Chestnut Picnic Area at Catoctin Mountain Park

The Chestnut Picnic Area is one of two full-fledged picnic areas at Catoctin Mountain Park, the other being the Owens Creek Picnic Area. Most others amount to nothing more than a few picnic tables at a parking lot along Park Central Road. At the Chestnut Picnic Area, not only are there plenty of tables, but grills as well. A modern restroom is also on the property.

Picnic table and grill at the Chestnut Picnic Area in Catoctin Mountain Park

There is one spot for disabled visitors. The tables are designed to accommodate wheelchairs, and instead of a grill there is a fire pit, which is easier to reach for those in a wheelchair.

Picnic table for disabled visitors and fire pit at the Chestnut Picnic Area in Catoctin Mountain Park

Picnickers must park in a common parking lot and then carry their supplies to the tables. There is parking for 29 vehicles and two large RVs. Two of the parking spaces are reserved for disabled visitors.

Picnic tables near the parking lot at Catoctin Mountain Park’s Chestnut Picnic Area

While large, the Chestnut Picnic Area is not an ideal location for group picnics because the tables are spread out all over the grounds. They could be moved, but the grills cannot, plus the tables are made from recycled plastic and are extremely heavy. There are some groupings of two or three tables that would suffice for a small birthday party or something along those lines. Also, all of the tables are taken on a first come, first served basis, so you’d have to show up early to get the tables and always run the risk of coming up empty handed.

Group of three picnic tables at Catoctin Mountain Park’s Chestnut Picnic Area

Those looking for some exercise before or after eating can hike the short Spicebush Nature Trail or jump onto the Catoctin National Recreational Trail, a 26-mile trail that runs south from the western border of Catoctin Mountain Park to Gambrill State Park.

Start of the Spicebush Nature Trail at Catoctin Mountain Park

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