Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Dan's Rock, Allegany County

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Dans Rock
Dans Rock

Dans Rock, located in Dan's Mountain State Park, is the highest point in Allegany County, western Maryland, at 2,898 feet above sea level. This mountain was named for Daniel Cresap, an 18th century local historic figure. Dan's Rock is an outcrop of the Pottsville formation on Dan's Mountain. The Pottsville contains sandstones, siltstones, claystones, shales, and several coal beds. These rocks date to the Pennsylvanian Period and are about 300 million years old.

The erosion resistant quartzite member of the Pottsville formation is a major ridge-maker in western Maryland. Nearby Dan's Mountain State Park and Dans Mountain Wildlife Management Area, offer excellent recreational opportunities.