Bottom Line Up Front

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

Mountain Spies delivers an intimate, guided intelligence experience through the Catoctin Mountains.

Each tour combines place-based history, intelligence tradecraft, and open discussion to explore how secrecy, trust, timing, and decision-making shaped a critical chapter of American intelligence—and why those lessons still matter today. Experiences are deliberately small, adaptable, and tailored to the people participating, whether joining as an individual guest or organizing a private group event.

About the Experience

Mountain Spies is a guided driving and walking tour led by an experienced guide with deep knowledge of the region and its intelligence history. Guests meet at a predetermined location and spend approximately three hours visiting key sites across the Catoctin and South Mountain area. The experience blends on-site interpretation, multimedia, storytelling, and open discussion to create an immersive, conversational journey rather than a scripted presentation.

Some locations involve short walks, and participants should be prepared for uneven terrain. Several sites discussed are informal or unmarked and may be inaccessible due to active security measures, particularly in and around Camp David. When access is restricted, the tour adjusts seamlessly to maintain continuity and context.

Tours may be customized or extended for private groups, including longer hikes to overlooks and points of interest, or the addition of a hosted lunch at a historic local tavern—the oldest in Adams County.

For corporate or group events, Mountain Spies also offers a facilitated, discussion-based format that emphasizes specific themes and lessons learned drawn from intelligence tradecraft and regional history. In these cases, Mountain Spies may serve as a guest speaker or program facilitator, with locations and sites explored in person at a later time if desired. See the Off-Site Meeting page for details.

Pricing

The standard three-hour tour is $225 and accommodates up to three guests in an intentionally small-group format.

Private group experiences for 4–12 participants are available by arrangement and can be tailored to group interests, schedule, and objectives.

Booking

Guests may book directly through the Mountain Spies booking page.

For private groups, extended experiences, or customized programs, contact Mountain Spies directly to discuss options and availability.