Catoctin Mountainfall foliage
No reports yet this season for Catoctin Mountain Park.
Right now in Catoctin Mountain · September
- Owens Creek Campground open · May–Oct
27days to the next fall foliage seasonusually well under way by late October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)
Next 7 days
No frost, strong wind or heavy rain in the forecast.
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 2:23 PM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Frost near Catoctin Mountain Park
First frost usually in ~5 weeks
Oct 30Average first fall frost
Apr 14Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Catoctin Mtn Park station (4.1 mi away, 1,610 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Catoctin Mountain Park through the year
- Wildflower walksApr–May
- Owens Creek Campground openNowMay–Oct
- Parts of park roads closedNov–Mar
Best spots around Catoctin Mountain Park
- Chimney RockAbout 1,400 ft up, looking east over the Piedmont
- Hog Rock VistaThe highest trail overlook in the park, 1,610 ft
- Thurmont Vista1,502 ft, looking east over the Frederick Valley
Trees this fall (Sep 15–21). Across the Mid-Atlantic, sugar maple and flowering dogwood are behind a typical year; the rest are close to typical. Which trees turn when →
How we know
National Park Service, Catoctin Mountain Park data (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, Catoctin getting around (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · USA National Phenology Network, colored leaves observations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, Catoctin Mountain Park Wildflowers (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Catoctin hours (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Catoctin Chimney Rock hike (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Waterfall and Hog Rock loop (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Catoctin scenic vistas (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Catoctin Mountain Park in 2026?
We don't have local timing for Catoctin Mountain Park yet. Statewide for Maryland: color is usually well under way by late October (USA-NPN volunteer observations, 2020–2025). That's for the whole state and isn't a peak or a forecast.
How is the fall color in Catoctin Mountain Park right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 27 days (usually well under way by late October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)).
Where do I park on a busy weekend?
Parking at the visitor center can be a challenge on busy weekends. If it's full, the National Park Service suggests Thurmont Vista, Hog Rock or the Chestnut Picnic Area.Source: National Park Service, Catoctin hours ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Catoctin Mountain Park?
Chimney Rock: about 1,400 ft up, looking east over the Piedmont; Hog Rock Vista: the highest trail overlook in the park, 1,610 ft; Thurmont Vista: 1,502 ft, looking east over the Frederick Valley.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Catoctin Mountain Park?
Parts of park roads closed (Nov–Mar).
What is Catoctin Mountain Park like through the year?
Wildflower walks (Apr–May), Owens Creek Campground open (May–Oct) and Parts of park roads closed (Nov–Mar).