Rocky Gap State Park

I had been wanting to go to Rocky Gap State Park for some time, so Ty and I went today. The temperature was supposed to be below 80 degrees and there was no rain in the forecast. And my schedule was unhindered. Ty was raring to go somewhere.

A rugged mountain wilderness and manmade lake

Ty liked the lake.

Opened in 1974, Rocky Gap State Park encompasses 3,000 acres and includes Lake Habeeb, Mount Evitts, and a privately owned resort, casino, and golf course. Lake Habeeb is a 243-acre reservoir fed by Rocky Gap Run. There are no natural lakes in Maryland. Only reservoirs and dams. I didn't know that. Mom's from Minnesota where there are 10,000 lakes!  The difference between the two states is their glacial history. During the last Ice Age, Minnesota was glaciated whereas Maryland was too far south to be glaciated, thus no natural basins to fill with water

Lakeside

Lakeside Loop Trail

Along the trail

Four!  - golf course along the lake

My hiking buddy

There is a moderate 5.3 mile Lakeside loop (hike) that goes completely around Lake Habeeb. Ty and I hiked part of it. I would like to do the whole loop, but we didn't have enough time today. Fall would be a better time (cooler). Maybe even prettier with the changing colors of the leaves. We hiked around for about two hours today. That was plenty for Ty and I. We don't like to overexert ourselves!

Lake Habeeb

Follow the orange trees

Wild Cherries

Ty's tree (I removed the E from the carving!)

Very blue

Purple flowers

Banks of the lake

There is a shorter hike (Canyon Overlook Trail) that offers views of the mile-long gorge formed by Rocky Gap Run and the limestone cliffs. Ty and I walked this one, but it was hard to tell if we were on the right path. We did an out-and-back. There was also a loop trail. We didn't see down inside the gorge (did we miss something?). Trees obstructed the view, but it was still scenic. You could see the gorge near the dam; hence, the picture.

Gorge

Evitt's Homesite Trail

Trail head (waypoint)

Ty at the overlook

On the edge

A lot of trees

Pine cone

Breathtaking view

Back in the water

Rocky Gap was a good place to take Ty. Lake Habeeb was easily accessible. The water was calm and clear. He went in the lake several times. People often ask me if Ty likes to swim. I tell them that he likes to play in the water:  wade in it (up to his belly), drink the water, and bite at it. Not swim. The water level of Lake Habeeb is unseasonably low due to drought (recent rains have helped), but there was plenty of water for Ty to enjoy. 

Fort Ritchie with Ty

Mom and I have visited Fort Ritchie many times since discovering it on a Sunday drive several years ago. Ty had never been to Fort Ritchie. So, I took him today. The weather was splendid, in the 70s and sunny. We walked along the lake and up past all the Finger buildings. I met someone (Steve) who was living in one of the Finger Buildings. He gave us a tour of his two bedroom apartment. It was really neat. 

Lake Royer

A small waterfall

Also called Upper Lake

Ty enjoying the lake scenery

Older couple sitting by the lake

Canada geese

Ty in front of the Finger Buildings

For Rent - $1400 per month

The buildings at Fort Ritchie are gradually being developed. The ~35 long narrow buildings are called Finger Buildings. When the base was operational, they were used as classrooms. Now they are being renovated for various purposes, including residential and small businesses. A law office and barbershop are coming soon. The apothecary is a relatively new addition. There are several Airbnds, which keep moving according to the resident I met. Mom and I plan to stay overnight in one of them soon. Ty, too.

Barbershop coming soon to Fort Ritchie

Watching the traffic go by

High Rock Revisited

May 10, 2026 -- High Rock is constantly changing because the graffiti on the rocks is ever-changing. The views also look different in different seasons and under different weather conditions. Today was Mother's Day. Mom and I went for a Sunday drive. We ended up at High Rock after visiting nearby Fort Ritchie. A new addition to High Rock was the safety rails on top of the overlook. Probably long overdue. Did I climb up there before without the safety rails?

Mom's view from the car

Ever changing graffiti 

High Rock Overlook

Cumberland Valley 

Such vivid colors

An assault on the eyes

New safety railing

South Mountain

Devil's Backbone

Devil's Backbone is a county park in Boonsboro. It is named for the narrow, jagged ridge that rises between Antietam Creek and Beaver Creek. It isn't a very big park (only 9 acres), so it didn't take long for Ty and I to explore. However, it has many noteworthy things to see, including a picturesque creek, foot bridge, stone bridge, dam, and waterfall. There was a short trail to hike. It overlooks the creek. Unfortunately, there weren't any good places for Ty to get into the water (although he did go in twice).

Devil's Backbone County Park, circa 1966

Ty in front of the dam, circa ~1820s

Waterfall

Footbridge

Devil's Backbone is a lesser known Civil War site. Booth's Mill Bridge was a strategic crossing point for both Union and Confederate troops. Following the Battle of Gettysburg, Union General George Meade established his headquarters at Devil's Backbone. The park is only a few miles from the primary battlefield area of Antietam, the bloodiest single day battle of the war.

Booth's Mill Bridge, circa ~1833

The bridge was rehabilitated ~1989

Antietam Creek, a tributary of the Potomac River

So pretty

The path

Algonquian: "Swift-flowing stream"

The dam was built to power a large commercial flour mill.