General
Wolf Rock is a small cliff located in Catoctin Mountain Park near Thurmont Maryland roughly 60 miles from Washington DC. Wolf Rock offers around 25 moderate climbs (mostly 5.3 – 5.6).
Depending on where you park, you will need to hike 1 -2 miles to Wolf Rock with some steep uphill
Getting There
From DC, I-270 to Frederick, I-15 north and then Route 77 (Foxville Rd) heading west. At this point there are a number of places to park depending on how busy the park is. This map gives you an idea of the options.
The Park Central Road parking lot (11 cars, often full) is the preferred choice for Wolf Rock. Steep one mile approach.
Another 1/2 mile up this road will take you to the Thurmont Vista parking lot (35 cars). From there, hike to Thurmont Vista and on to Wolf Rock; a longer approach but reduced elevation gain. This parking lot is also a bouldering destination and is the lot most favored by hikers.
The small parking lot (5 cars) at Park Headquarters is the first thing you come to on the normal approach on Route 77. There is another small parking lot directly across the road in Cunningham Falls State Park. From here’s it a 1.5 mile approach to Wolf Rock, passing by Chimney Rock (no climbing allowed there).
There is parking for 62 cars at the National Park Visitor Center where there are rest rooms. This is the longest approach and greatest elevation gain. From the Visitor Center you first go to Park Headquarters or to the Central Road parking.
Climbing Considerations
The area around Wolf Rock is well forested, lots of shade. and there are climbs on all four sides of Wolf Rock so you can follow the sun if its cool or hide from the sun when it’s hot.
The routes are typically 20 -30ft in height and can be top roped or led; large gear needed. As the routes are moderate it’s a good place for novice leaders.
Guidebooks
Wolf Rock is covered in Climb Maryland Vol 1: Eastern MD by Mark ‘Indy’ Kochte (2022) which has detailed information about the climbing here. Wolf Rock is also listed in Mountainproject.