000000019e16 ROCKY GAP STATE PARK
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MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES MARYLAND PARK SERVICE

ROCKY GAP STATE PARK

Highlights

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Park Reservations
1-888-432-CAMP (2267)​
Fees and Hours of Operation
​ Park Passes
En español

Bird handler with an owl​

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Rocky Gap State Park​
12500 Pleasant Valley Road
Flintstone, MD 21530

Campground Registration
17600 Campers Hill Drive
Flintstone MD 21530

Visit the DNR Event Calendar


​

Air view of the entire park, lake, beach, forest and resort 

Information: 301-722-1480​
Email rocky Gap State Park
Monday-Friday 8 a.m.- 4 p.m

Campground Registration: 443-603-6324
Hours of operation vary seasonally.



Section3

Welcome​!

 

Rocky Gap State Park is located in Western Maryland’s Allegany County. The park encompasses over 3,000 acres of public land for visitors to enjoy. Rugged mountains surround the park. The 243-acre Lake Habeeb is known for having the "bluest water in the state." The lake is fed by Rocky Gap Run, which winds its way through an impressive mile-long gorge, displaying sheer cliffs, overlooks and a hemlock forest dense with rhododendron and mountain laurel. Overlooking the lake is Evitts Mountain, named for one of the first European settlers in Allegany County.


 

NOTE: Rocky Gap is a happenin' spot and capacity closures are expected on summer weekends and holidays. Plan your trip accordingly to maximize enjoyment and avoid waiting in lines!

 

​​

Details about the Park​

Information​

 

Location:
Allegany County

Administrative Offices
12500 Pleasant Valley Road
Flintstone, MD 21530

Campground
17600 Campers Hill Road
Flintstone, MD 21530

Ranger Station
12900 Lakeshore Drive
Flintstone MD 21530

Contact:
​Administrative Offices
12500 Pleasant Valley Road
Flintstone, MD 21530
Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
301-722-1480​
E-mail Rocky Gap State Park

Campground Registration
Hours of operation vary seasonally
17600 Campers Hill Drive
Flintstone MD 21530
443-603-6324

Duty Ranger
Daily 8 a.m. - sunset
240-357-4404

Hours of Operation:
​7 a.m. to sunset

Certain activities are permitted outside of the regular park hours (e.g. fishing, boat launch, hunting where permitted). Please check with the park before your visit if you plan to engage in an activity which requires you to be in the park before or after the posted hours.

Hunting Policy:

  • General hunting permitted in 1,451 acre designated hunting area
  • Archery-only hunting permitted in 300 acre designated hunting area
  • Hunting permitted Monday-Saturday
  • Hunt from Vehicle provisions for disabled hunters during deer firearms season

Pet Policy:

  • Pets allowed in Ash, Birch, Chestnut, Dogwood and Elm camp loops and common areas of campground
  • ​​Pets allowed in Easter Hill Chalet
  • Pets allowed in day-use area and lake (except for designated sandy portions of swimming beach areas from Memorial Day weekend until after Labor Day)

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Park Map

Calendar of Events

Day-use Area and Visitor Facility

 

Rocky Gap State Park's visitor facility is located in the day-use area and was designed with a nod to an architectural style known as "Parkitecture," the rustic nature inspired-structure blends beautifully with the surrounding landscape.

The facility is made up of three buildings connected by covered walkways.

  1. The Hawk's Nest Cafe overlooks the lake and offers hot and cold menu items throughout the summer season.
  2. The center building is home to the ranger station.
  3. The third building is a spacious men’s and women’s bathhouse which has fully accessible toilet, shower and changing room areas.

