The Hiking Blog

Trip tips, tales, and places to explore.

Trail of the Month: January, 2025

Cunningham Falls

Thurmont, MD

Cunningham Falls, located in Cunningham Falls State Park in Thurmont, MD, is the largest cascading waterfall in Maryland, standing at 78 feet. The falls can be reached via a couple of scenic hiking trails, the most popular being the Lower Trail (0.5 miles, moderate difficulty) and the Cliff Trail (0.75 miles, more challenging with rocky terrain).

Hiking to Cunningham Falls is a great experience for nature lovers, offering beautiful forest views, a serene waterfall, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. The relatively short hike makes it accessible for families and casual hikers, while the more rugged Cliff Trail adds an extra challenge for those seeking adventure. It’s an excellent destination for photography, picnicking, and simply enjoying the tranquility of nature.

The falls are beautiful to see in the winter. However due to ice and snow, the falls appear much shorter.  To experience the vastness of the falls, visit during the summer or fall.

Getting there:

Set your GPS to 14274 William Houck Drive, Thurmont, MD.  Look for the trailhead at the far end of the parking lot. Parking is limited. 

This trail is known for:

Amazing Views

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