a day at cunningham falls state park

When Zander and I decided to spend to spend Saturday at Cunningham Falls State Park in the Catoctin Mountains (Maryland), he thought I knew that we'd been there before. 

Cunningham Falls State Park has a lake, campgrounds, and a 78-foot cascading waterfall. At only slightly over an hour outside of D.C., it's a great place to get out of the city and the summer heat. A mere 20 minutes after we laid our towels on the sandy beach bordering the lake and hunkered down to catch some rays and possibly zs, a bored male voice came over an invisible loudspeaker instructing all visitors to exit the water and sand areas due to a thunderstorm spotted in the area. We packed up our bags, put back on our top layer of clothes, laced up tennis shoes, and went to find the waterfall.

From the lake it's a short hike to the waterfall with two route options: a fire road walk that'll have you there in less than half a mile, or a slightly more advanced mile hike through a wooded area. We took the latter. We both wanted a longer, more strenuous hike, but I've been battling a stress reaction in my right leg, and Zan is recuperating from a tendonitis flare up in one of his knees. We were a pathetic sight, both half-hobbling through a hike that would normally only be the start of one for us.

Less than a quarter mile in, Zander reached out for my arm and quieted me. My eyes followed his gaze to a lone deer grazing ahead. We dared to step as quietly as we could to get a closer look. The deer caught sight of us and cocked its head quizzically, then returned to grazing, unfazed. Thunder rolled in, drawing us out of our trance, and with a last look of wonderment, we silently walked past.

As we came upon the waterfall, I mentioned to Zan that the area looked familiar. His eyebrows rose and his mouth opened and shut a few times as if he wanted to say something, before finally reminded me that we'd been here before. We had hiked in Catoctin (our first hike together), but I just assumed it had been to a different waterfall. At least I don't have to worry I'm developing an accurate sense of direction.

As the rain poured down and the thunder settled in overhead, I kicked off my socks and shoes and scaled the boulders of the waterfall. DC had a recent streak of five 95+ days with swamp-like humidity, and I could've moved in to the crevices and caves on those boulders for the fresh air, cold rain on my skin, and the sound of the rushing waterfall - noticeably picking up speed with the storm. 

We spent the rest of the afternoon on the lake, rolling our eyes at the the rules reinforcements blasting from the invisible loudspeaker every few minutes. I felt a bit like I was in the arena in The Hunger Games... except my biggest foe was hordes of children.

I'd go back. But I probably wouldn't remember I've been there before.

If you go...Cunningham Falls State Park

Entrance fee: $5-7/person ($5 for Maryland residents)

No dogs allowed (sorry, Theo!)

Follow signs to the William Houck area of the park for lake access

Multiple grills/picnic tables available for public use

Kayak/canoe rentals: an insane $20/hour

Amenities: Restrooms/changing rooms, concession stand, vending machines