The Importance of a Second Try

It took us two tries to hike the Cat Rock - Bob's Hill trail in winter, but that didn't make it any less worth doing. The hike is located in Cunningham Falls State Park. Along with the National Park Service's Catoctin Mountain Park (home to Camp David, and some otherwise-incongruous security infrastructure), Cunningham Falls comprises a large and well-preserved section of the Blue Ridge Mountains in north-central Maryland. At a length of 8 miles round trip and featuring moderate elevation gain, the hike would certainly not require two tries in a season other than winter. With snow on the ground and cold temperatures, however, the hike became a reminder of the importance of being prepared.

Winter hiking

Worried life in D.C. had made us winter weather wimps, Emily and I decided to tackle Cat Rock on a lazy Sunday in January - about 6 inches of snow on the ground, below-freezing temperatures, and freezing rain forecast. Other than briefly spinning out on a hill, however, none of this would have been a problem if I'd worn the proper clothing. I managed to forget long underwear, rain pants, and gloves. We made it two miles before turning back with my lower half soaked by the misty drizzle. By the time we arrived back at the car my hands were a bit too close to numb.

We tired the hike again with another friend a few weeks later. There were similar temperatures and similar amounts of snow, but crucially no precipitation. This time completing the entire hike (map), we started at the Cat Rock trailhead and climbed a relatively steep 1.5 miles to Cat Rock on the yellow-blazed Cat Rock Trail. After Cat Rock, the trail gains a ridge line, and the rest of the hike is a pleasant ridge walk with flat or minimal elevation gain. We continued on the Cat Rock trail until it formed a T with the blue-blazed Catoctin Trail. Here we turned left, and continued a short way until the reaching the Bob's Hill overlooks. We returned via the same route, for a total of 8 miles.

Bob's Hill overlook

Hiked in the snow, the long, flat ridge line sections are where snow hiking gets really cool. With no foliage above and no leaves crunching underfoot, everything is open yet hushed. Particularly as the light waned and shadows lengthened in the late afternoon, I had one of those indescribable hiking moments - physically exhilarated having finished the slopes and now cruising along a ridge; profoundly aware of my place in the big world; totally in awe of the beauty surrounding me.

Late afternoon

What a difference a second try makes! Hiking in winter can be cold, wet, and even a little dangerous. On the other hand, prove you are worthy and winter will open up a world of stark beauty all its own.