Dans Mountain State Park

Dans Mountain State Park is located in Allegany County, Maryland. The park can be accessed off I-68 at Exit 34 by traveling south on Maryland Route 36 for approximately nine miles.

Dans Mountain State Park serves as a seasonal recreational facility that covers 481 acres and offers a wide variety of wildlife, mountain streams, overlooks and scenic beauty. The primary feature of the park is an Olympic-size, heated swimming pool that offers an accessible ramp and chairlift for visitors with disabilities and a fenced wading pool. A modern bathhouse and concession stand serves the area from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The day use area, with additional picnic tables and a playground, overlooks the pool.

A pond that is stocked annually is an ideal place for anglers, young and old alike. Picnic tables are located throughout the park, and include accessible tables.

Three pavilions are available for day-use group events and the Water Station Run Pavilion, Pythian Pavilion, and Mountain Top Pavilion are available to groups by reservation only and for a fee. Be sure to visit their website to check terms of use and availability.

The Hill Run Group Campsite, available by reservation only, is a primitive group campsite with an open field for tent camping, picnic tables, a fire ring and the pavilion itself with the large fireplace.

Pets are allowed in the park on a leash, but are not allowed on playgrounds, in the pool area, or inside the restrooms.

The park is located on a 16-mile long mountain that takes its name from Daniel Cresap, one of the first settlers in Allegany County. Daniel was known for being adventurous, often hunting with a Delaware native American named Nemacolin. While pursuing a bear in a tree, Daniel fell and lay unconscious until Nemacolin found him and dragged Daniel home to safety. Since that event, the mountain has been known as Dans Mountain.