Happy Wildlife Wednesday! With this chilly weather, we are 𝘨𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 towards winter. But not the flying squirrel, he's gliding (they don't technically fly, but they're still cool) towards hibernation. Sounds like a good plan to me.

On this Veterans Day, we remember and celebrate all that the military have contributed to the park. From World War 2 sailors taking respite and relaxation at the cabins, to Marines volunteering to help carry large exhibit pieces- thank you!

Can’t decide what to do on a Tuesday night? Have any interest in spies at all? Enjoy visiting local libraries? Well, you are in luck! Please join us at the Thurmont Regional library at 7:00pm in their community room for a talk titled "Spies on the Mountain". NPS Photo/

Happy Wildlife Wednesday! Have you ever seen a red-tailed hawk or other raptor in the park? If you haven't seen one, maybe you've heard one: their cry is often used in movies and TV.

Happy "Go Take a Hike" Day! As one of our late, great volunteers said- where else but a park can you tell people to "Go Take a Hike"?

The turkeys at Catoctin are thankful they live in a no-hunting zone, the rangers are thankful for the wonderful visitors they see every day- what are you thankful for? The Visitor Center will be closed tomorrow (11/24). Parking lots & trails are open from dawn to dusk. NPS Photo

🎶Chestnuts roasting on an open fire... 🎶 In the 17 & 1800s, they would have been a common treat- the forest was mostly American Chestnut. In the 1910s, a disease hit the ACs hard, so our forest today is different. Image: one of the few remaining chestnut trees in the park.

If you're considering outdoor adventures tomorrow (or anytime this winter), please check the weather, the roads, and the park website before you leave! We may delay opening the Visitor Center while our team makes sure parking lots are safe!

The power is currently out at the Visitor Center. Staff have started an emergency generator, but some amenities may not be available. Call (301) 663-9388 before visiting if your heart was set on purchasing from the gift store today, to check and see if it is operational.

UPDATE: Due to ice, lack of power, and deteriorating conditions, the Visitor Center will be closed for the remainder of the day. We hope to see you tomorrow!

Oh deer, it's the shortest day of the year! That means less time for hiking and adventuring in the park. Fear not, tomorrow will be longer! Happy Solstice! (note: archive photo, not from today- no snow right now!)

As of 7:30am 12/22, the Visitor Center plans for a delayed opening at 11:00am. Park Central Road is closed in expectation of weather. Please use extreme caution when traveling today. Updates will be posted here and at nps.gov/cato when they are available.

UPDATE: as of 10:00am, the Visitor Center and park administrative offices will be closed for the day. Staff is working to react to changing weather conditions. Please use extreme caution when traveling today.

Oh, the weather outside is frightful.... As of 8:00am, the Visitor Center is planned to open at 9:00am this morning. However, staff are carefully monitoring weather conditions and may recommend a change in operations as the day goes on. Please use extreme caution when traveling.

UPDATE: As of 9:30am, the Visitor Center is closed for the day. The building lost power shortly after opening, and icy, windy conditions continue to pose a threat.

Due to power outages & inclement weather, the Visitor Center will remain closed today 12/24. It is closed tomorrow 12/25 due to the holiday. We hope that power will be restored by Monday & wish everyone a safe & warm weekend. Archive photo may not reflect current circumstances.