GC11D27 CAM 2007 - McAfee Falls (Traditional Cache) in Maryland, United States created by mdgps

This cache has been archived.

vyper4: So long and thanks for all the fish.

GC11D27 ▼

A cache by mdgps Message this owner

Hidden : 5/6/2007

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

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

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
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.