CAM 2007 - McAfee Falls Traditional Cache
vyper4: So long and thanks for all the fish.
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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This is one of ten caches placed for the 2007 Cache Across
Maryland. Each location was picked specifically to give you a taste
of the state and show you just a part of its beauty. By combining
all ten, you'll be able to see why Maryland is truly "America in
Miniature". We hope you enjoy them!
Maryland State Park Approved
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Before the first Europeans arrived, many Native American tribes
hunted and fished the area of Cunningham Falls State Park.
Tradition says the name "Catoctin" came from a tribe, the
Kittoctons, who once lived at the foot of the mountains near the
Potomac River.
Early settlers used timber from the forests to make charcoal to
fuel the Catoctin Iron Furnace. The furnace was built in 1778 and
was used to supply iron to the Continental Army of George
Washington. Of the three furnaces built, only one, known as
Isabella, remains today.
In 1936, the federal government created the Catoctin Recreational
Demonstration Area by acquiring more than 10,000 acres to
demonstrate the restoration of forest lands. The Civilian
Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration
(WPA) built many facilities in the Demonstration Area, including
cabins and shelters. |
In 1954, the area was divided into two parks. The 5,000 acres to
the north is now Catoctin Mountain Park, a unit of the National
Park Service, and the remaining 5,000-acre parcel was returned to
the State of Maryland and named Cunningham Falls State Park
Cunningham Falls State Park derives its name from a scenic 78-foot
waterfall, which is the largest, cascading waterfall in the State
of Maryland. The falls, locally known as McAfee Falls, can be
accessed via a short trail from the lake area or a boardwalk from
Route 77 that accommodates visitors with mobility impairments.
Visitors are not encouraged to climb on the rock faces, which are
slippery and hazardous. |
McAfee Falls February 2007
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Accessing McAfee Falls
Parking Location - N39 37.665 W077 27.827
Pets - Pets are not allowed in the developed
areas of the park or along the Falls Trails.
Park Entrance Fee - Day use service charges are
as follows: Weekdays Memorial Day-Labor Day $3/person; weekends and
holidays Memorial Day-Labor Day $4/person. All other times
$3/vehicle. Out-of-state residents add $1 to all day use service
charges.
Park Hours - Cunningham Falls State Park is open
from 8 a.m. to sunset, April through October, and 10 a.m. to
sunset, November through March.
Lower Trail .5 mile to the falls - easy to
moderate (no blaze) This family-oriented trail provides the
shortest and easiest access to the waterfall. Interpretive signs
describe the mountain and woodland features along with benches that
are located near scenic locations. The trail ends with a small
boardwalk located at the base of the waterfall. Strollers are not
recommended on this trail.
Cliff Trail .75 mile to the falls - difficult For
those looking for more of a challenge, the Cliff Trail to the Falls
is a more strenuous trail that goes over the mountain and includes
rough terrain and steep rock outcroppings. This trail travels with
the Catoctin Trail for a short distance. Hikers should be careful
not to miss a turn onto a spur trail that will lead to the base of
the falls. |
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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