Pen Mar Park

This park was an hour drive from home but so worth it. The drive up to the park is scenic, and once inside the park, the views to the west are incredible. Even the breeze blowing up there felt cool and clean. The Appalachian Trail crosses directly through the park, and for the non-​hikers, there are benches to just sit and admire the view and enjoy the shade. My kids and I used the shady picnic areas in between climbs on the playground, jungle gym, and merry go round. The facilities at the park are basic but clean. Like a previous reviewer stated, the park has a unique history, so stop into the welcome center to read about it and look at some impressive historical photos.
A drive past the park on up to see the views at high rock is a must, but I was too scared to climb up it with two little ones and no guard rail — a friendly and helpful custodian in Pen Mar park had chatted with me about the area and warned me of safety concerns up at High Rock.

Beautiful park with incredible views from the top of South Mountain. There are playgrounds and several large picnic pavilions, two of which are adjacent to a train track and sit very close to the edge of the mountain, commanding impressive views. A historic exhibit displays artifacts from the park’s early days as part of a resort in the town, which included a roller coaster, dance pavilion, penny arcade, movie theater, and miniature train.
The resort was built in 1877 to encourage travelers to use the Western Maryland Railroad. During its heyday, the park drew thousands of visitors who took the train from Baltimore to stay at the resort. However, train travelers tapered off and by 1929 the resort was no longer profitable. The park was eventually sold and transformed into a Washington County park.
Be sure to continue up the mountain on Pen Mar-​High Rock Road to High Rock, which has the most breathtaking view in the area. For those of you familiar with Dan’s Rock in Frostburg, High Rock is very similar.
You will also likely drive past the now abandoned Fort Ritchie, which has an interesting history of its own.