85°
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
47%
36
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
Mixed conditions today.
Thunderstorms · NWS alert active · 47% rain
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. West wind around 9 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 3am. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. West wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Weather
- 85°F air — ideal beach weather
- 47% rain — rain likely at some point
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
- NWS alert active — tornado watch issued july 18 at 4:33pm edt until july 18 at 9:00pm edt by nws baltimore md/washington dc
36 /100
ok
50 Sunbathe
16 Walk
29 Photo
Best for sunbathing today
Weather alert in effect
Tornado Watch issued July 18 at 4:33PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Flood Watch issued July 18 at 11:43AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Air Quality Alert issued July 17 at 4:40PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Atmosphere
Air Temp
85°F
Light Rain
Wind
9 mph
W
Rain
47%
This Afternoon
Tomorrow
80°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
—
Next High Tide
11:05 PM
1.7 ft · in 2.1h
Water Quality
Clean
2 MPN/100mL · E. coli
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:56 AM
Sunset
8:34 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
80°
Sunny
0%
86
80°
Mostly Sunny
3%
87
82°
Showers And Thunderstorms
81%
19
79°
Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
40%
40
76°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
15%
76
79°
Sunny
4%
86
What to Bring Today
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 47% rain chance
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