The event is FREE, and EVERYONE is welcome! Please bring a
side dish to share. GrillMaster DangerousDon will be on duty
serving up burgers and hot dogs.
Dan's Mountain State Park is located on the western slope of Dan's
Mountain near Lonaconing, MD. The park can be reached by taking
I-68 West to exit 34 (rt.36 S.). Follow rt. 36 south for 6.7 miles
and turn left at the park sign (N39 34.377 W78 58.456), Water
Station Run. Travel 2 miles to park entrance, Hill Run Pavilion is
the first shelter on your right.
Nearest camping facilities are at Rocky Gap and New Germany
State Parks. Nearest hotel: Hampton Inn: 11200 New George's Creek
Rd. Frostburg, MD (I-68 exit #34 - (Rt. 36 N.)). 301-689-1998-
1-800-426-7866. It's approximately 6 miles from the Hampton to the
turn off road (Water Station Run) on Rt. 36 that leads into the
park in Lonaconing.
The park has an unusual history. The tragic accident involving
local teens prompted the parks development. Jean McFarlane and
Raymond Meyers were fatally injured in 1950 on their way to a
school outing near Cumberland. Local citizens and industries
donated land and money to provide children a local recreation area.
Many local citizens still refer to the park as "The Recreation
Area". Several coal companies donated land and materials for the
park. The park was later turned over to the Maryland Forest, Park
and Wildlife service.
Dan's Mountain was named after one of the first settlers of
Allegany County, Daniel Cresap. Daniel was the epitome of an early
explorer and settler. This mountain was the site of many of his
adventures. He and Nemacolin, a Delaware Indian, often hunted
together. While pursuing a bear into a tree, Daniel fell and lay
unconscious until Nemacolin found him. Daniel received a wound that
ultimately took his life.