Pets in parks - Deep Creek Lake, New Germany State Park

They’ll now be welcome in more places
Cumberland Times-News

— You might not be able to drink a beer or something stronger in Maryland’s state parks and forests, but beginning today you will be able to take your pets for a visit to the outdoors.

Maryland’s Park Service has revised its pet policy for visitors at parks that include Dan’s Mountain, Deep Creek Lake and New Germany.

With the exception of swimming beaches, they already were allowed in most areas of Rocky Gap, Big Run, Swallow Falls and Casselman River Bridge state parks.

The changes involve:

• Dan’s Mountain — Pets allowed with exception of weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

• Deep Creek Lake — Pets allowed in boat ramp area to board vessels; in Discovery Center parking areas to access trails; to swim from shoreline in all areas except swimming beach, docks or fishing piers. From Labor Day to Memorial Day weekend, pets allowed in day-use areas and lake except for swimming beach.

• New Germany — Pets allowed in Pines camp loop and on trails except during ski season. From Labor Day to Memorial Day weekend, pets allowed in day-use areas and lake except for swimming beach.

The changes came about because of comments the park service began accepting from the public last October.

We sometimes believe that of our government and its agencies aren’t responsive to our wishes, but here’s an example that they do listen to us now and then.

For more information, log on to http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pets2.asp


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Dans Mountain State Park near Deep Creek Lake - cool day trip

Dans Mountain State Park is about a 35-40 minute drive from Deep Creek Lake. I had been there once before a long time ago, but hadn't seen the pool area. A friend told us about it, and we decided to go with a few groups of friends to try it out. WOW. It was a really good time. We packed a picnic lunch/dinner, and there were plenty of places to setup shop. We picked a shady pavilion surrounded by some pine trees. I was really impressed with the size of the pool(s). There are 2 large water slides and there were 3 lifeguards on duty. There is a kids wading pool, and there are at least 4 or 5 roped off areas with varying depths of water, 2 1/2 feet up to 9 1/2 feet.

We didn't spend anytime outside of the pool area, but it was obvious that there was plenty of room to roam: secluded picnic tables and benches, walking/hiking paths, BIG mountain views, and a huge playground. There was also a volunteer food stand outside.


Overall, I highly recommend it for a change of pace. Admission was $3/person (state park prices are pretty inexpensive), getting there was easy, though it was somewhat of a long drive to swim for a few hours. We plan on going back sometime to check out the rest of the state park, and to see 'Dan's Rock' in person. An interesting story from the state website about how Dan's Rock got it's name:


"Daniel was known for being adventurous, often hunting with a Delaware Indian 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 Dan's Mountain."



Some more photos: