Artificial habitats have been added to the lake to improve fish habitat. Anglers at Lake Habeeb go after panfish, trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, pumpkinseed, and more. The Friends of Rocky Gap State Park Facebook page lists many of the park’s activities.įishing is a 24/7 activity at the park. An aviary is available to explore by appointment or during limited open hours. Other ranger-led activities include birding, yoga, trivia nights, an owl-pellet breakdown, and night sounds. The “tackle loaner” program lets any kid try their hand at fishing by borrowing all the necessary equipment free-of-charge from the nature center. Especially noteworthy activities encourage anyone to experience the outdoors-regardless of their background or economic status-by borrowing equipment like boats (during Free Paddle events) and fishing equipment. The nature center provides a variety of activities. Pets are permitted in the day-use area and in many of the camping areas. Don’t forget to bring Fido in on the fun. The park can reach capacity on weekends and holidays, so check their Twitter account before heading out. Canoes, kayaks, and standup paddleboards are available for rent during the season. There are picnic tables, playgrounds, and grills, as well as Hawk’s Nest Café and a ranger station. The day-use area provides several options for large get togethers and family day trips to the beach. Here you’ll find a bit of the land’s history with several gravestones from the Civil War era. Visit the Lemel Bucy Family Cemetery by taking a short stroll from the Touch of Nature parking lot. The one-quarter mile Touch of Nature Trail is perfect for a short easy stroll to an accessible fishing pier. For a more challenging hike, take the 5-mile roundtrip on Evitt’s Homesite Trail which climbs up Evitt’s Mountain. The moderate trail follows the perimeter of the lake while winding through forests and over foot bridges. The five-mile trail around Lake Habeeb is the highlight of the hiking scene at Rocky Gap.

Known as the “bluest water in Maryland,” the 243-acre lake is popular among anglers, kayakers, and hikers. However, Lake Habeeb is the real jewel of the park. It is most well-known for the Rocky Gap Casino and Resort, a privately owned and operated venue that is popular for events and conferences. Rocky Gap State Park is situated in the cool mountains of Allegany County in western Maryland.

Map of rocky gap casino