Beth Wolff

Beth Wolff

Camp at the Adirondack Shelters in Catoctin Mountain Park

08/08/19

We took our two sons, 7 and 9 on their first backpacking trip to the Adirondack Shelters in Catoctin. Total solitude as we did not see another soul up there! The hike was not too hard, and if you can read a map you will be fine (print out the description of the hike on this website for help getting started at the right place). The trail up to the shelter is actually several connected trails, be sure to watch for blaze changes and you will not be lost. Bring a compass like any wise hiker :) and use the map provided at the trailhead or at the Visitor's Center. Each shelter has an outhouse/pit toilet and a fire ring. The shelters are well built, ours kept us bone dry during a rainstorm. Since our boys had never backpacked before, after hiking back we spent the next night in a cabin at Camp Misty Mount (which had access to hot water showers and a pool) plus access to lots of easy day hikes. Great location, quiet and beautiful. This hike is great for newbies or for those with capable children.

5.0