If you’re looking for a beautiful, moderately challenging hiking adventure in Maryland, then mark Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock Trail on your list for checking out. This loop trail in Catoctin Mountain Park offers you a chance to climb unique rock boulders for sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate – uphill and rocky sections.
- Elevation Gain: ~860ft
- Skill Level: Intermediate – prepare for a bit of a workout.
- Distance: 3.8 miles (loop)
- Cost: Free
Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock Parking Lot
About a half mile north of the Catoctin Mountain Visitor Center on Park Central Road, there will be a small, free parking area. This parking lot is often full during busy hours of 9am-5pm. When I did this hike, I arrived around 8am and thankfully the lot was completely open, but it was filled up when I came back.
This area of west Maryland is a hidden treasure for hikers with lots of scenic and challenging hiking trails, such as the Annapolis Rock Trail.
Hiking the Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock Trail
The loop is considered a moderate to semi-strenuous hike for this park, although, in comparison to other treks, I would only rate it as moderate. It will get your blood pumping with a bit of distance and spurts of uneven and rocky terrain. Unlike the National Park Service, I wouldn’t classify it as a strenuous hike though (in comparison to Guadalupe Peak or Angels Landing). Plus, the trail is easy to follow and marked by an orange blaze.
Climbing Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock
Since the trail is a loop, you can start either way on the loop. I chose to go to the left, which leads you to Wolf Rock first at just over a mile into the trail. This massive boulder formation offers great views along the tree line if you climb up. From there, it’s just a half mile to Chimney Rock, another massive rock to climb on top of for even better views of the mountains and valleys at 1401 ft elevation.
These rocks are the main attraction of the trail, and definitely worth the trek. However, in my opinion, the remainder of the loop trail is less enjoyable and more challenging. The path takes you just outside of the main road where you can hear and see cars, so that portion is less than ideal.
Although, there is a nice stream in this section that you’ll pass by which adds some beauty to the trail. Eventually, you’ll arrive at the visitor center, where you can fill up on water if needed, and then make your way another 0.4 miles back up to the car park.
Tips for Hikers Exploring Chimney Rock and Wolf Rock Trails
- If you do climb up the rocks (like I did), be extremely careful if it has recently rained. The rocks can be slippery and the rock formations have deep, dangerous crevices that could cause a nasty injury if you were to slip and fall.
- Remember to keep your dogs leashed while on the trail.
- Prepare by bringing water, or you’ll need to plan around going to the visitor center to fill up.
- The visitor center is the facility near this trail, so use the bathroom here as well!
- If the small parking lot at the trailhead is filled, you can park at the visitor center instead.
- Expect to spend a couple of hours on this trail and to share it with other hikers, families, and dogs.
About Catoctin Mountain Park
Within the Blue Ridge Province in Frederick County, Maryland, the Catoctin Mountain Park encompasses 5,890 acres of hardwood forest, streams, mountains, and valleys. The recreation area is home to a diverse population of flora and fauna, and also is the location of the Presidential Retreat, Camp David!
Plants and Wildlife in Catoctin Mountain Park
The park is home to over 750 species of plants, 60 species of trees, and 280 species of animals.
Hiking through the park, you will be surrounded by hardwoods (oak, hickory, tulip poplar) and shrubs in this deciduous forest. Its fall foliage is so vivid, it has been described as the best time of the year to visit. Look for flora like ferns, mushrooms, and wildflowers, including several of Maryland’s endangered or threatened flowers, such as the purple-fringed orchid. As in any natural space, leave it as you found it and do NOT pick the wildflowers!
In addition to squirrels, chipmunks, and deer, there are also wild turkey and even black bears in the park. The waterways have fish, frogs, birds, salamanders, and lots of insects! In the area of Wolf and Chimney Rocks, the park service warns of rattlesnakes and bees. So keep your eyes peeled!
