It’s true, Maryland’s Eastern Shore gets all of the attention for its beaches and seafood. Who doesn’t love those iconic blue crabs? But if you’re looking for the bluest water in the state, you have to head in the opposite direction to the state’s Allegheny Mountains.

The “Mountain Side of Maryland,” as the Allegany County region is known, is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, featuring nearly 70,000 acres of public land and an abundance of parks. Not only is it home to one national park—the C&O Canal National Historical Park—but it also has multiple members of the state park and forest system, one of which is Rocky Gap State Park.

Rocky Gap encompasses more than 3,000 acres of land with sheer cliffs, scenic overlooks, and a hemlock forest concentrated with rhododendrons and mountain laurels. The idea for the park originated with the local Lions Club, and was a major focus of a volunteer group called the Route 40 Business Association. The association’s president, Edward Habeeb, was instrumental in founding the park, and 243-acre Lake Habeeb, home to the bluest water in the state, was named in his honor. The McLuckie family, who owned Clover Hill Farm, along with approximately 40 other landowners, donated parcels of land for the creation of this state park, which opened on July 17, 1974.

In addition to the noteworthy lake, the destination is also a biker’s paradise—the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage, known locally as “the GAP,” leads visitors over valleys, around mountains, and alongside three rivers (the Casselman, Youghiogheny, and Monongahela) on a nearly level path. Adventurists can travel off-road for 334 miles, all the way from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C., when combining the Passage with the C&O Canal Towpath in Cumberland.

Road-trippers should note that Mile Marker Zero for the Historic National Road (a.k.a. Route 40)—about 10 minutes from the park, in downtown Cumberland—is the beginning of America’s first federally funded highway. Traveling westward through six states, one could say this is the home of the original American road trip.

How to Get There

Rocky Gap State Park is located in western Maryland’s Allegany County, an easy two-hour drive from several metropolitan areas, including Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Pittsburgh. It’s accessible from I-68 and U.S. 40 and U.S. 220. An Amtrak station and rental cars are available in nearby Cumberland, and the closest airports are Hagerstown Regional, Pittsburgh International, Baltimore/Washington International, Dulles International, and Reagan National.

Know Before You Go

• There is a day-use fee for Rocky Gap State Park, which varies by season and residency, and ranges from $2 per vehicle to $6 per person.
• Capacity closures are expected on summer weekends and holidays, so planning ahead is highly encouraged. To avoid any surprises, check the Maryland Park Service website for real-time updates.
• The campground fills up quickly, so if you’re planning to stay overnight, book your site well in advance.
• There’s a day-use area and visitor facility if you’re here for the day.
• Rocky Gap participates in the Maryland Park Service’s Scales & Tales education program for kids. Free nature programs with park rangers and naturalists are offered in the summer.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Rocky Gap State Park is early summer through fall as visitors can enjoy full access to the park services. Before mid-June, crowds are light since children are still in school. Wildflowers and foliage are vibrant, and water sports on the lake are a big draw throughout the summer, though. Crowds are also thin in the fall, and the mountain foliage views are breathtaking.

Best Things to Do

Take a hike.

Rocky Gap State Park has more than 15 miles of hiking trails. You don’t have to be a hardcore adventurer to enjoy the trails, though. Trails vary in intensity, from the casual, quarter-mile nature overlooks to challenging treks that climb 1,000 feet in elevation.

Go for a bike ride.

Many of the park’s trails are ideal for mountain biking, with Lakeside Loop, Evitts Mountain Trail, and Rocky Trail being the most popular for cyclists. Bring your own or book a short- or long-term rental hybrid, gravel, or electric bike from Wheelzup Adventures, available seasonally at the adjacent Rocky Gap Casino, Resort & Golf.

Explore Lake Habeeb.

Lake Habeeb is the focal point of the park, and for good reason. Fed by Rocky Gap Run, the 243-acre lake is said to have the bluest waters in the state, and it’s perfect for recreational activities. Electric boats and paddle sports are allowed on the lake 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the year. Fishing is also available year-round, with trout fishing popular in the summer and ice fishing for yellow perch come winter. (Fun fact: The lake even has an underwater scuba diving trail.)

Visit the aviary.

The park is home to an on-site aviary, where visitors can meet eagles, hawks, owls, and vultures—each with a unique story of recovery from injuries that prevent them from being released into the wild. Resident bald eagle, Mo, even visited the White House. The park ranger-led programs are free of charge.

Take a water sports lesson.

