Rocky Gap State Park in Maryland is a year-round destination.
Courtesy of MDMountainside.com
Its true, Marylands Eastern Shore gets all of the attention for its beaches and seafood.
Who doesnt love those iconic blue crabs?
A couple canoeing through a Rocky Gap State Park lake.Credit:Courtesy of MDMountainside.com
Road-trippers should note that Mile Marker Zero for theHistoric National Road(a.k.a.
Traveling westward through six states, one could say this is the home of the originalAmerican road trip.
It’s accessible from I-68 and U.S. 40 and U.S. 220.
Rocky Gap State Park paddleboarders.Courtesy of MDMountainside.com
Before mid-June, crowds are light since children are still in school.
Crowds are also thin in the fall, and the mountainfoliage viewsare breathtaking.
Best Things to Do
Take a hike.
A couple and their dog walking through Rocky Gap State Park.Courtesy of MDMountainside.com
Rocky Gap State Park has more than 15 miles of hiking trails.
You dont have to be a hardcore adventurer to enjoy the trails, though.
Go for a bike ride.
Chairs overlooking a lake in Rocky Gap State Park.Courtesy of MDMountainside.com
Explore Lake Habeeb.
Lake Habeeb is the focal point of the park, and for good reason.
(Fun fact: The lake even has an underwater scuba diving trail.)
A family meeting an owl at the aviary.Courtesy of MDMountainside.com
Visit the aviary.
Resident bald eagle, Mo, even visited the White House.
The park ranger-led programs are free of charge.
A family on a hike through Rocky Gap State Park.Courtesy of MDMountainside.com
Take a water sports lesson.
Bring the dog.
Rocky Gap is considered one of Marylands mostdog-friendly state parks.
Aerial view of Rocky Gap Casino & Resort.Courtesy of MDMountainside.com
Plus, there are plenty of shaded areas for dogs to relax.
One of my favorite hikes is the Evitts Homesite Trail, Milbourne says.
It drops you into the gorge and circumnavigates back to the parking lot.
Downtown area of Cumberland, Maryland.DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images
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.
If you prefer a bit more comfort, the park also offers rustic camper cabins and a yurt.
Milbourne also recommends thecasino resortfor a more upscale stay, as it offers beautiful lakeside views and resort-style amenities.
1812 Brewery
1812 Breweryis close by with food trucks and live music every weekend.
Its the regions first farm brewery, and the pour house is right there in a barn.
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:
