![[Rocky Gap State Park Trail Guide]](/publiclands/art/abouthead.gif)
Welcome to Rocky Gap State Park. Located in Western Maryland's Allegany County, Rocky Gap State Park is situated among one of the world's oldest mountain ranges, the Central Appalachians. Families and outdoor adventure enthusiasts enjoy hiking and mountain biking on more than 10 miles of trails, as well as swimming, fishing and boating on 243-acre Lake Habeeb. Camping, birding and nature appreciation on 500 acres of specially designated State Wildlands draw visitors from throughout the region. Rock cliffs located within the park's namesake, Rocky Gap gorge, are popular for rock climbing and rappelling. The park is also home to the Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort, showcasing an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course and a 220-room lakeside lodge and conference facility. Wildlife and Nature Appreciation Rocky Gap's diverse habitat supports an abundance of wildlife, including wild turkey, white-tailed deer, black bears, fox and bobcats. Along the shoreline of Lake Habeeb, hikers can readily spot the evidence of beaver activity. Two 500-acre tracts within the park are specially designated as State Wildlands. These extensive areas are available for visitors to enjoy for hiking, birding, hunting or the pursuit of peace and solitude. No mountain biking or motorized uses are permitted. A birder's check-list can have lots of marks on it after a visit to Rocky Gap. Migratory waterfowl, such as teal, buffleheads, mallards, scoters and mergansers can be observed bobbing on the lake or diving under the surface. The antics of killdeer running over the grass each spring and the sight of redwing blackbirds swaying from cattails along the lake edge will delight you. Osprey and bald eagles fly over on a regular basis. In the canyon, warblers flit and hide, hunting a variety of insects. Look for telltale wild turkey scratches in the woodland soils or the drumbeat of a ruffed grouse exploding from a hemlock thicket. The woodlands of the park are a typical eastern hardwood forest, approximately 50-70 years old. Prior to the park's development, the land supported several dairy and beef cattle farms and at least one small lumber operation. The hemlock stand in the park's gorge features the oldest trees in the park, some thought to be over 150 years old. A towering tulip poplar on the lower ridge of Martin's Mountain is over 100 years old, the oldest documented in Allegany County. A spring walk through the woods will reveal flowering plants, such as saxifrage, rue and wood anemone, spring beauty, May apple, bird violet and other violet species. Summer brings milkweeds, spiderwort, mints, butterfly weed and dog bane to the roadsides and meadows. Ironweed, asters and goldenrod varieties brighten the fields in the fall. Scales and Tales - Environmental Stewardship Program Don't miss a unique opportunity to visit the park's Scales and Tales Aviary. View captive, permanently disabled wildlife up-close and learn about their natural habits. Wild birds of prey used in the Scales and Tales education program have healed their injuries, although they can no longer survive in the wild. Education programs, supported by service charges, are available for groups or special events by calling (301) 722-1480. Donations to support the care of the animals are welcome. Lake Recreation The park's dominant feature is the manmade 243-acre Lake Habeeb. Fed by Rocky Gap Run, the lake was dammed in 1969 and is now open 24-hours a day, seven days a week for fishing and boating. Enjoy fishing for large and smallmouth bass, catfish, several species of panfish and brown and rainbow trout that are stocked several times a year. A mobility impaired fishing dock is located on the Lakeside Loop Trail at the western end of the lake. Consult your freshwater sportfishing guide for detailed information on rules, regulations and creel limits. Public boat ramps are located in the campground and at the White Pine Pavilion area along Pleasant Valley Road. Interpretive pontoon boat rides operate on a summer schedule. Boat rental, including canoes, rowboats and paddle boats, are available. To protect water quality, gasoline-powered motorboats are prohibited on the lake. The park offers three swimming beaches.
