Emmitsburg, Thurmont, Catoctin Mountain National Park, & Cunningham Falls State Park, MD - Thurmont MD Weekend Getaway

Preview: This rural community of Emmitsburg is of special interest to visitors of the Catholic faith. Tucked into the beautifully forested foothills of western Maryland is the first National Catholic Shrine in the United States: a replica of the Grotto of Lourdes. Also in Emmitsburg is the peaceful retreat of Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton—the first American-born saint. Abounding in nature’s beauty and bountiful quiet areas for meditation, this Maryland landmark is a worthy, experiential venture. Thurmont is a small, rural town immediately adjacent to the Catoctin Mountain National Park and the Cunningham Falls State Park. The original settlement dates back to 1751 when the Jacob Weller family built their homestead here after abandoning a wagon train headed west. The Wellers established several small industries here, and the town became known as Mechanicstown during the early years. When the railroad was built nearby, the area became easily accessible to city folks seeking a mountain retreat. The magnificent scenery and high altitude made the area a popular resort, and it was renamed Thurmont, “gateway to the mountains.” Facilities and recreational opportunities are spread among 5,769 acres of magnificent mountainside and are administered by the National Park Service at Catoctin. The park’s name was derived from the Kittocton Indian tribe that once lived at the foot of the mountains near the Potomac River. This chapter from the DayTrips series describes many fascinating, exciting, (and many free of charge) things to do, most within a two-hour drive of Baltimore. Each Day Trip includes destination highlights, places to visit along the way, choice restaurants and lodging, and shopping.
© Copyright Gwyn Walcoff & Bob Willis published by The Globe Pequot Press all rights reserved.


Duration: One day to several days
Best Time to Go: Year-round
This travel guide comes from:
Day Trips from Baltimore Guide Book