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.

Stay2

Today's Conditions

Ideal for a beach walk.

78°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Sunny, with a high near 78. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Tonight

Clear, with a low around 59. Northwest wind around 3 mph.

Weather

78°F air — ideal beach weather
Sunny skies — clear conditions

86 /100

ideal

86 Sunbathe

88 Walk

80 Photo

Best for walking today

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

78°F

Clear

Wind

5 mph

Rain

This Afternoon

Tomorrow

83°F

Sunny

Water

Water Temp

—

Next High Tide

9:51 PM

1.1 ft · in 29m

Water Quality

Clean

2 MPN/100mL · E. coli

USGS · sampled 9mo ago

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

5:43 AM

Sunset

8:32 PM

Moon · 88%

Waning Gibbous

Neap tides — smaller range

Today's Tides

7-day chart →

Time	Type	Height
2:39 AM	Low	0.5 ft
9:24 AM	High	1.8 ft
4:51 PM	Low	0.5 ft
9:51 PM	High	1.1 ft

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Jun 3

78°

Sunny

Thu Jun 4

83°

Sunny

Fri Jun 5

87°

Mostly Sunny

Sat Jun 6

88°

Mostly Sunny

Sun Jun 7

82°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

52%

Mon Jun 8

75°

Slight Chance Rain Showers

18%

Tue Jun 9

75°

Mostly Sunny

13%

What to Bring Today

recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
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

lifeguardsbeachfalls trailboat rentalsboat launchcampingcabinsnature centerrestrooms

7-Day Tide Chart →

Full high/low predictions for the next week at Cunningham Falls State Park (Hunting Creek Lake).

7-Day Weather →

Extended forecast for Cunningham Falls State Park (Hunting Creek Lake) from the National Weather Service.

Frequently Asked

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.