During prescribed seasons, hunters can take advantage of the park's designated hunting areas. A bow only area is available for those who enjoy the challenge. A disabled-access hunting program is offered during the deer firearms season. Camping Nestled at the foot of Evitt's Mountain are 278 campsites. Ten mini-cabins are scattered throughout the campground. Each site offers campers a picnic table and fire ring, as well as other amenities, such as a bathhouse, nature center and camp store. Electricity is available at 30 sites and at the ten mini-cabins. Pets are welcome in two of the camping loops. Youth group camping is available by reservation. The park also offers a three-bedroom chalet available for rental, which accommodates up to eight people. To make picnic, pavilion and camping reservations spring through fall, call Park Reservations at 1-888-432-CAMP (2267). Or, make your reservation on the Internet: reservations.dnr.state.md.us For Youth Group camping reservations call the park office at: (301) 722-1480. Heritage Three hundred years ago, Western Maryland was an untamed western frontier. Consequently, much of the park's rich heritage tells the story of pioneer expansion and settlement into the Ohio River Valley. Evitt's Mountain, which overlooks the park's lake, is named for one of the first settlers in Allegany County. Local legend tells that in the 1730s Mr. Evitt moved to the wilds of Allegany County after suffering a disappointment in a love affair. He built a log cabin on the mountain and led a rugged, reclusive pioneer existence, never to marry. Some evidence of his early settlement remains on the mountaintop. Present day U.S. Route 144 and I-68 generally follow the route of an early Native American Indian trail. In 1755, at the beginning of the French and Indian War, this trail was first improved so that a British army led by General Edward Braddock could march on the French at present day Pittsburgh. A young Virginia militia colonel and surveyor, named George Washington, helped establish this route, which became known as the Braddock Road. In the early 1800s, the young United States used the old Braddock Road as the route for U.S. Route 40, which ultimately connected Baltimore with Vandalia, Illinois as the National Road. Rocky Gap State Park formally opened July 17, 1974 in part due to the efforts of a respected civic advocate, Mr. Edward Habeeb, for whom the park's lake is named. Trails Please Play Safe! Rocky Gap is a natural area with certain hazards, such as poison ivy, rocky and slippery trail surfaces, poisonous snakes and insects. Remember, you are responsible for having the necessary skills, knowledge and equipment for a safe and environmentally sensitive visit.
Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort Visitors looking for creature comforts in a natural setting, enjoy the Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort located within the heart of Rocky Gap State Park. The resort features: an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Siganture golf course, a 220-room luxury lakeside lodge with conference facilities, a full-service restaurant and lounge and a lobby with an impressive stone fireplace for unwinding at the end of the day. In partnership with the State Park, the Lodge offers guests access to organized adventure packages, including guided kayaking, whitewater rafting, rappelling, fishing, canoeing, orienteering, biking and hiking excursions and historical tours. For reservations and information contact the resort at 1-800-724-0828. Trail Stewardship You can help support trails at your favorite forest or park by volunteering on trail projects. Your support helps maintain and construct trails to protect the environment and benefit trail users. For more information call the park visitor center at (301) 722-1480.
Rocky Gap State Park is enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year. Please help us protect the park's natural and historic resources by following these Leave No Trace ethics. For more information on Leave No Trace, visit their website at: www.lnt.org
Remember that all of Maryland's State Parks are Trash-Free, so pack out what you pack in! Thanks for being a good steward of Maryland's outdoors.
Park Watch The State Forest and Park Service's Park Watch program encourages visitors and neighbors to take an active role in protecting personal property and preserving the park. If you observe suspicious activities, vandalism or safety hazards, please report these problems to any park employee or call: 1-800-825-PARK (7275). Guides and Outfitters For information on commercial guides and outfitters or organizing group outings, contact DNR's Nature Tourism Office at 301-784-8403. Volunteer Team, Inc. The Volunteer Team, Inc. is a non-profit charitable foundation established for the purpose of maintaining and enhancing park facilities, trails and programs. Volunteers and financial tax-exempt donations are welcome. For information contact the park's visitor center at (301) 722-1480. Directions Rocky Gap State Park is located in Western Maryland, six miles east of Cumberland in Allegany County. Travel west on I-70 past Hagerstown. At Hancock, take I-68 west. Take Exit #50 for Rocky Gap State Park, which is located just off the exit. The park is approximately 2.5 hours from the Baltimore and Washington metropolitan region.
Rocky Gap State Park Rocky Gap State Park's office is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday.
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