Catoctin Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Catoctin Mountain |
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Catoctin Mountain vista (from Chimney Rock)
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,900+ ft (580 m) |
| Geography | |
 Catoctin Mountain
Location in Maryland
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| Parent range | Blue Ridge Mountains of the Appalachian Mountain Range |
| Topo map | USGS Blue Ridge Summit |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | road (restricted access) |
Catoctin Mountain is a long mountain ridge in the U.S.. It's part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are a bigger part of the huge Appalachian Mountains range. This mountain ridge stretches for about 50 miles (80 km) (80 km) from Maryland down into Virginia. It forms a natural eastern edge for the Loudoun Valley and Middletown Valley.
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Exploring Catoctin Mountain's Geography
Catoctin Mountain goes through Frederick County, Maryland, and into northern Loudoun County, Virginia. The highest point is about 1,900 feet (580 m) above sea level. This spot is southwest of Cunningham Falls State Park.
The mountain has several gaps, which are like natural breaks. These include Braddock Heights (Fairview Pass) and Point of Rocks on the Potomac River. There's also Clarke's Gap west of Leesburg.
How the Mountain Changes Shape
As you go south from Maryland, the mountain is mostly a single ridge. It has some smaller ridges, especially where it meets South Mountain. South of the Potomac River, in northern Loudoun County, the mountain gets lower.
Near Leesburg, the ridge widens into rolling hills and valleys. It's almost three miles wide north of Goose Creek. South of the creek, Catoctin Mountain blends into the countryside.
Fun Things to Do on Catoctin Mountain
Catoctin Mountain has many protected areas where you can enjoy nature. These include federal, state, and local parks.
In Maryland, you can visit:
- Catoctin Mountain Park
- Cunningham Falls State Park
- Frederick Municipal Forest
- Gambrill State Park
- The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Virginia has the Morven Park estate on the mountain.
Hiking and Trails
The Catoctin Trail is a 27 miles (43 km) long path that runs along the northern part of the mountain. This trail is great for hiking. It starts at Gambrill State Park, which also has shorter trails for hiking and mountain biking. You can find picnic areas there too.
The Catoctin Trail continues north through the Frederick Municipal Forest. It then goes into Cunningham Falls State Park and Catoctin Mountain Park. Both of these parks offer many shorter hiking trails and places to camp.
You can also drive along the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Byway. This is a special scenic road that winds through the northern part of the mountain.
Understanding the Names of Catoctin Mountain
The name "Catoctin Mountain" refers to the entire long mountain ridge. This is common when there isn't one single tall peak. Sometimes people mistakenly call it the "Catoctin Mountains."
The mountain clearly has two main parts. One is south of the Potomac River in Virginia, and the other is north of it in Maryland.
Other Names for the Mountain
The name "Catoctin" likely comes from the Kittoctons. This was an American Indian tribe or clan. They used to live between the mountain and the Potomac River. Some local stories say that Catoctin means "place of many deer" in an Indian language.
The part of the ridge just west of Frederick, Maryland, is often called Braddock Mountain by local people. You'll see signs for it where Interstate 70 crosses the top.
Animals and Plants of Catoctin Mountain
Catoctin Mountain is home to many different animals. Because the mountain has a lot of broken rock, it's a good place for timber rattlesnakes.
You might also see:
- Black bears
- Turkeys
- Deer
- Vultures and other raptors (birds that hunt)
History of Catoctin Mountain
Catoctin Mountain is famous for being the location of Camp David. This is a special mountain retreat for presidents of the United States.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt first used it in the 1930s. He called it "Shangri-La". Later, in the 1950s, President Dwight D. Eisenhower renamed it Camp David. He named it after his grandson, David Eisenhower.
Camp David is very well protected by the United States Secret Service. Only approved guests of the President are allowed inside. Because it's close to Washington, D.C. and has beautiful mountain views, Camp David has been a popular weekend getaway for many presidents. About one-third of Catoctin Mountain Park can be closed to the public quickly when the President is visiting.