The day-use area also includes many additional amenities, including picnic tables, grills, a playground and trail access. During the summer season, visitors can also enjoy two public swimming beaches, canoe/kayak/SUP board rentals and a lifeguard/first aid station. Lifeguard hours and boat rental hours are subject to change. Swimming is permitted at your own risk when lifeguards are not on duty. Alcohol is not permitted in the day-use area. Pets are permitted in the day-use area as well as the lake and pet-friendly swim area. ​​

Pavilions

 
Mountain View Pavilion ​

​​

​Make reservations for paviions and amphitheater online at https://parkreservations.maryland.gov or call the reservation center at 1-888-432-2267. TTY users call 1-866-804-7846. Alcohol permits are available for purchase at the time of your reservation. Guests reserving a facility at Rocky Gap State Park must vacate the area by sunset

Mountain View Pavilionis located in the day-use area, near the public beaches. The pavilion accommodates up to 80 people. This pavilion features private restrooms, service counters, large grills and access to all day-use area beaches and amenities. Users and guests of this pavilion are subject to paying the park entrance fee and must vacate the area by sunset.

White Pine Pavilion is located along Pleasant Valley Road near the public boat launch. This pavilion is nestled under a shady grove of white pine trees and accommodates up to 125 people. There are bathrooms and ample parking.

Lakeview Pavilion is located along Pleasant Valley Road. This pavilion accommodates up to 125 people. This pavilion features a private restroom, parking and a large open field perfect for weddings, family reunions and large group gatherings.

Trails and Hiking

 
Canyon Trail Overlook ​

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Rocky Gap offers a variety of multi-use trails for guests to enjoy. The Lakeside Loop Trail, a moderate 5.3 mile trail that encircles Lake Habeeb, offers hikers scenic beauty of the area. Crossing over four-foot bridges, trekking along the shoreline and winding through the woodlands are what makes this such a diverse trail.

A magnificent view of the one mile long gorge is the gift hikers will get when they reach the overlook on the one-quarter mile long Canyon Overlook Trail. This loop trail offers visitors a short but scenic hike.

“Rock hop” down into the canyon on the challenging five-mile long Evitts Homesite Trail and find yourself surrounded by hemlock, mountain laurel and rhododendron. Cross the small cascading stream on the footbridge and begin to climb Evitts Mountain, named for one of Allegany County’s first European settlers. This is an ambitious, out-and-back trail that climbs about 1,000 feet in elevation in 2.5 miles. Plan to take water and a camera and spend a couple of hours hiking to the top of the mountain. This trail offers a great hike for those willing to take the challenge.

The one-quarter mile long Touch of Nature Trail offers hikers of all ability levels a paved trail. Benches line the hemlock-edged path that leads to the fishing dock and connects with the Lakeside Loop Trail.

Trail Maps

Camping & Overnight Accommodations

 
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​ RockyGap_Yurt.png ​

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Camping

Make reservations online at https://parkreservations.maryland.gov or call the reservation center at 1-888-432-2267. TTY users call 1-866-804-7846.

Camping Seasons and Service Charges For Maryland State Parks and Forests

​Campground Registration

Hours of operation vary seasonally
17600 Campers Hill Drive
Flintstone MD 21530
443-603-6324

Rocky Gap Campground offers 278 individual campsites (including 30 equipped with 30 amp electric hook-ups, mini cabin and yurt Options), a family group site and two youth group camping areas. The campground also features a dump station, bathhouses with hot water in each loop, the Scales & Tales Aviary, canoe/kayak/SUP board rentals (Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day), a nature center, a private swimming beach, a playground, trail access, Snack Shack and a camp store. Pets are allowed in every camp loop EXCEPT Hickory Loop​. Alcohol is only permitted inside personal motor homes. Check-in for campsites is 3 p.m. and check-out is 1 p.m.

The family group site offers space for up to 40 people to camp together. The group site includes a two-story mini cabin with electric, as well as six 30 amp electric hookups and a group fire ring. Bathhouses are located in the adjacent camp loops.

The two youth group areas are for use by valid youth groups only. Please see http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/youthgroup.aspx for more information.

Mini Cabins and Yurts

There are 15 mini cabins located throughout the campground. They sleep either four or six people. The yurt accommodates 8 people and has an adjoining camp pad to increase the total site capacity to 15 people. Each has electricity (no water) and beds. Users must provide their own linens. Air conditioning and heat are not available. Check-in for mini cabins and the yurt is 3 p.m. and check-out is 12 p.m.

