About Cunningham Falls
Cunningham Falls is a named waterfall in Frederick County, Maryland, located about 3.3 miles west of Thurmont. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Blue Ridge Summit 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 39°37′53″ N, 77°28′17″ W (39.63149, -77.47138). Historical sources also record the name McAfee Falls. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Hunting Creek Lake (reservoir, 0.7 mi), Hauver Branch (stream, 0.7 mi), and Catoctin Mountain (summit, 1.2 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is The Cascade, 8.4 miles to the south.
More Photos
183 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Cunningham Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Cunningham Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Cunningham Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Cunningham Falls holds a 4.3 average from 61 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Cunningham Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Hunting Creek Lake — reservoir, 0.7 mi
- Hauver Branch — stream, 0.7 mi
- Catoctin Mountain — summit, 1.2 mi
- Cat Rock — summit, 1.6 mi
- Wolf Rock — pillar, 1.8 mi
- Bear Branch — stream, 1.9 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 39.63149, -77.47138. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Cunningham Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cunningham Falls located?
Cunningham Falls is in Frederick County, Maryland, about 3.3 miles west of Thurmont. Its coordinates are 39.63149, -77.47138 (39°37′53″ N, 77°28′17″ W).
What town is closest to Cunningham Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Thurmont, MD, about 3.3 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Cunningham Falls?
The closest is The Cascade (8.4 mi south).
Which USGS topographic map shows Cunningham Falls?
Cunningham Falls appears on the USGS Blue Ridge Summit 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.