Catoctin Mountain runs from northern Frederick County, Md., to northern Loudoun County, Va., crossing the Potomac River as it does. Its natural history dates back to prehistoric times. Its history during the era of man is more recent and more fascinating filled with crimes, secrets, monsters, and drama.


Hunt the snallygaster and dwayyo, legendary monsters that roam the mountain ridges.

Train to be a WWII spy in the secret OSS camp on Catoctin Mountain.

Search for the forgotten gold mine near Catoctin Mountain.

Discover the hidden presidential getaway tucked above Thurmont, Md.

Watch the early flying machines of a family of Braddock Heights, Md., inventors.





Secrets of Catoctin Mountain: Little-Known Stories & Hidden History in Frederick & Loudoun Counties tells stories of railroads, canals, war, saints, and sinners. These are the stories that history textbooks won't tell you, but they give Catoctin Mountain its character.


Collected from the writings of award-winning author James Rada, Jr., these fascinating stories and dozens of photographs tell some of the hidden history of Catoctin Mountain. Midwest Book Review calls Rada "a writer of considerable and deftly expressed storytelling talent." He had written about Catoctin Mountain in Frederick, The Thurmont Disptach, The Catoctin Banner, and Maryland Life.