The C&O Canal National Historic Park preserves the remains of the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal as well as valuable wild spaces along the Potomac River shoreline from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, MD. The Canal’s entire 185-mile long towpath is restored, open to hikers and bikers year ‘round and is accessible from many points in Frederick County including the Mouth of Monocacy Road near Dickerson, Nolands Ferry, Point of Rocks, Lander and Brunswick. The C&O Canal National Historic Park Visitor’s Center in Brunswick shares the building with the Brunswick Railroad Museum. Mule-drawn canal boat and replica launch boat tours are offered at Great Falls, MD, and in Williamsport, MD. Call 301-767-3714 or visit the website for more information. Camping is only allowed in designated sites. Please register vehicle if leaving at a C&O Canal parking lot.

Catoctin Creek Park is 139 acres of fun waiting for you to explore. The park has a nature center with two program rooms and a Discovery Room for your own drop in adventure. The facility and the park hours vary, so please contact the Parks and Recreation for more details at 301-600-1646, or visit us on the website www.recreater.com. The Nature Center hosts birthday parties, school group activities, and camps/programs for all ages throughout the year.

Catoctin Mountain Park offers a wealth of scenery, wildlife, wildflowers, historic buildings, hiking trails, scenic drives, camping, and fly-fishing. Looking for something different? Try spending the night in a historic cabin in Camp Misty Mount; for reservations visit www.recreation.gov. Pets, on leashes, are permitted in outdoor areas, but not in buildings. For additional information and updates on the project, please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/cato or call the visitor center at 301-663-9388. Beginning September 3, the MD SHA will close portions of MD 77 between Thurmont and Stottlemeyer Rd (west of the park). As of 9/8 Route 77 is open between Thurmont and the visitor center and closed between Catoctin Hollow Rd and Stottlemeyer Road. The parking lot at the visitor center fills quickly on weekends. If the parking lot is full, consider starting your hike at the Thurmont Vista or Hog Rock Parking lots. Park maps are available at both areas and a restroom is at the Hog Rock parking area.