Cunningham Falls State Park (Hunting Creek Lake)

14274 William Houck Dr, Thurmont, MD 21788

43-acre Hunting Creek Lake in the William Houck area, with three designated sandy swim beaches and lifeguards daily Memorial Day–Labor Day. Trail to 78-foot Cunningham Falls (Maryland's tallest cascading waterfall) starts from the same area.

Stay 2

Great day for a beach walk.

84°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Southwest wind around 10 mph.

Tonight

A slight chance of rain showers after 5am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southwest wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Weather

  • 84°F air — ideal beach weather
  • Sunny skies — mostly sunny
81 /100
great
80 Sunbathe
83 Walk
81 Photo

Best for walking today

Air Temp
84°F
Clear
Wind
10 mph
SW
Rain
12%
This Afternoon
Tomorrow
80°F
Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water Temp
Sunrise
6:45 AM
Sunset
7:29 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Today Sep 9
84°

Mostly Sunny

12%
81
Thu Sep 10
80°

Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

38%
43
Fri Sep 11
76°

Mostly Sunny

2%
85
Sat Sep 12
75°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

60%
27
Sun Sep 13
79°

Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

19%
58
Mon Sep 14
78°

Mostly Sunny

4%
86
Tue Sep 15
80°

Mostly Sunny

8%
84

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Parking

Houck Area lot.

Dogs

Dogs permitted on leash in designated areas; not on swim beaches.

Entry Fee

$3 MD / $5 non-resident weekdays; $5 MD / $7 non-resident weekends & holidays

Address

14274 William Houck Dr, Thurmont, MD 21788

lifeguardsbeachfalls trailboat rentalsboat launchcampingcabinsnature centerrestrooms
Is it safe to swim at Cunningham Falls State Park (Hunting Creek Lake) today?

Cunningham Falls State Park (Hunting Creek Lake) shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is Cunningham Falls State Park (Hunting Creek Lake) dog-friendly?

Dogs permitted on leash in designated areas; not on swim beaches.

Is there an entry fee at Cunningham Falls State Park (Hunting Creek Lake)?

$3 MD / $5 non-resident weekdays; $5 MD / $7 non-resident weekends & holidays

Are there lifeguards at Cunningham Falls State Park (Hunting Creek Lake)?

Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Cunningham Falls State Park (Hunting Creek Lake) during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.

What amenities are at Cunningham Falls State Park (Hunting Creek Lake)?

Amenities at Cunningham Falls State Park (Hunting Creek Lake) include lifeguards, beach, falls trail, boat rentals, boat launch, camping, cabins, nature center.

When is the water warmest at Cunningham Falls State Park (Hunting Creek Lake)?

Inland lakes peak in July and August at 75-80°F and hold warmth longer than tidal beaches. Swimming comfortable from mid-June through September.

Where is Cunningham Falls State Park (Hunting Creek Lake) located?

Cunningham Falls State Park (Hunting Creek Lake) is in Frederick County, MD, at 14274 William Houck Dr, Thurmont, MD 21788.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

esc