+----------------------------+------------------+---+-------------------+
| ![](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 14, 2023

For Immediate Release

Debra Mills

**Catoctin Mountain Park Announces Road Openings and Spring Activities
Schedule**

**Park Central and Manahan Roads Reopen After Seasonal Closures**

The closed portions of Park Central and Manahan Roads in Catoctin
Mountain Park will reopen in March. These roads were closed to vehicle
traffic in December making them available for winter recreation. Park
Central Road will reopen on Friday, March 21. Manahan Road will reopen
on Friday, March 28.

Park Central Road and Manahan Road will remain open after these dates
until mid-December as weather conditions permit. Please direct questions
regarding the status of park roads to the Visitor Center at (301)
663-9388, or visit our website at www.nps.gov/cato.

**Women's History Month Exhibit -- at the Visitor Center during the
month of March.**

Enjoy an exhibit that tells the story of Bessie Darling and Mazie
Bowman, two women who played important roles in the local tourism
industry in the early 20^th^ century. Learn how Bessie's tragic death
sparked local legend and haunted Mazie until her death half a century
later.

**Orienteering (Map and Compass Reading)-Saturdays, March 22 and 29, and
Sunday, March 23 at 1:30 p.m. at the Visitor Center**

Orienteering classes consist of an indoor slide program that introduces
maps and their components as well as the orienteering compass that
allows the user to determine the direction of travel. After learning how
to use the compass in conjunction with the map, participants are given
the opportunity to complete a short outdoor course. The outdoor course
requires going off-trail in varied terrain so wear sturdy shoes and
dress for the weather. Maps and compasses are provided for the day. The
program is free but is recommended for ages 10 and older. Class size is
limited so reservations are required. Please make your reservation by
calling the Visitor Center at (301) 663-9388.

**Fly-tying Demonstration -- 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April
19 at the Visitor Center**

Visit experienced local fly-fishers as they demonstrate the art of
fly-tying at the Visitor Center from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. They
will explain how your knowledge of insects can increase your chances of
fishing success. Learn how fur, feathers and found items can be
transformed into imitation insects that can fool the smartest fish.

**Junior Ranger Program for Kids --Saturday, April 26 at the Visitor
Center**

Help celebrate National Junior Ranger Day by becoming a Catoctin Junior
Ranger. Children ages 9-11 are invited to join a National Park Service
Ranger at the Visitor Center at10:00 a.m. to complete the requirements
and become a Junior Ranger. A program for ages 6-8 will be offered at
1:00 p.m. Each session will last about 2 hours. A short hike is included
so please wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Topics to be
covered include natural and cultural history. Children who complete the
entire program will receive a Catoctin Mountain Park Junior Ranger
Badge.

**Spring Wildflower walks -- Sunday, May 11 and Saturday, May 24 at 2:00
p.m. at the Owens Creek Picnic Area**

Join a ranger at the Brown's Farm Trail in Owens Creek Picnic Area at
2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 11 or Saturday, May 24 for an interpretive
wildflower walk. Together, you will explore an easy ½ mile trail that
meanders through several types of habitat. The ranger will acquaint you
with the flowers that are blooming, and will tell you why they are so
particular about where they grow and when they flower.

**Owens Creek Campground -- Opens for family camping beginning May 2**

Owens Creek Campground will open on a first-come, first-served basis at
12 noon on May 2. Each site is limited to one camping unit (tent or
trailer) and a maximum of 5 people. Maximum tent size is 9'x12'.
Trailers up to 22' in length are accepted but there are no hookups. The
fee is \$20.00 per night.

**Camp Misty Mount -- Cabin rentals available April 18 through October
31**

Cabins may be rented in historic Camp Misty Mount from April 18 through
the end of October. Rustic chestnut cabins constructed by the Works
Progress Administration are available to individuals, families and
groups. Please call the Misty Mount office at (301) 271-3140 to make
your reservation or for further 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-

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