On our way to visit friends in Richmond, Va., recently, my kiddo and I spontaneously turned right, transforming our day into an adventure.
Route 15 has multiple signs pointing to Cunningham Falls State Park—advertising that obviously worked well on us.
Just over an hour south of Harrisburg on Route 15 is the Maryland state line. About 15 minutes below that is Cunningham Falls State Park. Cunningham Falls is located in the Catoctin Mountains, which are part of the Appalachian Mountains. The Appalachians contribute to the greater Harrisburg area’s identity and community; therefore, the falls fall into our region’s assets.
When you’re unfamiliar with a park, the best first stop is a ranger station. We learned that, in addition to Maryland’s largest cascading waterfall, the park has a 43-acre lake for boating and fishing with a beach area for summertime swimming. Since Cunningham Falls is a Maryland State Park, there’s a fee of $5 per vehicle to enter the park from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Catoctin Mountain Park is a U.S. national park that abuts Cunningham Falls. Catoctin Mountain Park is a second growth forest, so it’s rehabilitated from destruction caused by past logging, charcoal making and farming. Catoctin Mountain was designated as a national park in 1936 and, through revitalization efforts, is now able to boast a healthy, thriving forest on 95% of its 5,120 acres. There is no fee to enter the park.
Reporting for Duty
As we learned about the history and properties of the two parks that look like one cohesive forest, the rangers asked my kiddo if he was interested in becoming a junior park ranger by completing a hike and handbook. Thrilled, he accepted the activity book and was shown the badge that would be awarded if he successfully completed the mission.
The booklet had a scavenger hunt, trivia and a connect-the-dots activity. All parents can appreciate the value of a distraction, so I too, was delighted.
First, he had to find a pinecone, then draw a picture of it. Next, he searched for a maple leaf, a flower, a spiderweb and a worm, all of which had to be documented with drawings. As he searched and scavenged, we wound our way along the Cliff Trail toward the namesake of the park, where a creek goes to fall.
Big Hunting Creek tumbles 78 feet down huge gray boulders, where folks can climb and splash in the water when the weather warms up. There’s a boardwalk that carries visitors over the marshy land leading to the main attraction. The boardwalk also allows accessibility for all viewers to enjoy the natural beauty of Cunningham Falls.
After seeing the falls and completing our booklet, we hiked back towards the ranger station. My kid submitted his activity book for examination and excitedly learned he’d passed, though I can’t imagine they fail any children who put in an honest effort. He was then sworn in as an official junior ranger. The ranger who performed the ceremony asked my child to put one hand on the activity booklet, raise the other towards the sky, and repeat an adorable oath to protect forests, remain curious, and be kind to all creatures.
This inspired me to create an unofficial junior park ranger continual educational program by printing off scavenger hunts each month for my kid and his friends to complete. Parents can recreate this experience, motivating kids to get outside in nature with just a few sheets of paper.
Tree Hugs
Become part of the team that helps keep our parks open to all and in tip-top shape by volunteering. Often, we think of park volunteer work as planting trees or cleaning up trails, but Cunningham Falls State Park has so much to offer that volunteers have an opportunity to contribute in exciting ways.
The park hosts events throughout the year and is always seeking people to assist with set-up, parking, food service and tours. They also host interpretive and educational programs, inviting artists and educators to share their expertise with the community. Programs cover topics such as crafts, history, animals and more. Interested folks are encouraged to reach out to the park’s volunteer coordinator.
When we tumbled into our truck to drive to Richmond, we weren’t expecting to spend the day in a forest, see a waterfall, or have my kid become a junior park ranger. Spontaneity is kind of like a second chance. You never know what you’ll get—you just hope for the best.
As I drove back toward Route 15, I thought of the second growth forest and its resilience. Through community care and patience, this once desolate land has regrown into a lush area for people to gather and explore. As the forests burst back to life this spring, let it stir fresh adventure, hope and growth.
Cunningham Falls State Park is located at 14274 William Houck Dr., Thurmont, Md.
Catoctin Mountain Park is located at 14707 Central Park Rd., Thurmont, Md.
To learn more about volunteering with Cunningham Falls State Park, email the volunteer coordinator at [email protected].
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