Catoctin Mountain Park Sets Nov. 13–15 Road Closure: What Visitors Can Still Access
THURMONT, Maryland — Visitors heading to Catoctin Mountain Park this weekend should plan around a temporary road restriction rather than canceling the trip outright. The National Park Service says part of Park Central Road will close at approximately noon on Friday, November 13, and is scheduled to remain closed until approximately 8 p.m. on Sunday, November 15, 2026.
The closure is tied to increased security measures and covers Park Central Road between the Hog Rock Parking Lot and the Camp Greentop entrance. The National Park Service says all trails, parking lots and public-use areas will remain open.
What is closed — and what is not
The announcement applies to a specific section of Park Central Road. It is not a park-wide closure. Visitors should not assume that every usual driving route through the park will be available, but the agency’s notice says trail access, parking and public-use areas remain open.
Because the start and end times are described as approximate, travelers should treat the schedule as a planning window rather than a guaranteed reopening time. Operational and security needs can change conditions with little notice.
How to plan a visit during the restriction
Check the park’s official website again on the day of travel for any change to the closure window.
Use the trail maps available at park trailheads and choose a route that does not depend on driving through the closed section of Park Central Road.
Allow extra time for a different approach to the trailhead or parking area you plan to use.
Do not rely only on a saved navigation route; a mapping app may not reflect a temporary park road restriction immediately.
For current facility availability, call Catoctin Mountain Park at 301-663-9388 .
Why the distinction matters
A notice about “temporary closures” can sound broader than the actual restriction. In this case, the National Park Service identifies one road segment and explicitly says trails, parking lots and public-use areas remain open. The practical effect depends on where a visitor intended to drive and which trailhead or facility they planned to reach.
Travelers with fixed arrival times should identify an alternate route before leaving and confirm conditions directly with the park. Visitors should also follow posted signs and directions from park staff rather than attempting to bypass a closure.
Primary source: U.S. National Park Service, “Catoctin Mountain Park Announces Temporary Closures Nov. 13–15” , news release dated November 12, 2026.
This report describes the announced access plan as of publication. It does not guarantee that a road, trail, parking area or facility will remain available; travelers should verify current conditions with the National Park Service before departure.
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