2/8/2020 Falls Nature trail 0.8 mi – Unnamed trails 1.8 mi
Elevation gain: 669ft
Location: Catoctin Mountain Park 6602 Foxville Rd. Thurmont, MD 21788
Another one of those trips when my hubby had some business to conduct nearby and I bargained for this hike to go with him.
We were driving on 15 towards South and took 77 West to W Main St. later Foxville Rd. If I drop a pin on the parking lot we’ve pulled over to, the address comes up as Catoctin Hollow Rd. but on the map it shows as Foxville Rd. I don’t have any clue why.
There is a beautiful trail going from the parking area next to Big Hunting Creek but it dead ends within 0.3 miles. I just got Mag to pose with the scenery.
While heading to our target trail across Foxville Rd. I’ve noticed this trail sign. We will be back to hike all these trails another day, my hubby is not built to endure this kind of adventure in the woods.
After crossing the road really fast and carefully, we start on Falls Nature trail towards the Visitor Center. We have perfect hiking weather, bit on the chilly side but sunny, however breezy.
The mostly rocky trail pretty much follows the road through slight elevation than drops back down before we reach the much bigger parking area at the Visitor Center. Since we’re only doing the shortest route this time, I make a mental note to park here when we’ll do a much bigger loop in the near future.
At the wooden sign we start climbing up on the stone steps towards Wolf Rock.
Even though we are leaving Foxville Rd. behind yet another paved surface follows our steps – Park Central Rd. on our West.
The trail is absolutely beautiful with a slight change in elevation. I love the browns of the slowly waking nature while the trail is framed with evergreen moss.
At the next sign we’re following the path towards Wolf Rock climbing even higher.
Within a few hundred feet the trail takes an abrupt 45 degree turn to the SE amidst sizable boulders.
We pass the branching towards Wolf Rock on the left and head down on the shorter path. Through the woods the Hunting Creek Lake shimmers gracefully.
After the view of the Lake the trail starts downhill and with that on our left more and more rocks surface. I am sure they provide wonderful hiding places to several critters like foxes and raccoons even though we don’t have any luck spotting them.
We must stop for a few minutes of chew time. Mag finds the perfect branch to munch on.
Downhill is stony and covered in dried leaves making it a bit more challenging to proceed. Even though they are not wet they are still sort of slippery, hiding small round things as well.
While we somehow miss following the trail just before getting back to our starting point cutting our walk even shorter through the woods, I take this wonderful picture of Mag. Sitting or climbing on tree stumps is one of his favorites.
It’s obviously on the map where we missed the path before connecting back to it just before crossing Foxville rd.
For Mag and me this was a short but sweet walk and Tommy got his exercise in as well. I cannot wait to make the drive back here to explore the surrounding trails as well.
Happy hiking!
The Longest Route 
looks beautiful but the trail can surely be slippery.
that picture of mag is great!
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