+----------------------------+------------------+---+-------------------+
| ![](media/image1.png){wi   | Catoctin         |   | 6602 Foxville     |
| dth="0.5598425196850394in" | Mountain Park    |   | Road              |
| height="0.72               |                  |   |                   |
| 00787401574803in"}National |                  |   | Thurmont, MD      |
| Park Service               |                  |   | 21788             |
|                            |                  |   |                   |
| U.S. Department of the     |                  |   | \(301\) 663-9388  |
| Interior                   |                  |   | phone             |
|                            |                  |   |                   |
|                            |                  |   | \(301\) 271-2764  |
|                            |                  |   | fax               |
+----------------------------+------------------+---+-------------------+

**Catoctin Mountain Park** News Release

November 13, 2023

For Immediate Release

Debra Mills

**Catoctin Mountain Park Announces Winter Activities**

When you are properly prepared, winter is an excellent time to enjoy the
beauty and solitude of nature. Since portions of Park Central and
Manahan Roads are closed to vehicle traffic, visitors who utilize the
hiking trails at Catoctin Mountain Park, find even greater opportunities
for recreation during the winter months. Cross-country skiing,
snowshoeing and sledding are possible when there is adequate snow.
Visitors who prefer indoor activities are invited to participate in the
following program:

**Winter Photography Seminar**

Lighting nuances, animal tracks in the snow and breath-taking detail are
some of the most visually appealing aspects of the winter forest. They
are also some of the most difficult to capture with a camera. Local
freelance

photographer and avid hiker Tim Jacobsen will share his expertise on
capturing the winter landscape during a Winter Photography Seminar at
the Visitor Center on Saturday, January 10.

Participants are encouraged to join Mr. Jacobsen for an outdoor digital
photography workshop beginning at 1:30 pm. The group will choose an area
near the Visitor Center to utilize their artistic talents and improve
their photographic techniques under the direction and with suggestions
from a professional photographer. The group will return to the Visitor
Center to review their work. Participants are encouraged to leave
digital copies of their photographs for display during the month of
January.

**Special Presidential Inaugural Event -- 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 20
at the Visitor Center**

Catoctin Mountain Park owes its existence to the New Deal Programs
instituted as part of President Franklin Roosevelt's economic recovery
plan formulated immediately after his first inauguration. Agricultural
land, devastated by out-dated farming practices and years of drought,
was purchased with the intention of transforming the area into a
recreational haven for nearby metropolitan areas. The New Deal video
podcast, prepared by the interpretive staff of Catoctin Mountain Park,
outlines how the local population reacted to and benefitted from the
jobs programs. The seven minute podcast will be presented in the Visitor
Center auditorium at 2:00 p.m., or by request on Tuesday, January 20.

**-more-**

**Blacksmith Shop Demonstration -- Saturday, February 14, from 1:00 --
3:00 p.m. in the Blacksmith Shop at Camp Round Meadow**

If you are not prepared for winter hiking, a Blacksmith Shop
Demonstration could be the perfect solution for your family's cabin
fever. Come enjoy the warmth from our forge as volunteers demonstrate
the age-old craft of blacksmithing from 1:00 through 3:00 p.m. on
Saturday, February 14 at the Catoctin Mountain Park Blacksmith Shop,
located in Camp Round Meadow. The smithies will explain how the craft of
blacksmithing evolved and the role of blacksmiths in the community while
demonstrating some of the fundamentals of the trade.

**The African-American Influence - a special display at the Visitor
Center during the month of February**

The story of our heritage is not complete until we recognize the
contributions of every culture in the American tapestry. Come to the
Catoctin Mountain Park Visitor Center during the month of February to
view the special display, "African-American Influences" in northern
Frederick County. Presented in conjunction with African-American History
Month, this exhibit provides an overview of African-American
contributions to the development of Frederick County, MD.

### 

### 2009 Cabin Camping Opportunities at Camp Misty Mount (April -- October)

Reservations for the 2009 camping season at Camp Misty Mount will be
accepted beginning January 2, 2009. Special weekday rates are available
again this season. If you or your family is looking for a vacation in a
secluded location with basic amenities, Camp Misty Mount may be the
perfect location. Call (301) 271-3140 to make reservations or for cabin
information.

Catoctin Mountain Park is one of 391 units administered by the National
Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. The park Visitor Center,
located on State Route 77 three miles west of Thurmont, Maryland, is
open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and from 8:30 a.m. until
5:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Correspondence should be addressed to: Superintendent, Catoctin Mountain
Park, 6602 Foxville Road, Thurmont, MD 21788. Our website address is
www.nps.gov/cato. General information can be obtained by calling the
Visitor Center at (301) 663-9388.

-NPS-

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA

The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American
people so that all may experience our heritage.