Easter Hill Chalet

The Easter Hill Chalet accommodates up to eight people. A completely furnished kitchen, three bedrooms, three bathrooms, wrap-around deck, gas fireplaces, outdoor campfire area and grill make this an enjoyable vacation spot. Chalet guests must provide their own linens, towels, bedding, pillows and soaps. The chalet is located in a forested, private area of the park, overlooking the lake. The Chalet requires a 2-night minimum stay. Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend require a 3-night holiday stay (Friday/Saturday/Sunday). Check-in is 3 p.m. and check-out is 10 a.m. The address for the Chalet is 13300 Pleasant Valley Road, Flintstone MD 21530. Reservations are available April-December. Make reservations online at https://parkreservations.maryland.gov or call the reservation center at 1-888-432-2267. TTY users call 1-866-804-7846.

OPERATION: CAMPOUT!

(Active military and immediate families)

With the OPERATION: CAMPOUT! Program, we can lend you gear free of charge (includes a tent, chairs, stove, lantern and more). This program is designed for military individuals and military families new to camping or experienced campers stationed or recovering in this area.OPERATION: CAMPOUT! is an opportunity for families to reconnect with each other and the great outdoors in a comfortable, safe and relaxing setting.

Contact the park office directly by phone to make your reservation at 301-722-1480 or e-mail rockygap.statepark@maryland.gov (camping fees apply). Be sure to let us know you are reserving through OPERATION: CAMPOUT!​​​

Black Bear Country

 
Black Bear at Savage River Reservoir ​

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​​Garrett, Allegany, Washington and Frederick Counties in Maryland are all home to black bears. Recreating in these counties presents the possibility that visitors may see a black bear while hiking, camping, picnicking, etc.

Department of Natural Resources staff work to minimize human and bear conflicts. For more information about recreating in Black Bear Country, visit the Living with Black Bears webpage or BearWise.org​.

Programs and Activities

 
Rocky Gap State Park Eagle ​

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Nature Center & Interpretive Programs

Rocky Gap State Park's interpretive programs are based out of the nature center. Throughout the summer, the nature center offers activities to educate visitors about natural and cultural resources and experience the exciting features of the outdoor environment.

Interpretive activities include nature hikes, talks, nature crafts, demonstrations, children's programs, campfire programs and special events. The Nature Center has open hours for visitors to explore the building and its many exhibits.

Group programs are also available upon request throughout the year and can be tailored to accommodate group needs. To learn more about the interpretive programs available, please contact Ranger Mollie Kemp at 301-722-1480 or via e-mail at mollie.kemp@maryland.gov.

Healthy Parks, Healthy People

The Healthy Parks, Healthy People program partners with local health care professionals to promote a healthy lifestyle by engaging in outdoor recreation. Staff-guided programs are scheduled throughout the year to encourage fitness and introduce visitors to a variety of activities, including hiking, canoeing, kayaking, SUP boarding, trail jogging, open water swimming, yoga, HIIT, pick-up soccer games and beach volleyball.

Scales & Tales Aviary

Scales and Tales” is an educational program that features injured and non-releasable birds of prey and reptiles native to Maryland. At the Rocky Gap State Park Aviary, you can meet birds that have been injured and cannot return to the wild, as well as those raised in captivity who wouldn’t survive outside. ​

This unique program offers visitors a chance to see wildlife up close and hear the stories of how these amazing animals became part of the program. Looking to add something special to your next event? A Scales and Tales program can be scheduled for your gathering. For availability, scheduling, or program costs, contact the park office at 301-722-1480 or email Ranger Mollie Kemp at mollie.kemp@maryland.gov.


The Rocky Gap State Park Aviary does not have regularly scheduled open hours. However, visitors may schedule a visit Labor Day through Memorial Day based on staff availability. Modified hours from Memorial Day to Labor Day allow visitors to observe feeding and training of the birds. For an additional service charge, visitors may reserve a private Critter Encounter or Aviary Tour. Contact Park Headquarters at 301-722-1480 for more information on Scales & Tales or an updated program schedule.​

Boating and Fishing

 
Paddling on Lake Habeeb, photo by Richard Dos Santos

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Rocky Gap State Park's Lake Habeeb offers year-round recreational opportunities. Boats are allowed on Lake Habeeb 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Navigational lights are required after sunset. Gasoline powered motors are prohibited on Lake Habeeb.  A public boat ramp is located within the park, along Pleasant Valley Road. Canoe, kayak and SUP board rentals (Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day) are available in the day-use area and at the campground beach, for campground users.

