Dan's Mountain Wildlife Management Area Climbing

Dan's Mountain WMA, located in Western Allegany County, one of the largest state-owned forests in Maryland. The steep ridges of the mountain, ranging from 900 to 2,800 feet, yield a breathtaking view of the North Branch of the Potomac River and its forested valley. Approximately 98% of this 9,783-acre tract is dominated by mixed oak forest in various age classes.

The climbing zone in this forest is below the cliffs of the Dan’s Rock Overlook which is a different area of the forest that is not directly accessible from the main park. After arriving at the little parking area at the end of Old Dans Rock Rd SW, take the steps to the left and hike up to the overlook. As far as getting below the cliffs, climbers can scramble down between them farther to the left of the overlook, or hike to the left far enough to walk around the end of the cliff line. Once below the cliffs, follow the base to the right, the majority of the climbing is directly below the fire tower located above the cliffs. Climbers can use the fire tower as a point of reference when working their way through the woods below the overlook. 

WARNING: There is an enormous amount of Broken Glass, Barbed Wire, and a variety of Sharp metal objects covering the area directly below the overlook. Be sure to closely watch where you put your hands and feet, as much of this is hidden in the leaves or between rocks. There can also be heavy layers of spray paint on some of the rocks in and leading down to the climbing zone that can be extremely slippery, resulting in bad falls.

Note: Boulder problems "Hi-Ball" & "V3 Pitch" are entries taken from the old rockclimbing.com database. There is no direct knowledge of their exact location and such details. Please reach out if there is more factual information regarding them.