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Cunningham Falls State Park - Manor |
Cunningham Falls State Park - Manor
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Cunningham Falls State Park, located in the Catoctin Mountains, is known for its
history and scenic beauty, as well as its 78-foot cascading waterfall. The Falls
are located one half mile from the lake in the Houck Area via the Falls Trail.
Before the first Europeans arrived, many small Native American tribes farmed,
hunted and fished the area. Tradition says the name Catoctin came from the
tribe, the Kittoctons, who once lived at the foot of the mountains near the
Potomac River. By the time the settlers began to arrive in the Monocacy River
Valley, Native Americans were seldom seen.
Early settlers used timber from the forests to make charcoal to fuel the
Catoctin Iron Furnace. Too many years of clear-cutting and unscientific farming
practices contributed to the overuse and destruction of the land.
In 1954, the area was divided into two parks, divided by Maryland Route 77. The
northern 5,000 acres is now Catoctin Mountain Park, a unit of the National Park
Service. The remaining 5,000 acre parcel was named Cunningham Falls State Park.
There are two main developed areas in the park, the William Houck Area and the
Manor Area. Check out a map of the area.
36th Annual Maple Syrup Making Demonstration
Have you ever wondered how maple syrup is made? Come to the park and learn about
the process of sap to syrup, history, lore and current method of making maple
syrup. Demonstrations on March 11, 12, 18 and 19 in 2006 from 10 a.m. until 2
p.m. in the Willliam Houck (Lake) area. A minimum per person donation is
requested. Youth groups are asked to contribute $1 per person.
Park staff will demonstrate the process of making maple syrup from tree tapping
through boiling and packaging. The informative talks will explain the history
and current status of one of America's first agricultural products. There will
also be activities and stories for children. A sign language interpreter will be
available on March 12 and 19.
A sausage and pancake breakfast will be served from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for
an additional charge. Maryland made maple syrup and maple products will be
available for purchase.
Features:
* Service Charges for Manor Area--Day use service charge for 2006 is $3/vehicle
year-round. Out-of-state residents add $1.
* Service Charges for Houck Area--Day use service charges for 2006 are as
follows: Weekdays Memorial Day-Labor Day $3/person; weekends and holidays
Memorial Day-Labor Day $4/person. All other times $3/vehicle. Out-of-state
residents add $1 to all day use service charges.
* Catoctin Iron Furnace Historical Site--The Catoctin Iron Furnace operated from
1776 until 1903. The area was once a booming industrial complex and community.
Much of the historic site is accessible. The site is located on MD Route 806,
three miles south of Thurmont.
* Swimming--Swimming is permitted in three designated areas of Hunting Creek
Lake. Lifeguards are on duty during posted hours Memorial Day to Labor Day.
* Boating--A boat ramp is located off Catoctin Hollow Road. Private craft may be
launched for a small service charge. Gasoline motors are prohibited; electric
motors of less than 1 hp or 33 lbs. of thrust may be used. During the summer,
canoes and rowboats are available for rental. Boat launch service charge is $3
per launch for in-state residents; $4 per launch for out-of-state visitors.
* Playground--A recycled tire playground is located in the Manor Area. Built by
volunteers from 3,000 tires otherwise destined for landfill, the playground
offers something for people of all abilities and ages.
* Trails--Enjoy easy to difficult hiking along nine scenic trails that include
areas of Cunningham Falls State Park and Catoctin Mountain National Park. Take a
trail map. Mountain bikes are prohibited on all trails.
* Hunting--Hunting is permitted on 3,500 acres of undeveloped wildlands.
Disabled hunters can hunt in a special area by reservation.
* Picnicking--Picnic areas in both the Houck and Manor areas offer tables and
grills, and are open daily until sunset. Check with the park office for service
charges to use these areas. A picnic shelter is available in the Manor Area by
reservation only. A concession stand and beach store near the lake are open
during the summer.
Kids fishing off of a pier in the lake
* Fishing--A Maryland license is required for all fishermen over 15 years old.
Big Hunting Creek, along MD Route 77, is a catch-and-release trout stream
limited to artificial fly fishing only. Conventional fly fishing tackle and
artificial flies must be used. Little Hunting Creek in the Manor Area is a
catch-and-release trout stream limited to the use of artificial lures and flies
only. Spinning gear may be used. Hunting Creek Lake is a put-and-take trout
area. An accessible fishing pier is adjacent to the boat ramp. Anglers can also
fish for bass, bluegills, sunfish, crappie and catfish. Consult the Maryland
Freshwater Sportfishing Guide for creel and size limits and for additional
information.
* Pets--Pets are prohibited in the Houck Area (picnic areas, lake area and
campgrounds) and at the Falls. Pets on leash are permitted in the campground
only of the Manor Area and at neighboring Catoctin Mountain National Park and
nearby Gambrill State Park.
* Accessibility for the disabled--Accessible facilities include a fishing pier
located by the boat ramp and a 300 yard long trail to the falls from Maryland
Route 77. Some restrooms are accessible.
* Camping--The park offers two camping areas: the Houck Area with 140 campsites
situated in five camping loops and nine camper cabins, and the Manor Area with
31 campsites. Bathhouses with hot showers are conveniently located in each
camping loop. Each campsite is equipped with a table, fire ring, lantern post
and parking area. Some electric hook-up sites are available in both campgrounds.
Campsites at the Houck and Manor Areas can be reserved. A camp store offers
groceries, camping supplies and souvenirs. Winter camping is available in the
Manor Area from November 1 till the end of deer firearms season. The shower
building is closed starting November 1, but a portable toilet and water source
are available.
** Senior citizen rate (62 years or older) applies only to camping or cabin fee
on non-holiday Sunday through Thursday nights. Does not apply to electric
hook-up. |
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