Fishing is permitted 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The lake is home to panfish, trout, catfish and large and smallmouth bass. A valid Maryland Non-Tidal/Freshwater Fishing License is required for those 16 years of age and older.

To help maintain a healthy fish population, park volunteers have added artificial fish habitats throughout the lake. Brown trout and rainbow trout are stocked throughout the year.

To purchase a Maryland fishing license, call the DNR Licensing Service Center, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, at 1-800-918-2870. Callers may start fishing immediately with a confirmation number. For more specific fishing information refer to the Maryland Fishing Guide.

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)

Help stop the spread of destructive aquatic invasive species (AIS), such as the prolific hydrilla plant, which can outcompete naturally occurring plant species, reduce native diversity and impede recreational opportunities. Inspect your boat trailer and equipment before and after launching in any water body. Remove and properly dispose of any plant matter that you find - either place it in a designated AIS disposal station or well above the water line where it won't wash back in.

Hunting

 

Rocky Gap is one of Maryland's many state parks that allow hunting activities for the public. At Rocky Gap there are 1,451 acres of designated for hunting. This area can be accessed by walking from the parking area at the Touch of Nature Trailhead or by walking in from the campground or campground office parking lot.

A separate 300-acre tract of land between Pleasant Valley Road and I-68 offers bow only hunting. Parking is available at the amphitheatre on Pleasant Valley Road.

Hunting Policy:


Hunting areas are marked with signs and safety areas are posted. Please recognize all hunting regulations and safety precautions. Remember to keep all weapons unloaded and cased until you are within a designated hunting area. Hunters are asked to take into consideration that recreational trails do pass into the managed hunting areas. Rocky Gap State Park offers a distinct hunting program for individuals who possess a Universal Disability Pass, allowing the disabled hunter to hunt from a vehicle. For specific information refer to the Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping for current seasons. Hunting area maps are available at the ranger station.

Hunters may enter/remain on park property outside of the regular posted hours provided that they are engaged in legitimate, authorized hunting activity.

History

 
RGSP_EdwardHabeeb-center.jpg ​

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According to legend, Jacob Evart was the first white, European (Englishman) settler to come to what is now known as Allegany County. He settled on top of the mountain that overlooks Rocky Gap. According to the story, Mr. Evart (the mountain is named Evitts Mountain), around 1730, moved to the wildlands of Western Maryland after suffering a disappointing relationship. Also named for Mr. Evart is the creek that Rocky Gap’s water ultimately empties into – Evitts Creek. The “Homesite Trail” leads hikers to the top of the mountain where Mr. Evart’s home once stood. Remains of a well are all that is left today.

The Bucy Cemetery is an excellent example of a 19th century rural cemetery. Originally owned by Caleb Luman, the land was sold to Lemel Bucy, whose family used the cemetery during the 1800’s, until the property was sold in 1900. The parcel of land passed through five owners before the Maryland Commission of Forests and Parks purchased it in 1964. The cemetery features many Civil War era stones, including for two children who perished only days apart.

The day-use area of Rocky Gap State Park is situated on the former Clover Hill Farm, a dairy farm that was owned and operated by the McLuckie Family throughout most of the 1900s until just before the park was established. Until 1998, the original Clover Hill barn stood just off of the Exit 50 ramp, at the park’s entrance. The McLuckie’s purchased 162 acres of land from Mr. Thomas Pownell, who had purchased a much larger tract of farmland that had been known as the Bretz Farm and encompassed much of present day Rocky Gap. At the time, portions of the land were known as “Clover Hill,” “Pleasant Valley” and “Great Friendship.”

