Exploring the Area Around the Rally Site

[Maria V]

This thread will highlight some of the hidden gems around Camp WestMar, our host for the 2012 Square Route Rally.

First up: Cunningham Falls State ParkLocated less than 5 miles from the rally, right down MD Route 77, CFSP offers hiking, sightseeing, and swimming among other activities. The Houck area of the park has the falls itself, as well as lake for swimming (including a sandy beach!) Affordable for an entire day or for a quick dip in the lake.



•Day Use Service Charge: Memorial Day-Labor Day, weekdays $3/person; Memorial Day-Labor Day, weekends and holidays $4/person; all other times $3/vehicle. Out-of-state residents add $1 to all day use service charges.
•Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. to Sunset, April through October; Lifeguards are on duty at the lake between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., Memorial Day to Labor Day. Lifeguard coverage may be adjusted during periods of inclement weather.

All roads into the main areas and parking are paved.

More info here:
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/cunningham.asp

[Maria V]

Catoctin Mountain Park, managed by the National Park Service, is just on the other side of MD 77 from Cunningham Falls State Park. (in fact, CFSP was created in 1954 when the original Catoctin park donated 5,000 acres to Maryland)




It originally began in 1935, as a project by both the Work Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps. Originally planned to provide recreational camps for federal employees, one of the camps eventually became Camp David, the U.S. Presidential retreat. That area of the park is closed to the public, but you will notice a section with No Parking signs as well as gates with surveillance cameras. The Secret Service sometimes closes the access roads going by the camp if the president is in town.

Admission to the park is free, hours are Monday - Thursday 10am-430pm; Friday 10am-5pm; Sat-Sunday 830am-5pm.

More info here:
http://www.nps.gov/cato/index.htm

[apastron]

Not sure if this is outside of the practical radius, but Green Ridge State Forest is positively LACED with unpaved roads for some mild GSery. I rode some on the beakster that were not too treacherous, but from looking at Garmin BaseCamp, there are some more advanced routes through there with some hairpin switchbacks. Paw Paw, WV to the south, I68 to the north; Potomac River on the east boundary and Town Creek on the West...

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/greenridgeforest.asp

[Maria V]

Nice suggestion, Andy! Thank you!
Anyone else have any favorites to share? Hmmmmmmmm?