Location: Thurmont
Top Things to do in Thurmont
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The 6 Best Things to do Good for Kids in Thurmont, Maryland (MD)
Thurmont is a town in Frederick County, Maryland, United States. The population was 6,170 at the 2010 census. The town is located in the northern part of Frederick County (north of Frederick, Maryland, the county seat), approximately ten miles from the Pennsylvania border, along U.S. Highway 15. It is very close to Cunningham Falls State Park and Catoctin Mountain Park, which contains the presidential retreat of Camp David. Thurmont is also home to Catoctin Colorfest, an arts and crafts festival that draws in about 125,000 people each autumn.
Restaurants in Thurmont
1. Catoctin Mountain Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 208 reviews
You can't visit the Presidential retreat of Camp David here, but you can take advantage of the park's 25 miles of scenic hiking trails plus many outdoor activities including camping, fishing and picnicking.
Reviewed By StacyinANP - Annapolis, United States
The Visitor Center, even when closed, has hiking maps available. Hike the 8-mile loop or take some shorter hikes to see rock formations, vistas, and the beautiful fall colors. Some of the trail is easy or moderate, some of the trail is strenuous and rocky, check the map. Wear closed-toed shoes and pack water and snacks. It took us 3.5 hours to do the 8-mile loop. Go early if you want to park at the Visitor Center. The cleanest port-a-potty’s I have ever seen. A beautiful fall day seeing the colors of nature!
2. Loy's Station Covered Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By mamabearonthego
Not only is the bridge very picturesque but there is also a nice park nearby with ample parking, bathrooms, and a fun playground. Those things combined made it a fun stop for our entire family!
3. Roddy Road Covered Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By EngelkingCGMN - Cottage Grove, United States
On our way to Gettysburg from Frederick, we stopped here to have a picnic lunch. We found the area to be clean and were pleasantly surprised that there was even a bathroom. We also enjoyed getting some fun photos.
4. Cunningham Falls State Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 305 reviews
Located in the Catoctin Mountains, this park is well-known for its history, scenic beauty and various recreational facilities including campsites, hiking trails, picnic areas and fishing piers.
Reviewed By closetothurmont
We've been going to the lake for years, before everybody in the family had kids and then after. I believe the cost is per carload. We usually have a group of 10-12 and the kids love the water, bringing tennis balls to throw around. The area is clean, bathrooms are large and usually clean and include showering areas. There are some tables, most with bbq grills so make sure to bring your own supplies if you are planning a picnic, including trash bags to take your trash back out with you. There is a small playground and access to the other beach via a bridge, plenty of sunny spots and a decent amount of shaded areas. There is hiking trail access and if I remember correctly, it goes all the way to the Falls. The lake itself is manned by lifeguards and the last time we were there, someone was injured and the ambulance was able to access the beach area. The lifeguards handled the situation well, so I would consider them prepared for first aid. There are also boats available but I'm not sure if there is any charge to use them. The last time we used the boats years ago, they had paddle boats and rowboats and they furnished us with life jackets. It's a great place to inexpensively spend the day swimming, hiking, eating or just hanging out.
5. Catoctin Furnace Historical Society
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 53 reviews
The Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, Inc., commemorates, studies, interprets, and preserves the rich history of this pre-Revolutionary industrial village, including the architecture, cultural landscapes, lifeways, and foodways of the workers. Working in conjunction with Cunningham Falls State Park, the Catoctin Furnace Historical Society celebrates, studies and preserves the history of this important 18th through 20th century industrial site. In the heart of the village, the Collier’s Log House and the Museum of the Ironworker have been carefully restored by the Society and are open by appointment and during special events. An interpretative trail connects the furnace area to the Museum of the Ironworker and the center of the village. The history of the Catoctin Furnace village continues to be an important part of the life blood of this vibrant community and we invite you to explore it with us.
Reviewed By chrismichellem2016
The furnace itself has a little picnic area. There are a couple of paths you can choose. Most of them will take you around to streams that you can wade in. There more of walking paths, I wouldn't take my bike. The dog loves it, because it's mostly flat. Also wear a hat or tie your hair up tight. The ticks are very bad.
6. Catoctin Wildlife Preserve
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 289 reviews
CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR THE SEASON. REOPEN SPRING 2020. From bears and boas, macaws to monkeys, panthers to pythons, and alligators to zebra, amazing experiences and hundreds of exciting new exotic animal friends await you in this 50-acre park! Catoctin Wildlife Preserve features more interactive touch and feed opportunities than any other animal park in the region. Feel the silky soft fur of the chinchilla or the bumpy shell of a tortoise at daily educational talks. Or get nose to nose with camels, bison, ostrich, zebra and more on the optional Safari Ride. You will be welcomed by natural ponds, lush landscaping, and wandering Ambass-zoo-dors, eager to indulge inquisitive guests. These amazing animals are our extended family and vital ambassadors for their species. Through our personal style of exhibits and education, we know that they will be your extended family too.
Reviewed By MREDDIE - Baltimore, United States
Lovely zoo to visit...leave about 2 hours...take your time and visit with the animals and go into the Safari Ride area...50 wooded acres...groups welcome...be sure to get a brochure....adults $22.50...memberships available
