Located within Catoctin Mountain National Park, Wolf Rock is a prominent outcropping of Quartzite with fissures, fractures-crack systems, blocks and faces, and many opportunities for scrambling and bouldering.

Mark 'Indy' Kochte's guide, 'Climb Maryland!" is an excellent source for Wolf Rock but is currently out of print.

Wolf Rock requires a bit of a hike to access – just under a mile, at least. The best way is to follow Park Central Road about 1 mile past the Visitor Center to a small parking area on the right. There is only room for about 6 vehicles at this parking area. If the Park Central Road is closed or the parking area full, the hike from the Visitor Center is about 1.5 miles up steep terrain (500ft/150m gain in elevation). Start at the back of the parking area and follow the signs.

Parking options for Wolf Rock

The Wolf Rock parking area, about 1 mile North of the Visitor Center on Park Central Road

Trail sign from Park Central Road parking area.

The trail-heads are well-marked, as are the trails to Wolf Rock. Follow the somewhat steep and rocky trail and you will see the Main Wall on the left, beginning just past the Wolf’s Head Pillar at the NE corner. Follow the trail to the access trail to the top or continue along to the Darth Vader Dome.

Note: When Camp David (official Presidential retreat) is occupied by the president or vice president, the Park Central Road and some trails will be closed. In this instance, all hikes must originate from the Visitor Center.