INTRODUCTION:
Halfway between Frostburg and Westernport, atop a sixteen mile long ridge along the George's Creek valley in western Allegany county, Maryland, is Dan's Mountain State Park -- 480 acres of highland meadow, forest, mountain brooks, and a fishing pond; picnic areas, playgrounds, park benches, and an outdoor heated swimming pool.

BACKGROUND:
Dan's Mountain is named for Daniel Cresap, one of the first settlers in Allegany County. As a commercial hunter, Daniel was very adventurous. While pursuing a black bear in a tree, Daniel fell and lay unconscious until his friend and hunting companion Nemacolin, a Delaware Indian, rescued him. Since then, it's been Dan's Mountain . No one knows what happened to the black bear, but its kinfolk still roam the mountains, along with the deer and other forest animals. (Nearby, Dan's Rock Overlook provides a view of the area from its 2898 foot height.)

FACILITIES:

	The swimming hole: An Olympic size, heated swimming pool with water slides; also a fenced-in wading pool, a bathhouse, and a convenience snack bar just outside the pool enclosure. [.....more information]
Playground areas: Tire playground, miniature golf course, volley ball court, horse shoe pitch, and plenty of open space. Picnic tables and lawn furniture are sprinkled throughout the area. [.....more information]
	Picnic areas: Numerous shelters and picnic tables are scattered through the main meadow park area and in the secluded forested areas; many with nearby water and restroom facilities. [.....more information]
	Walk About: Numerous hiking trails, history areas, and forested picnic areas are throughout the park. [.....more information]
Fishing Pond The small fishing pond, with shelter, picnic tables, and park benches, is stocked yearly. On the hill above, in the woods, is the Water Station Run pavilion. [.....more information]

Pavilions: Four rental pavilions with amenities for large private gatherings, 30 up to 60 people are available, scattered around the park area. [.....more information]

Dan's Mountain Park is a dawn-to-dusk facility and has no camping area. The staffed services generally are available Memorial Day to Labor Day, staffing provided by local volunteers. In deference to the wildlife, pets are NOT permitted. For the disabled, the park provides accessible overlooks and an access ramp to the swimming pool.

DIRECTIONS
Dan's Mountain State Park is located in the western part of Allegany County, which is in the western part of Maryland.

From Interstate 68, use Exit 34 (Westernport) to travel south on Maryland Route 36 for approximately nine miles. (Following the state route through the small town of Midland, past George's Creek Elementary School, and over the railroad tracks.)

Turn to the park drive at the "V," using the left branch. (The right branch continues into the town of Lonaconing.)

CONTACT INFORMATION

Park Service Page Pavilion information: Call 1-888-432-2267 for reservation information reservations.dnr.state.md.us Dan's Mountain State Park c/o Rocky Gap State Park 12500 Pleasant Valley Road Flintstone, MD 21530 301-722-1480

And Thank You!
• To the "Program Open Space" of the Department of Natural Resources of Maryland state. (Established in 1969, Program Open Space symbolizes Maryland's long term commitment to conserving natural resources while providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities.)
• To the many volunteers who contribute their time to the maintenance and operation of the park.
• To the several civic organizations, especially to the Knights of Pythias, for their continuing financial support of the park services.
• To the many generous private donors who also continue to financially underwrite the many services required by the park.

SEE ALSO: