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VW, Knucklebuster, and Catoctin National Trail Loop
4.7 ★★★★★ 6 Google reviews · Running trail in Frederick, Maryland · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from VW, Knucklebuster, and Catoctin National Trail Loop's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about VW, Knucklebuster, and Catoctin National Trail Loop
Great trails. Idéal for MTB, running, and hiking. Beginner friendly. Not too steep where it seems challenging but rocky enough to warrant some careful navigation. I hardly see anybody here. Free entry. There are plenty of parking lots that have access to the trails.
Just discovered this. Wow it's great, we took the trail from the parking lot and did the 'killer bee' section, beautiful ferns eveyrwhere- very easy walk, unlike parts of Gambrill where you have to climb alot, you don't have to on these trails. About 2 miles from parking lot to end of Killer Bee and back.
Peaceful trails that range in difficulty. Definitely a good place to spend the day.
Trail conditions & character
“There are plenty of parking lots that have access to the trails.”
“Most of the trails are a loop and branch of another trail in some way.”
Plan your run at VW, Knucklebuster, and Catoctin National Trail Loop
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
Running trails near Frederick
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Frederick Municipal Forest
4.7 ★★★★★ 204 reviews
Scenic park offering an array of hiking paths amid a forest landscape of ferns.
Three Saws Trailhead
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Gambrill State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,369 reviews
Scenic mountain spot with trails for hiking, biking & horses plus camping, picnics, fishing & lodge.
Greenbrier State Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 3,039 reviews
Recreational options include fishing & swimming in the man-made lake with a small, sandy beach.
Thurston Griggs Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 254 reviews
Hiking area featuring an overlook and a dedicated campsite amid greenery and stream crossings.