79°
Mostly Cloudy
11%
77
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
Ideal for photography.
79°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. East wind around 7 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. Southeast wind 2 to 7 mph.
Weather
- 79°F air — ideal beach weather
- Cloud cover — overcast reduces uv exposure but the vibe too
76 /100
great
72 Sunbathe
80 Walk
86 Photo
Best for photography today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
79°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
7 mph
E
Rain
11%
Today
Tomorrow
78°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
—
Next High Tide
5:14 PM
1.2 ft · in 2.0h
Water Quality
Clean
2 MPN/100mL · E. coli
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:52 AM
Sunset
8:38 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
78°
Sunny
0%
86
84°
Sunny
0%
86
91°
Sunny
1%
77
88°
Mostly Sunny
4%
82
85°
Mostly Sunny
13%
82
85°
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
29%
47
What to Bring Today
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
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