Mr. Edward Habeeb (pronounced Hay-Bib), President of the Route 40 Association, donated land to be established as a state park. He, along with approximately 40 other land owners, provided land and many were compensated $10.00 for their land, with the understanding that a park would be built on the property. The McLuckie Family was paid $100,000.00 for their portion of the land. Mr. Habeeb was a nearby resident. Although he was born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1895, he came to Allegany County in 1913, first settling in Westernport, before opening a florist business in Piedmont, and ultimately moving his business to what became Route 40 and is now Interstate 68. His home and business location still stand today.

Pursuant to Senate Resolution 2 of the 1950 Special Session of the Maryland General Assembly, the Maryland State Planning Commission commissioned a recreational survey of Western Maryland. The idea of constructing a park at Rocky Gap was suggested by the Lions Club to  Senator Charles See, who then presented the proposal to the Director of the Department of Forest and Parks, Mr. Joseph Kaylor. The Route 40 Association was then organized to promote business and industry in Allegany County through improved highways and a recreational facility at Rocky Gap. The organization, under the leadership of Mr. Habeeb (pictured in the center), obtained the support of Governors Tawes and Mandel. The beginning phase involved the purchase of the McLuckie’s farm in December of 1963, after which another 2,212 acres were acquired by December of 1966.

Rocky Gap State Park formally opened on July 17, 1974, in great part due to the efforts of Mr. Habeeb, for whom the park’s lake is named. In 1970, the dam was built by the Army Corps of Engineers to impound Rocky Gap Run and create Lake Habeeb. The 243-acre lake is typical of all Maryland lakes in that it requires a dam and is thus man-made. Maryland has no natural lakes. The park was dedicated on September 18, 1976. The campground opened to the public in 1978. Including the General Construction Loan of 1975, approximately $7.9 million was appropriated for land acquisition and development of Rocky Gap State Park.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Volunteer Opportunities

 
Volunteers at Rocky Gap State Park ​

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Volunteer Rangers – Rocky Gap State Park

Volunteer rangers are needed to assist park staff with a variety of duties, including maintaining park property, assisting with park operations, answering visitor questions, providing interpretive programs and assisting with special events. Training opportunities, such as CPR, first aid and search and rescue, may also be available. Interested persons must complete a volunteer application and attend volunteer orientation training. After accruing 40 hours of volunteer service within the park, the volunteer will be eligible to become a certified volunteer ranger and receive a uniform.

Camp Hosts – Rocky Gap State Park

Camp hosts are a valuable part of the volunteer team at Rocky Gap State Park. Camp hosts provide assistance with a variety of tasks throughout the camping season, including welcoming new campers, keeping campsites clean, promoting park programs and events and providing campers with general information about the park and surrounding area. Camp hosts are required to contribute at least 300 hours of volunteer work every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day. In return for their efforts, camp hosts receive a free campsite with electric hook-ups. Interested persons are encouraged to apply, although positions are limited. A background check is required.

Annual Park Earth Day Celebration – Rocky Gap State Park

The Annual Park Earth Day Celebration is a one-day event held each year in April. Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to join park staff to complete a variety of tasks in an effort to prepare the park for the summer season. Activities may include planting trees, native garden weeding and mulching. This event is a great way for students to earn Service Learning Hours for school! Interested persons should contact the park in March to pre-register.

Special Projects – Rocky Gap State Park

Any volunteers or organizations seeking a special project are encouraged to contact the Rocky Gap State Park Volunteer Coordinator.

Park Photographers – Rocky Gap State Park

Photographers, both new and experienced, are invited to help Rocky Gap State Park expand its portfolio! Photographs taken by volunteers may be used in the development of park brochures, press releases and flyers for the park website. Interested persons must complete a volunteer application and attend a short training with park staff regarding essential paperwork and program goals.

Volunteer Team, Inc.

The volunteer team was initiated in 1992 in response to budgetary cuts throughout the State Forest and Park Service. A core group of dedicated individuals began to volunteer personal time to maintain resources and preserve programs at three local sites. Since then, hundreds of volunteers, individuals and groups have participated in the program, logging in excess of 250,000 hours.

In 1995, the volunteer team became incorporated and was granted non-profit organization status. Its new fund-raising capabilities are used to support various projects and special events at Rocky Gap State Park.

