54°
Mostly Sunny
6%
49
Frederick County, MD · Lake
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.
Today's Conditions
Decent day for photography.
54°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. West wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. Northwest wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
Weather
- 54°F air — too cold to enjoy the beach
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
49 /100
ok
37 Sunbathe
64 Walk
66 Photo
Best for photography today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
54°F
Partly Cloudy
Wind
16 mph
W
Rain
6%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
27 Good
Ozone · Maryland Piedmont
Tomorrow
59°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
—
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:44 AM
Sunset
5:02 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
59°
Sunny
0%
59
57°
Sunny
1%
52
65°
Sunny
0%
70
61°
Mostly Sunny
1%
66
54°
Chance Light Rain
54%
22
46°
Chance Light Rain
49%
14
What to Bring Today
- recommended Layers / windbreaker Only 54°F outside
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
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
Amenities
Frequently Asked
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.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS