From Thurmont, a loop of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Byway heads west on MD 77 across Catoctin Mountain and reaches Cunningham Falls State Park, which is home to Catoctin Furnace. At this point, Catoctin Mountain Park, which contains the Camp David Presidential retreat, is to the north of the road. The byway continues to Smithsburg. From Smithsburg, the loop of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Byway heads south to Wolfsville and follows MD 17 through a valley. The byway heads onto Highland School Road, which reaches the summit of Catoctin Mountain, before heading onto Gambrill Park Road into Gambrill State Park. The loop continues east on US 40 toward Frederick.