Volunteers are involved in many aspects of operations and maintenance. Maintenance work includes, but is not limited to, maintaining campground and day-use facilities, trail maintenance, gardening, building picnic tables, creating fish habitats, cleaning grounds and construction projects.

For any volunteer related opportunities, please contact:

Ranger Mollie Kemp​
Volunteer Coordinator
mollie.kemp@maryland.gov

​​

​Internships

 

Rocky Gap State Park offers a variety of unpaid internships for motivated students. Opportunities are available in several areas, including interpretation, volunteer management, office management, concession management, IT/website management, maintenance, special event coordination, marketing, natural resource management, trail management, grant writing, special operations, emergency services, Spanish language and cultural adaptations, park operations and sports management.

Internships are considered and accepted year-round through a rolling admission process. Students are expected to perform varied hours of service, according to a flexible schedule. Interested applicants should send a current resume and letter of intent to Mollie Kemp.​

Rocky Gap Casino Resort

Driving Directions

 

​Driving Directions:

​From Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and areas west:
Take I-279 south to I-79 south (Washington, PA) to I-68 east (Morgantown, WV) and follow I-68 east for approximately 78 miles. Take the Rocky Gap State Park exit (Exit 50). Make a left crossing over I-68 and the ranger station is located straight into the park near the beaches. To get to the campground turn right onto Pleasant Valley Road and travel 1.5 miles to campground entrance.

From Washington, D.C.: (approximately 150 miles)
Take I-270 north to I-70 west to I-68 west. Take the Rocky Gap State Park exit (Exit 50). The ranger station is located straight into the park near the beaches. To get to the campground turn right onto Pleasant Valley Road and travel 1.5 miles to campground entrance.

From Baltimore, Maryland: (approximately 130 miles)
Take I-70 west to I-68 west to Exit 50 for Rocky Gap State Park. The ranger station is located straight into the park near the beaches. To get to the campground turn right onto Pleasant Valley Road and travel 1.5 miles to campground entrance.​​​​


​​​Pet Policy style=​
Pet Policy ​

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Other Things to Know!


Scales & Tales Aviary

Scales and Tales” is an educational program that features injured and non-releasable birds of prey and reptiles native to Maryland. At the Rocky Gap State Park Aviary, you can meet birds that have been injured and cannot return to the wild, as well as those raised in captivity who wouldn’t survive outside. 

​

This unique program offers visitors a chance to see wildlife up close and hear the stories of how these amazing animals became part of the program. Looking to add something special to your next event? A Scales and Tales ​program can be scheduled for your gathering. For availability, scheduling, or program costs, contact the park office at 301-722-1480 or email Ranger Mollie Kemp at mollie.kemp@maryland.gov.


Pavillions

Make reservations for paviions and amphitheater online at https://parkreservations.maryland.gov or call the reservation center at 1-888-432-2267. TTY users call 1-866-804-7846. Alcohol permits are available for purchase at the time of your reservation. Guests reserving a facility at Rocky Gap State Park must vacate the area by sunset.

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Hikers on a wooded trail by the lake 

Trails & Hiking!​

Rocky Gap offers a variety of multi-use trails for guests to enjoy. The Lakeside Loop Trail, a moderate 5.3 mile trail that encircles Lake Habeeb, offers hikers scenic beauty of the area. Crossing over four-foot bridges, trekking along the shoreline and winding through the woodlands are what makes this such a diverse trail.​​​

A magnificent view of the one mile long gorge is the gift Canyon Trail Overlook hikers will get when they reach the overlook on the one-quarter mile long Canyon Overlook Trail. This loop trail offers visitors a short but scenic hike.

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The one-quarter mile long Touch of Nature Trail offers hikers of all ability levels a paved trail. Benches line the hemlock-edged path that leads to the fishing dock and connects w​ith the Lakeside Loop Trail.

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Beach yoga by the lake 

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Park Highlight​

​​"Healthy Parks Healthy People" is a program designed to encourage physical activity in the beautiful parks of western Maryland and Caroline County. Department staff encourage healthcare providers to give their patients a prescription to increase physical activity and take part in programs offered at nearby State parks. Partners also include local Health Departments.

5 Other State Park Locations Near​ Rocky Gap​

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