Thurmont Maryland has a population of roughly 6,100 people. It's this small size that makes Thurmont a unique destination with plenty of character to share. Thanks to the "Main Street Maryland" program, Thurmont's downtown charm is well preserved. You can experience this character in its main street shops and buildings as well as with a drive through one of the area's three covered bridges.
Nearby Cunningham Falls State Park boasts Maryland's largest cascading waterfall, a historic iron furnace, and a 43-acre man-make lake. On top of that, there are plenty of trails to hike and waters to fish, and there's also an abandoned iron mine to explore. Hunting is also popular in the area. Campsites are available between April and October. If visiting in the spring, don't miss the annual Maple Syrup Festival. During the middle two weekends in March, visitors can take in demonstrations on how maple syrup is made as well as sample the finished product.
The annual Catoctin Colorfest is extremely popular in Thurmont and draws around 125,000 people every year. This sets the Catoctin Colorfest as one of the largest arts and crafts festivals in the Eastern United States. This two-day event runs every second weekend in October and features over 250 vendors and 300 artisans from across the country. On top of beautiful handcrafted jewelry, art, and clothing, you will also find great food. Demonstrations and classes are also offered where you can try your hand at things like woodcarving and broom making. Admission is free, and shuttle buses are available throughout the day.
What Time of Year Should I Visit Thurmont, Maryland?
The weather in Thurmont is humid and warm during the summer months of June to September. During this time, the average temperature is 78 degrees Fahrenheit with the hottest month being July. Winters in Thurmont are between the end of November and beginning of March. Temperatures are very cold with an average low of 25 and high of 40. Thurmont gets slightly above the national average in precipitation with 38 inches of rain and 23 inches of snow each year.
Thanks to the many nearby forests, mountains, and parks, the fall colors makes for the best time to visit Thurmont. Paired with the annual Colorfest, Thurmont comes alive with color in the fall and swells with visitors from across the United States. The trees and hillsides turn the most vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange, making the many hiking trails that much more spectacular. Temperatures during this time of year are favorable as well with comfortable highs of 68 and evening lows of 52.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Thurmont, MD:
Thurmont by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean price patterns by star rating class in Thurmont, MD. You can use these charts to determine the most cost effective months to make a reservation in Thurmont for any future trips.
Are There Luxury Hotel Options in Thurmont, Maryland?
4 Star Average Prices: $250.25
There are no luxury hotel or accommodation options in or around Thurmont, Maryland. Those looking to stay in a resort and take in nearby sights and activities such as Catoctin Mountain Park, Cunningham Falls State Park, and the battlefields of Gettysburg, will need to head to nearby Fairfield, Pennsylvania. There you will find the Liberty Mountain Resort, a ski and golf resort that features both indoor and outdoor pools, large and modern rooms, and excellent on-site dining. At just a 22-minute drive away from Thurmont, the Liberty Mountain Resort makes for a good stay if you are wanting a little more out of your accommodations.
Are There Affordable Hotel Options in Thurmont, Maryland?
3 Star Average Prices: $113.31
There are several affordable hotel and accommodation options in and around Thurmont, Maryland. Those traveling on a budget will find many budget-friendly hotels to choose from. Within the town itself, The Super 8 Thurmont features 46 affordable rooms spread out over two floors. On top of offering some of the lowest rates for a hotel stay in town, the Super 8 Thurmont also boasts an excellent location. The shops and restaurants are on the main street in Thurmont, making them just a five-minute drive away. The Camp David Presidential Museum is also close by and not to be missed when in the area.
2 Star Average Prices: $84.85
Which Hotels Offer the Best Value in Thurmont, Maryland?
If you are looking to capitalize on your AAA membership, senior discount, or military and government rates, you have options. Within Thurmont proper, you can save at the Super 8 Thurmont hotel. This budget brand chain hotel is further discounted by extending great offers to AAA card holders, seniors, and AARP members. Rooms are basic but offer great value when paired with its complimentary breakfast and additional membership discounts.
Moving a little outside Thurmont and into nearby Gettysburg, the Aspire Gettysburg Hotel offers hefty discounts to AAA members and extends deeper discounts to military and government employees. The Aspire Gettysburg Hotel is geared towards traveling families with its on-site arcade, pool, and go-cart race track. These perks, coupled with the convenient location, makes this hotel a great option for those wanting to explore the many museums and sites dedicated to the Civil War and battles fought in the area.
What Are the Best Hotels in Thurmont, Maryland?
The highest rated hotel in the Thurmont area is the Sleep Inn & Suites in nearby Emmitsburg. This modest hotel wins guests over with its indoor swimming pool, complimentary breakfast, on-site gym, and accessibility to Mount St. Mary's College, Gettysburg, and historic downtown Emmitsburg. Rooms are well decorated with comfortable beds and soft linens. Rooms also include microwaves and refrigerators, perfect for those looking to heat up a quick meal or store some beverages. There is also a small conference room onsite for those traveling on business.
Located just 17 miles down U.S. Route 15N is the Hampton Inn & Suites Frederick Fort Detrick. This popular hotel is a guest favorite thanks to its large, clean rooms and wonderful beds. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and parking is free. The Hampton Inn & Suites Frederick Fort Detrick also features a conference room, an indoor pool, and complimentary breakfast buffet with your stay.
What Is There to Do Around and Beyond Thurmont, Maryland?
Aside from nearby Camp David, the endless parks, the many trailheads, and the fall colors of the Catoctin Mountains, there is much to see and do around Thurmont Maryland and beyond for traveling families or couples on the go.
Head to Springfield Manor Winery, Brewery, and Distillery to sample local wine and spirits. There is craft beer brewed on site and on tap for you to sample as well as homemade sangria to enjoy. There are events most nights, including live music and trivia.
Sticking with wine, the Catoctin Breeze Vineyard offers wine tastings and an outdoor venue with live music throughout the week. You can also go behind the scenes on a tour of the vineyard and learn about how wine is made in northern Maryland.
Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve. This 100-acre park features wildlife from Africa, Madagascar, Latin America, Eurasia, and other countries. Guests can take a safari ride through the park and have the opportunity to get up and close to both exotic and local animals.
Lastly, Thurmont is a short 20-minute drive away from historic Gettysburg where you can easily spend several days touring the many museums and battlefields. If it is your first time visiting the area, be sure to start at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center. This attraction will give you a great overview and understanding of the battles fought in and around Gettysburg before touring the battlefields.
With the super popular annual arts and crafts fair, mild weather, and incredible colors, the fall months of September and October are the best times to visit Thurmont Maryland. That said, if you are looking to avoid the crowds and take in the Cival War museums and tour the battlefields of Gettysburg, visiting Thurmont in the summer months of June, July, and August may be for you.
FAQs about hotels in Thurmont
How much does a cheap hotel in Thurmont cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Thurmont can be as cheap as $84.85 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Thurmont cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Thurmont has been $113.31 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a high-end hotel in Thurmont cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Thurmont has been $250.25 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Verified reviews of the city: Thurmont, MD
Below are reviews of the city of Thurmont, MD from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Clean city, lots of restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations."
Score
5.0 / 5
Clean city with lots of restaurants and grocery stores and gas stations.
Kathy B., from 25-Apr-2025
"Great Town"
Score
4.0 / 5
I lived there before, town is great!
Robert C., from 22-Jun-2024
"Easy access to stores and restaurants"
Score
5.0 / 5
Easy access to stores and restaurants.
Steven B., from 14-Dec-2022
The average traveler rating of the city of Thurmont, MD shown above is
4.7 out of 5 based on 3 reviews