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Adirondack Shelters

Sabillasville, Maryland · National Park Service

No pets
Adirondack Shelters — official Recreation.gov photo

Photo: Recreation.gov

About

The Adirondack Shelters, located near the northern most point of Catoctin Mountain Park, provides a destination for true nature immersion and an alternative to drive-up camping. A moderate three-mile uphill hike over rocky but generally gently rolling terrain leads to the three-sided shelters similar to those found on the Appalachian Trail. Please plan to pack out everything you bring to the site. At Catoctin Mountain Park, the beauty and solitude of nearly 6,000 acres (2428 ha) of mature Eastern Hardwood Forest beckon visitors in need of an escape. Head to Wolf Rock for scenic vistas and thrilling rock climbing and rappelling. Or tour historic Camp Misty Mount, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.The shelters are for backcountry hikers looking for a remote getaway. Watching birds (aka "birding") is a popular form of wildlife observation. Catoctin offers a 25-mile (40 km) hiking trail system, fishing, picnicking, and frontcountry cabins and campgrounds in addition to the more primitive Adirondack shelters.For facility specific information, please call (301) 663-9388.This is a rustic backcountry area with no vehicle access or potable water. There is one rustic pit toilet available. Campers must carry adequate drinking water and supplies and pack trash out at the conclusion of their stay. The two shelters are several hundred feet apart, making them close enough for groups to use both, but far enough away to offer privacy. The sites are available year-round and can accommodate five campers. Tents or temporary structures are not permitted inside the shelters or surrounding area. Campfire rings are provided. Located about 60 miles (96.5 km) from Washington, DC and Baltimore, Maryland, Catoctin Mountain Park lies within the mountainous Blue Ridge Province of north-central Maryland. Scenic overlooks extend across the Monocacy Valley.

Directions

Directions to the trailhead parking at Camp Round Meadow: From Thurmont MD, take Route 77 west 5 miles (8 km) to Foxville Deerfield Road. Turn right. Turn Right onto Manahan Road and follow signs to Camp Round Meadow parking area. You cannot drive to the shelters. The hike is a minimum of 3 miles (4.8 km). GPS coordinates for Shelter #1 are 39° 40' 37.8001" N 77° 29' 3.8000" W Shelter #2 is nearby (visible from) Shelter #1. Hikers: protect park resources by using the trail system when accessing the shelters or other park features. Obtain trail maps at the park Visitor Center or download them from the Catoctin Mountain Park Hiking web page. Hilly terrain and the forest canopy can prevent satellite signals from reaching your unit increasing the importance of a back-up strategy.

Location

Map tiles © OpenStreetMap.

Details

State
Maryland
City / area
Sabillasville
Agency
National Park Service
Parent area
Catoctin Mountain Park
Campsites
2
Reservable
Yes
Typical price
See Recreation.gov
Rating
4.62 / 5 (40 reviews on Recreation.gov)
Equipment
See Recreation.gov

Reserve on Recreation.gov

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