Cunningham Falls State Park

State park · Maryland

Autumn foliage at Cunningham Falls State Park
Photo: John Brighenti from Rockville / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Cunningham Falls tumbles 78 feet down a rock face in the Catoctin Mountains, the largest cascading waterfall in Maryland, reached by a short trail from the Houck day-use area of this roughly 6,000-acre park established in 1954 alongside the 43-acre Hunting Creek Lake.

Best for: a Catoctin Mountains waterfall

Don’t miss

  • 78-ft Cunningham Falls
  • Catoctin Mountain fall color
  • Hunting Creek Lake
2026 Forecast

Peak: October 23–October 27

Color builds from October 15 · mostly bare by November 16

Color starts: October 15Peak: October 25Bare: November 16AugustDecember

Sampled at Cunningham Falls State Park’s own coordinates and elevation (441 m) rather than a regional average.

Maryland is sampled at 4 weather points, then moved 4 days later so the model agrees with 1 published peak date from smokymountains.com. Maryland is running 5 days earlier than its own average this year. How the forecast works

When to go to Cunningham Falls State Park

Good color holds through about November 3, giving you roughly 19 days from the first turn to past peak. That is about 6 days earlier than Maryland as a whole. The 1,447 ft elevation accounts for most of the difference.

It is roughly 50 mi out of Baltimore. Washington, DC is about 53 mi out.

Cunningham Falls State Park on the map

Drag the date slider to see when color reaches this corner of Maryland, or tap a pin for that stop’s own peak window.

More things to do in Maryland

See all things to do in Maryland

Plan from a city

Frequently asked

When does Cunningham Falls State Park peak in 2026?
Peak color is predicted for October 23–October 27 (best estimate October 25). Color starts around October 15 and is mostly bare by November 16.
How do I get to Cunningham Falls State Park?
The closest city is Baltimore, about 50 mi away. It's part of Maryland's fall lineup.

Own or manage Cunningham Falls State Park? Update your listing or get in touch.