If you’ve always wanted to try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, Rocky Gap State Park is a great place to start. Wheelzup offers kayak and SUP lessons, as well as team building opportunities that are popular for corporate retreats, family reunions, or just groups of friends.

Bring the dog.

Rocky Gap is considered one of Maryland’s most dog-friendly state parks. Rocky Gap Campground offers plenty of dog-friendly campsites, and pet waste stations and water bowls are available throughout the area. Two of three beaches on Lake Habeeb welcome dogs and have roped-off areas where families can swim with their furry companions. Plus, there are plenty of shaded areas for dogs to relax. Pets are even welcome, at no additional charge, on the canoe, kayak, and SUP rentals, with doggy life jackets available.

Best Hikes

Lakeside Loop Trail

“This five-mile trail circumnavigates the lake, so you are always next to the water if you want to take a dip at designated areas,” Echefu says. “You also get to go through some of the campgrounds, so you are likely to be offered barbecue from some friendly campers.” This central trail system in the park includes four footbridges, treks along the shoreline, and winding woodland areas.

Evitts Homesite Trail

Overlooking Lake Habeeb is Evitts Mountain, named for one of the first European settlers in Allegany County. To the homesite and back is four miles, or you can go all the way to the overlook and back in six miles total. “One of my favorite hikes is the Evitts Homesite Trail,” Milbourne says. “The trail leads into a magical gorge where Rocky Gap Run meanders through dense rhododendrons and towering hemlock forests, creating a cool, shaded retreat in the summer months.”

Bear Ridge Trail

“When I am short on time, I like the difficult but secluded Bear Ridge trail,” Echefu says. “It drops you into the gorge and circumnavigates back to the parking lot. It’s great to hike with dogs, as there are usually less people on it, and you’re always close to your car. You’re almost sure to see wildlife like deer and turkeys, and if you’re lucky, you might see the resident porcupine.”

Canyon Overlook Trail

This quarter-mile trail provides a gorgeous view of the mile-long gorge from the overlook.

Touch of Nature Trail

This accessible, quarter-mile, paved trail is lined with hemlocks and benches. It leads to the fishing dock and connects with the Lakeside Loop Trail.

Places to Stay

Rocky Gap Campground

“For camping enthusiasts, Rocky Gap State Park offers a spacious campground with both electric and non-electric sites,” Milbourne says. “If you prefer a bit more comfort, the park also offers rustic camper cabins and a yurt.” 

Rocky Gap Casino, Resort & Golf

This 198-room resort has an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course, a full-service spa, three dining locations, and a casino with 16 table games and 630 slot machines. Milbourne also recommends the casino resort “for a more upscale stay, as it offers beautiful lakeside views and resort-style amenities.”

Green Ridge State Forest

“Those looking for a secluded, off-the-grid escape should check out Green Ridge State Forest, which offers primitive camping surrounded by breathtaking wilderness.” according to Milbourne.

Places to Eat

Queen City Creamery

Queen City Creamery has a seasonal location at Rocky Gap and operates the park’s concession stand at the Hawk’s Nest Cafe in the day-use area during the summer. It’s perfect for grabbing a treat after a day on the water, and according to Echefu, it’s “home of the best custard ice cream.”

Lakeside Grille

Lakeside Grille, one of three restaurants located inside Rocky Gap Casino, Resort & Golf, is known for its Oscar-style filet served with Maryland crab as well as its lake views.

1812 Brewery

1812 Brewery is close by with food trucks and live music every weekend. It’s the region’s first “farm brewery,” and the pour house is right there in a barn. The names of the beers on tap all have local ties and the family that runs the place is hospitable. “One of my favorite date-night spots with my husband and our dog is 1812 Brewery,” Milbourne says. The family- and dog-friendly brewery hosts live music and a rotating selection of food trucks in a relaxed setting.

Downtown Cumberland is about 10 minutes away with a large variety of food offerings, including:

• Cafe Mark: This popular cafe serves specialty drinks along with breakfast and lunch. 
• Baltimore Street Grill: A downtown staple for more than 25 years, this eatery serves American fare with a Cajun flare. Be sure to try the seafood gumbo, shrimp étouffée, and shrimp gumbo. 
• Ristorante Ottaviani: This Italian restaurant in the heart of downtown Cumberland has long been a local favorite.  
• Puccini Restaurant: Located in the historic Hinkle House, which dates back to 1818, Puccini’s specializes in wood-fired pizzas. The location served as a Civil War hospital during the local Battle of Folck’s Mill.