Moutain Park Visitor Center
- Trailhead Location #2: Cat Rock/Chimney Rock Parking Area
However, we recommend parking at the Visitor Center to check it out before or after your hike.
Hiking in Catoctin Mountain Park: Know Before You Go
- This is considered a moderate hike. The ~4 miles normally take 2-3 hours, depending on how long you spend on the rock areas.
- While not super strenuous, you will climb almost 900 feet, and a few sections are steep.
- Both Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock involve rock climbing and scrambling. This is fun but can be dangerous (just be smart).
- Wear quality footwear. Hiking shoes or boots are preferable. Sneakers are okay, but sandals or flip-flops won’t work.
- Take plenty of water. There is no water on the trail.
- You’ll see lots of dogs on leash (they are allowed); however, dogs are not allowed on the rock formations.
- Both of the parking lots fill up on weekends. If the lots are full, don’t give up. There are side lots on the road just above and below the Visitor Center.
The Thick Forests of Catoctin Mountain Park
If you head out from either trailhead, the first thing you notice about this hike is the thickness of the forest in Catoctin. In summer, the canopy of oaks, maples, and other trees provides a pleasant respite from hot sun. In the fall, its stunning.
From the Visitor Center, the first section is 0.8 miles to Wolf Rock, and its quite steep. The trails are well-maintained, and signs and blazes constantly tell you where you are. The trail is typical Eastern Appalachia, very rocky (wear good shoes!).
Climbing Wolf Rock
Pay attention to the signs at all junctions, and you won’t get off track. About 30 minutes of hiking will bring you to Wolf Rock. This is a long rocky ridge nestled within the trees, accessible from multiple spots on the trail.
Climbing the Wolf Rock outcropping is a fun stopoff. The actual Wolf Rock is at the top of the ridge. (And I’ll be honest, it’s not obvious to me. Nicole had to point out the ‘wolf’ multiple times before I saw it.)
Take the warning signs seriously, as there are deep crevices and sharp dropoffs within the rocks and plenty of places to roll an ankle.
Stunning Views at Chimney Rock
After Wolf Rock, it’s another ~0.5-mile hike to Chimney Rock. While Wolf Rock is interesting and fun to climb, Chimney Rock is far more beautiful. This is why we always do this hike clockwise and hit Chimney Rock after Wolf Rock.
You’ll see signs for Chimney Rock and again be presented with huge boulder outcropping to climb and relax on, but this time with a gorgeous view.
From Chimney Rock, you gaze out over the Catoctin Mountain Park and see the town of Thurmont in the distance. This is perfect place to see foliage colors in the fall.
There’s plenty of wildlife in Catoctin Mountain Park. During our last hike, we saw a group of vultures gathered on a distant boulder at Chimney Rock, sharing a meal of something recently hunted.
From Chimney Rock, it’s about a one-hour hike, mostly downhill, back to the Visitor Center. Watch your footing; rocks can be wet from natural springs, even on a dry day.
Suggested After Hike Meal: The Garage
One of my favorite parts of a hike around Frederick is the after-hike meal and beer! If you need a suggested stop back in town, check out The Garage in Frederick.
The Garage is weekend food simplicity: wood-oven pizza, amazing burgers, craft beer, in a casual spot. Perfect after-hike spot!
