HomeTrailsCatoctin National Recreation Trail vs Mid-State Trail

Catoctin National Recreation Trail vs Mid-State Trail

A side-by-side look at distance, elevation, difficulty and the best time to hike each — so you can pick the right route.

Units
Catoctin National Recreation Trail Mid-State Trail
Distance 27 mi43 km 319 mi513 km
Elevation gain 3,655 ft1,114 m 16,122 ft4,914 m
Typical duration 2 days 21 days
Difficulty
Route type Point-to-point Point-to-point
Network Regional Regional
Country United States United States
Best time to hike Best from October to October Best from October to October
map Route & GPX map Route & GPX

Catoctin National Recreation Trail vs Mid-State Trail: which should you hike?

At 319 mi513 km, Mid-State Trail is the longer route — roughly 292 mi470 km more than Catoctin National Recreation Trail (27 mi43 km). If you want the bigger challenge or a longer trip, that's the one; for a shorter or first multi-day hike, Catoctin National Recreation Trail is the gentler pick. Check the elevation and best-season rows above, then open each route for the full guide and a free GPX download.