From rustic to upscale, Rocky Gap offers all kinds of experiences

Rock Gap Casino floor.

CHARLES KING

Rocky Gap exterior. JAMIE TURNER On the Rocks.

CHARLES KING

Rocky Gap Gold Course. A canoe glides on Lake Habeeb in Rocky Gap State Park. Rocky Gap aerial view. JAMIE TURNER

Written by LINDA HARKCOM

Some vacationers enjoy getting back to nature by camping and doing a variety of outdoor activities. Others prefer resortstyle vacations with plush accommodations, award-winning restaurants, golf courses and spa services.

Deep in the mountains of Western Maryland is a vacation destination that features all of that and more.

Seven miles east of Cumberland, Md., in Flintstone, Md., are two recreation areas near Lake Habeeb: Rocky Gap State Park and Rocky Gap Casino Resort & Golf. They have an array of offerings to make a day trip, weekend or weeklong vacation enjoyable.

Rocky Gap State Park is part of the Maryland Park Service, which is run by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

“This rugged Appalachian Mountains park encompasses over 3,000 acres of public land with 243acre Lake Habeeb, known for having the bluest water in the state,” Sarah Milbourne, park manager at Rocky Gap State Park, noted in an email interview. “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 and mountain laurel. Overlooking the lake is Evitts Mountain, named for one of the first European settlers in Allegany County.”

According to Jessica Palumbo, tourism marketing and sales manager for Allegany County, Md., Lake Habeeb is a compelling draw for the state park. She said the reservoir in the middle of the park has two public beaches and one campers’ beach, both of which are highly utilized in the summer.

“The lake itself provides year-round activity with ice fishing in the winter months. The picturesque views of the surrounding mountains make for a serene experience,” Palumbo said in an email.

Milbourne agreed that the lake and the activities surrounding it are among the main reasons visitors come to the park.

“Nestled at the base of Evitts Mountain, the peaceful serenity of simply gazing at the water or the active water sports like paddling and swimming are at the center of the decision to make Rocky Gap a perfect destination,” Milbourne said. “The park is also known for its clear, blue waters (which are) great for scuba diving.”

Melbourne said other popular activities include mountain biking, hiking and watching sunsets.

“Hiking to the top of Evitts to the Mason-Dixon Line is a rugged and long trek, but worth the view of the lake and surrounding forests,” she said.

Palumbo listed the aviary as a hidden gem that visitors shouldn’t miss.

“The aviary is where injured, nonreleasable birds of prey and reptiles native to Maryland are kept. The program allows visitors the opportunity to view wildlife up close and hear tales of how the animals became part of the program,” she said.

Maryland’s most dog-friendly park

Milbourne said many people do not know that Rocky Gap is considered the most dog-friendly park in the state.

“While there are areas that are dog-free, most of the park sports all the amenities to make furry friends welcome. From dog swim beaches, (we have doggie life vests) to pet waste stations throughout, it’s a great destination for pet owners,” Milbourne said.

The state park offers a variety of ways to stay on-site. It has 278 campsites, miniature cabins and yurts, and a fully furnished chalet available to rent.

On the upscale side

If your taste for accommodations runs a little more upscale, Rocky Gap Casino Resort & Golf is an option.

Brian Kurtz, senior vice president and general manager of Rocky Gap Casino Resort, said the casino has more than 600 slot machines, a stylish sports lounge with TV walls, table games with friendly staff and lottery games.

“The event center at Rocky Gap regularly hosts a variety of live entertainment, from comedians to live music and shows on tour from Las Vegas,” Kurtz said in an email.

The resort’s dining options range from the high-end Lakeside Grille to the casual Signatures Bar and Grill, plus Lobby Lounge & Cafe.

The resort is home to Maryland’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Kurtz said the course has been ranked by Golf magazine as one of the finest courses in Maryland and is one of Golfweek’s “Best Casino Courses.”

“The front nine is carved from mountainous, tree-lined terrain with numerous dramatic elevation changes, while the back nine is spread across expansive, gently rolling meadows,” Kurtz said.

The Spa at Rocky Gap offers guests a variety of indulgent services, including massages, facials, salon amenities, manicures, pedicures and waxing.

“When guests stay at Rocky Gap, everything is at their fingertips without having to leave the resort: award-winning restaurants, relaxing and adventurous outdoor activities and a high-energy casino experience all set to the natural beauty of Rocky Gap State Park. The convenience and ease of ‘all-under-one-roof’ service and amenities is part of what makes Rocky Gap popular,” Kurtz said.

He said the scenic landscape is a highlight unto itself, especially the lake, which offers a variety of activities, including fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboards and more.

Kurtz added that the resort is family-friendly.

“The resort has a spacious indoor swimming pool, open year-round,” he said. “The outdoorsy type may enjoy a day on the lake, the adventurous type may try their luck in the casino, the mellow type may enjoy a spa day, and so on. The resort’s spacious grounds offer oversized chairs and several fire pits for lounging, as well as bocce and cornhole games. There are plenty of activities for families to enjoy together.”

For more information about the state park, go to dnr.maryland.gov/ publiclands.

For more information or to make reservations at the resort, visit rockygapresort.com.

Upcoming events at Rocky Gap Casino Resort & Golf

Sept. 1 - Comedian Lawrence Killebrew Sept. 10 - Ole 97, a Johnny Cash and June Carter tribute band Sept. 10 - The Prince Project, a high-energy Prince and the Revolution tribute band Sept. 15 - Comedian Kirk Bogos Sept. 29 - Comedian Melissa Douty Oct. 13 - Comedian Lynn Yafchack Nov. 30 - Australia’s Thunder from Down Under, an interactive casino show featuring Australian male dancers and cheeky humor

Upcoming events at Rocky Gap State Park

September

Dubs at the Gap, Volkswagen Air/ Watercooled, Audi and Porsche benefit show is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, at Rocky Gap State Park amphitheater, 13421 Pleasant Valley Road, Flintstone, Md. www. facebook.com/dubsatthegap University of Pittsburgh Medical Campus - Western Maryland Suicide Prevention and Memorial Walk is from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, in the day-use area. Dragon boat race begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, featuring fleets of colorful dragon boats racing to the beat of a drum to raise money for the Cumberland YMCA. Cheer on teams of paddlers, working with adrenaline-pumping action to the finish line. facebook.com/events/s/4th-annualdragon-boat-race/787677275724139

October

Rocky Gap State Park annual trunk or treat from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23. The park team and many community businesses are hosting a safe and enjoyable family event.