Cunningham Falls
Maryland • 78 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.9 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Cunningham Falls
Cunningham Falls is Maryland’s largest cascading waterfall, plunging about 78 feet within the wooded folds of Cunningham Falls State Park in the Catoctin Mountains west of Thurmont. The park — one of several protected areas along the roughly 50-mile Catoctin Mountain ridge — also features a 43-acre man-made lake and the remains of a historic iron furnace, making the area a rich mix of scenic and cultural attractions. The park is bordered to the north by Catoctin Mountain Park and to the south by Frederick Municipal Forest, which together create a broad swath of protected forestland.
The Setting
Cunningham Falls sits at 1,273 feet along the Antietam Creek, in the foothills of Maryland. The falls drop 78 feet.
Height: 78 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.9-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Cunningham Falls is a short, well-maintained out-and-back path of about 0.9 miles with roughly 200 feet of elevation gain, rated easy and suitable for most visitors. Expect a forested route with gentle inclines and occasional rocky sections that lead directly to a viewing area near the base of the 78-foot cascade. Camping is nearby — the Adirondack Shelters are approximately 1.91 km away — making this a convenient day hike or stop on a longer overnight outing.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 78 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Cunningham Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $3.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Cunningham Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer is popular for outdoor activities.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Stay on marked trails to avoid injury and protect the environment. The rocks near the falls can be slippery, so exercise caution. Be aware of ticks and other insects in the area.
Current Water Conditions
29 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 41 years of record
2.19 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge ANTIETAM CREEK NEAR WAYNESBORO, PA (15 km away).
Today
Moderate
30 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
30 cfs
9/10Wed
Moderate
33 cfs
9/10Thu
Moderate
32 cfs
6/10Fri
Moderate
34 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
32 cfs
6/10Sun
Moderate
30 cfs
6/10Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to late April, peaking in March.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Thurmont hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The ground through the falls loses about 139 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 78 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,272 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 58 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 111 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,272 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 139 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Cunningham Falls is located in Cunningham Falls State Park, near Thurmont, Maryland. The falls can be accessed via the William Houck Area of the park, which is off Route 77.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the William Houck Area parking lot. It can fill up quickly during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
1,273 feet above sea level
Coordinates
39.631487° N, -77.471377° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to secure parking, especially on weekends and holidays. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be rocky in places. Bring water and a camera to capture the scenic views.
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For this easy 0.9 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Waynesboro
SpringHill Suites By Marriott Frederick
Tru By Hilton Hagerstown
Best Western Historic Frederick
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Adirondack Shelters
1.2 miles away · 2 sites
Overview The Adirondack Shelters, located near the northern most point of Catoctin Mountain Park, provide a destination for true nature immersion and an alternative to drive-up camping. A moderate three-mile uphill hike over rocky but generally gently rolling terrain leads to the three-sided shelters similar to those found on the Appalachian Trail. Please plan to pack out everything you bring to the site. At Catoctin Mountain Park, the beauty and solitude of nearly 6,000 acres (2428 ha) of mature
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Catoctin Mountain Park, the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve, and the historic town of Thurmont.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors may also spot wildflowers and native plants along the trail.
Cities near Cunningham Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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