Waterfalls, Ridgelines & Mountain Trails

Maryland's largest cascading waterfall drops 78 feet through a boulder-strewn gorge in the Catoctin Mountains. The Lower Trail follows Big Hunting Creek through hemlock forest to the falls — about a mile each way, rocky underfoot and genuinely beautiful. In the opposite direction, the Manor Area has wilder, less-trafficked trails.

A Thurmont staple for hikers and campers — straightforward American diner food served quickly and generously. Grab a burger and a piece of pie before the afternoon on the ridge. Don't overthink it; it's fuel for the trail.

A National Park Service property sharing a ridge with Camp David, with 25 miles of hiking trails through Blue Ridge hardwood forest. The Blue Ridge Summit Overlook trail reaches a rocky outcrop with sweeping views west over the Cumberland Valley — worth the climb for a clear afternoon.

Frederick's best-loved brewpub, housed in a converted 19th-century town hall in the historic district. House-brewed ales, wood-fired pizza, and the satisfaction of cold beer after a full day in the mountains. The patio fills up fast on warm evenings.