Timeline
19:06
Enter Cunningham Falls State Park and find a sandy spot at Beach at Hunting Creek Lake. Bring cash for the small entrance charge. Note that swimming is only allowed between the weekend before Memorial Day and Labor Day, and capacity is limited, often filling up by mid-morning on weekends.
20:26
Settle in for the final preparations. The sun is setting toward the WNW, casting a warm glow over the water and forest.
20:36
Watch the sun dip below the horizon. The golden light from 19:57 fades into the twilight, offering a peaceful end to the day in the middle of the forest.
21:21
Stay a while longer as the light fades. The lake remains calm, and the forest around you quiets down. There are no nearby food or drink shops listed for this specific location, so plan to head out to Thurmont for dinner afterward.
Local tip
Capacity at Beach at Hunting Creek Lake is limited. People are turned away when full, which often happens by mid-morning on weekends and holidays. Arriving in the late afternoon as planned ensures you get in, but do not expect to swim after dark.
Check before you go
- Bring cash for the small entrance charge to Cunningham Falls State Park.
- Swimming is only permitted between the weekend before Memorial Day and Labor Day.
- Lifeguards are on duty daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day from 11AM to 6PM.
- Check the route if you need to leave the park for dinner.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Thurmont (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).