Thurmont MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Thurmont, Maryland.
1. Cunningham Falls State Park
SCENIC CASCADING WATERFALL
Cunningham Falls State Park is known for its scenic beauty, history, and impressive 78-foot cascading waterfall. The park features a 43-acre man-made lake with designated swimming areas that are open from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. Visitors can enjoy swimming, beaches, boat rentals, hiking, and camping in this beautiful natural setting.
2. Hunting Creek Lake
LAKE SWIMMING AREA
Hunting Creek Lake, located in Cunningham Falls State Park, offers three designated swimming areas that are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Lifeguards are on duty daily between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. during the season, though coverage may be limited on Mondays. The lake area, part of the William Houck Area of the park, provides a refreshing escape during summer months.
3. Catoctin Mountain Park
PRESIDENTIAL MOUNTAIN RETREAT
Catoctin Mountain Park offers 25 miles of scenic hiking trails and various outdoor activities including camping, fishing, and picnicking. While visitors cannot access Camp David, the Presidential retreat within the park boundaries, they can enjoy the natural beauty of the Catoctin Mountains. The park provides a peaceful mountain escape with numerous recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
4. Greenbrier State Park
POPULAR SWIMMING LAKE
Greenbrier State Park, located just 14 miles from Cunningham Falls, features a 42-acre man-made lake with a sandy beach for swimming. The park offers excellent facilities for picnicking, hiking, fishing, and boating in a scenic mountain setting. Visitors can enjoy the refreshing waters surrounded by beautiful forested areas of the Appalachian Mountains.
5. Gambrill State Park
MOUNTAIN VISTA VIEWS
Gambrill State Park, situated just 13 miles from Thurmont on the ridge of the Catoctin Mountains, offers spectacular views of the surrounding valleys. While not primarily known for swimming, the park features excellent hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping facilities for nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy the three stone overlooks providing panoramic vistas of the Monocacy Valley.
6. Monocacy Natural Resource Management Area
SCENIC RIVER RECREATION
The Monocacy Natural Resource Management Area provides access to the scenic Monocacy River, offering opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful waterfront and observe diverse wildlife along the river's edge. The area features several access points to the river, making it ideal for water-based recreation.
7. Big Pool Lake
HISTORIC CANAL LAKE
Big Pool Lake, part of the C&O Canal National Historical Park, is a large pond originally created as a basin for canal boats. The lake offers fishing opportunities and a peaceful waterfront setting for visitors to enjoy. Its historical significance as part of the canal system adds an educational dimension to the recreational experience.
8. Catoctin Creek Park
CREEK-SIDE NATURE EXPERIENCE
Catoctin Creek Park features a beautiful creek with several access points where visitors can wade in the shallow waters during warm months. The park includes nature trails that wind alongside the creek, offering opportunities to observe local wildlife and plant species. Picnic areas near the water make this a perfect spot for families seeking a relaxing day by the creek.
9. Antietam Creek
HISTORIC WATERWAY RETREAT
Antietam Creek flows through historically significant land and offers several swimming holes and wading spots for visitors seeking relief from summer heat. The creek provides excellent fly fishing opportunities and peaceful kayaking experiences through scenic landscapes. Visitors can access the creek at various points near Antietam National Battlefield and enjoy its refreshing waters.
10. Potomac River Access
MAJESTIC RIVER RECREATION
The Potomac River access points near Brunswick offer opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating along this historic waterway. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the river surrounded by the Appalachian foothills and Blue Ridge Mountains. The C&O Canal towpath runs alongside the river, providing easy access to various swimming spots and fishing locations.