The Maryland Geocaching Society welcomes you to the 2018 edition of Cache Across Maryland! This is one of eleven geocaches placed throughout the "Old Line State" in locations chosen to showcase Maryland's diverse beauty. From the mountains of Western Maryland to the Atlantic Ocean, Cache Across Maryland 2018 will once again demonstrate that Maryland truly is “America in Miniature”.
Each geocache contains a code which you will use to determine the location of the CAM 2018 Picnic to be held on May 5th, 2018. The code can be found on the inside of the cache container and on the inside front cover of the logbook. Don't forget to record this code! Any geocacher who has completed at least TEN of the eleven CAM geocaches and attends the CAM Picnic on May 5th will receive a Certificate of Completion and a Cache Across Maryland 2018 Geocoin in Antique Silver. We hope you enjoy CAM 2018!
Rocky Gap State Park
Located between Flintstone and Cumberland in Allegheny County, Rock Gap State Park is a public recreation and resort area. The park encompasses over 3,000 acres of land that include a dense forest of hemlock, mountain laurel and rhododendron, and a lake. Evitts Mountain overlooks the lake, and was named for one of the first European settlers of the area. The state park opened in 1974.
After the original land donation by Edward Habeeb, and subsequent purchases by the State of Maryland, an impoundment dam was built across Rocky Gap Run in 1970 by the Army Corp of Engineers to create Lake Habeeb within the park. The final cost for land acquisition and park development was about $7.9 million.
The 243-acre lake features white sand beaches, boating and fishing. Boat rentals are available in season, and you can bring your own craft, though gasoline-powered engines are prohibited on the lake. The Lakeside Loop Trail is 5.3 miles long, completely circling the lake. The park also offers camping, hiking trails, golf, a lodge and casino. The lodge and casino are privately operated as Rocky Gap Casino Resort.
The Day Use Area has a bathhouse, the Hawk's Nest Cafe, Park Headquarters and Ranger Station, as well as picnic tables, grills and a playground. Pavilions and an amphitheater are available to rent, where you can host a reunion, wedding, or even a concert.
Rocky Gap Casino Resort is privately operated, and features a hotel and casino, spa, restaurants, and the Event Center where "top tier" comedy acts and musical entertainment often perform.
The hike to the cache starts on the Lakeside Loop Trail from parking coordinates. Shortly after crossing the dam, you will leave this trail for a more strenuous hike. Wheelchairs can make it to the dam, where there are good views of the lake. Park staff suggest wearing bright colors, as many trails pass through managed hunting grounds.
The Geocache
The cache is located at the posted coordinates.
You will be following marked trails across the dam and up and down hill to reach this cache. At times, the trails may be muddy and wet. They are definitely rocky. Follow the Reference Point coordinates and stay on the trail for the easiest access to this cache.
Park Rules:
Park hours are 7am to sunset. Check park information for certain exceptions.
Pets on a leash are allowed.
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the park.
Mountain bikes are allowed on all trails.
Anglers 16 years and older require a Maryland Non-Tidal Fishing License (available thru DNR).
This geocache was placed by permission of the Maryland DNR Western Region. The MGS extends its thanks to the staff of Rocky Gap State Park for approving this cache placement.
