Set in a natural saddle between two mountains in
Western Maryland, Rocky Gap State Park encompasses over 3,000 acres of
public land. The biggest attraction of the park is 243 acre Lake Habeeb.
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. Overlooking the lake is Evitts Mountain, named
for an early settler in Allegany County.
Lake Habeeb offers excellent recreational opportunities
including swimming, fishing, and boating. Rental boats, including canoes,
kayaks, row boats and paddle boats, are available in the campground,
day-use area, and at the lodge. Boats are allowed on Lake Habeeb 24 hours
a day, seven days a week and two boat ramps are located within the park.
Gasoline powered motors are prohibited and navigational lights are
required after sunset.
Fishing is excellent in Lake Habeeb and is permitted 24
hours a day, seven days a week. The lake is home to panfish, trophy trout,
large and smallmouth bass. A valid Maryland Anglers License is required
for those over 16 years of age and may be obtained from the camp store,
local retail outlets or the DNR Licensing and Registration Service Center
in Cumberland.
To help maintain a healthy fish population volunteers
have added artificial fish habitat. Children’s fishing programs are
available throughout the summer season. A cooperative effort between
Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Department of Juvenile Justice,
Rocky Gap Volunteer Team, Appalachian Environmental Laboratory and the
Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort has been ongoing to support the catfish
population in Lake Habeeb. Both brown and rainbow trout are stocked
several times a year.
Rocky Gap also offers 278 individual campsites,
including 30 equipped with electric hook-ups, bathhouses, three youth
group camping areas, one boat ramp, nature center and a camp store. Pets
are allowed in two designated camp loops. Ten mini cabins, each with
electric, bunk bed and a double bed, are available for rent.
Guests can take advantage of a variety of hiking
trails. The Lakeside Trail, a moderate 4.5 mile trail that encircles the
lake, 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. Guests can enjoy 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, Laurel and Rhododendron. Then cross the small cascading stream on
the footbridge and begin to climb Evitts Mountain. This is an ambitious
trail that climbs about 1,000 feet in elevation in 2.5 miles. Plan to
spend a couple hours and be sure to take plenty of drinking water. This is
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 fully
accessible paved trail. Benches line the hemlock edged path that leads to
the accessible fishing dock.
If hearing an owl call in the dark sets your curiosity
in motion or seeing a snake slither makes your own skin crawl, then don’t
miss this very unique opportunity to see the newest addition to the park’s
programming agenda. Scales and Tales is an educational program using
injured, non-releasable birds of prey and reptiles native to Maryland.
Citizens can learn about the importance of reptiles and
raptors in the balance of nature. Scales and Tales, one of Maryland’s
premier programs, has recently opened a satellite site at Rocky Gap,
including an onsite aviary open to the public. Made possible through a
partnership between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Rocky
Gap Lodge and Golf Resort, this one of a kind educational program allows
guests the opportunity to view wildlife up close and hear the “tales” of
how the animals became part of the program.
The “Critter Encounter” program will bring birds direct
to your campsite! If you are looking for something unique at your next
gathering, Scales and Tales can be scheduled as part of your special
event. To check for program availability, scheduling or to receive
information on program costs, please call Jeff Ruark at park headquarters
at 301-777-2139, or via e-mail at jruark@dnr.state.md.us.
Located in the heart of the park is the Rocky Gap Lodge
and Golf Resort. Complete with an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf
course and a 220-room lakeside lodge. The resort offers nine modern
meeting rooms for 15 to 550 people, full service restaurant and lounge,
private dining room overlooking the lake, and lobby with a large stone
fireplace for unwinding at the end of the day. Also a fitness room,
outdoor swimming pool, tennis and volleyball courts, a gazebo dock with
paddle and electric boats, and a fire pit for late night lakeside
campfires.
Adventure Packages featuring guided kayaking,
rappelling, canoeing, biking and hiking excursions are also available
through Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort.
For the mobility impaired Rocky Gap offers a fishing
dock, amphitheater, picnic tables and camping. The park offers two
all-terrain chairs that are available to guests without charge. Trail and
hunting programs along with interpretive pontoon boat rides are also
available.
