Things to Do in Wills Mountain State Park

Wills Mountain State Park is a natural area in Allegany County, Maryland, featuring Wills Mountain, which reaches an elevation of 1,960 feet. The park is currently undeveloped and officially closed to the public. Efforts are underway to establish public access, with an anticipated opening in the future.

Once open, Wills Mountain State Park is anticipated to offer opportunities for hiking, touring cycling, and road cycling. The park's diverse terrain is expected to accommodate various skill levels, from easy walks to challenging ascents. Komoot provides guides for these activities, such as Hiking in Wills Mountain State Park and Road Cycling Routes in Wills Mountain State Park.

Wills Mountain State Park is currently officially closed to the public as of 2025. Environmental cleanup, ecological surveys, and site remediation are ongoing. Officials anticipate it will take at least another year before the park can officially open for visitation.

The park is characterized by its scenic ridge, rocky cliffs, and outcrops, including a unique 'barrens habitat' on Tuscarora sandstone. Wills Mountain itself provides panoramic views of the surrounding region, including the Cumberland Narrows. It is also a natural rock nesting site for peregrine falcons.

Once open, the park is expected to feature an extensive network of hiking trails that will cater to all skill levels. This includes routes suitable for easy walks, as well as more challenging ascents. Komoot offers a guide on Family-friendly hikes in Wills Mountain State Park.

The mountainous terrain of Wills Mountain and the surrounding Allegany County region are well-suited for both touring and road cycling. While specific routes are not yet detailed for the undeveloped park, future plans anticipate numerous options. Komoot provides guides like Cycling in Wills Mountain State Park and Traffic-free bike rides in Wills Mountain State Park.

Wills Mountain, located within the state park, reaches an elevation of 1,960 feet (597 meters). This elevation provides expansive views of the surrounding landscape, including vistas stretching from Pennsylvania to West Virginia.

The park's diverse terrain supports a variety of wildlife, including black bears, bobcats, and bald eagles. It is also one of Maryland's two natural rock nesting sites for peregrine falcons. Rare plant species such as racemed milkwort and wild bleeding heart are also present.

As Wills Mountain State Park is currently undeveloped and managed by Rocky Gap State Park, it does not have its own dedicated website. For updates on its future opening and current status, contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources at 1-800-830-3974 or Rocky Gap State Park Administrative Offices at 301-722-1480.

Komoot offers several guides for planned activities in Wills Mountain State Park. These include Hiking in Wills Mountain State Park, Cycling in Wills Mountain State Park, and Road Cycling Routes in Wills Mountain State Park. There are also guides for family-friendly hikes and traffic-free bike rides.

The broader region around Wills Mountain State Park has received an average rating of 4.82 out of 5 stars from more than 700 visitors on komoot. This indicates a high level of satisfaction with the outdoor experiences in the area.