Dans Mountain State Park in Lonaconing, Maryland

Dans Mountain State Park is a day-use State Park located in Allegany County, Maryland. This large park covers over 481 acres and offers a huge variety of activities for visitors. Placed on a 16-mile stretch of mountain, the Dans Mountain State Park is named after Danial Cresap who was one of the very first settlers in Allegany County, Maryland.

As the story goes, Daniel Cresap was extremely adventurous and could often be found out hunting with his Indian friend, Nemacolin. While waiting for a bear in a tree while hunting one day, on the mountain where the park is now located, Daniel fell from the tree and was unconscious until his Indian friend found him on the ground and took him home to safety. Since that event, the mountain has always been called Dans Mountain.

The most popular feature at Dans Mountain State Park is the Olympic swimming pool with huge water slide. The pool is handicap accessible and the swimming area also offers a fenced-in wading pool. The swimming area also features a bathhouse and concession stand and the pool is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day each year. The cost to use the pool is currently $4.00 for adults, $3.00 for children, and free for children 3 and under. Annual pool passes are also available by visiting the pool office.

In addition to the pool, Dans Mountain State Park features numerous eating areas with picnic tables, playgrounds, a wide variety of wildlife and plenty of mountain streams. There is also a fishing pond that is annually stocked with fish and is a favorite fishing place for many visitors and local residents.

Four different pavilions, one of which features a large stone fireplace, are the perfect spot for family reunions, birthday parties, and picnics.

Dans Mountain State Park also offers plenty of hiking trails and areas for the wildlife enthusiast! However, the park does not have overnight facility, so all hiking must be done during the day, as the park closes at sundown.

Visitors to the park will want to be sure to visit Dans Overlook, located near to the park, which offers a gorgeous, panoramic view of the surrounding areas from the vantage point of 2,898 feet.

Pet owners will love Dans Mountain State Park because, with the exception of Memorial and Labor Day weekends, pets are allowed in the park as long as the rules are followed. Rules require pets to be licensed, vaccinated, and leashed, unless they are in hunting areas and respond to voice commands. Pets are also not allowed in any indoor facilities, with the exception of service animals.

Dans Mountain State Park is located at 14710 Recreation Area Road SW, Lonaconing, MD 21539. The phone number to reach the park is 301-722-1480, and the park’s official website is http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/dansmountain.asp