Monkey's Head Rock - Flintstone, MD
Monkey’s Head Rock: A Unique Dog-Friendly Hiking Spot in Flintstone, Maryland
If you’re looking for a scenic dog park in Flintstone, Maryland, Monkey’s Head Rock offers an unforgettable pet-friendly hiking experience. This spot boasts breathtaking mountain views, unique rock formations resembling three stacked monkey heads, and woods teeming with wildlife, making it a fantastic destination for adventurous dogs and their owners. The trails are perfect for exploring with your pup, though the paths are unpaved and wind through beautiful, rugged landscapes—be sure to bring water and snacks for your hike!
Monkey’s Head Rock is not a traditional dog park, but rather a natural hiking area where dogs are welcome. It’s a great place for anyone seeking dog-friendly hiking trails near Flintstone and Rocky Gap. While the trails are not wheelchair accessible and there are no designated off-leash or fenced dog zones, the area is rich in history, local tradition, and panoramic lookout points. Remember to keep your dog safe, especially near cliffs and rocky overlooks, and be alert for local wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed at Monkey’s Head Rock? Yes, dogs are allowed and are welcome on the hiking trails.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? No, the trails and area are not wheelchair accessible.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are several hiking trails, including the access from Old Hancock Road and the Evitts Mt Homestead Trail.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids? Yes, the area is described as good for kids and offers kid-friendly hikes.
- Is there shade available? Yes, the trails pass through dense forest, providing natural shade along much of the hike.
Reviews
Lovely view! Some of the best mountains in western Maryland! Watch out for the cliffs!
Went to this place yesterday and it was absolutely astonishing. I do recommend that you take water and snacks because it is a pretty nice hike to Monkey’s Head Rock. We were so hungry when we got back, but that was because we spent hours off the cliffs and into the woods. So beautiful and full of history. Tim and I was wondering why it was called Monkeys Head Rock, but the rock formations looked exactly as 3 monkey heads stacked on top of one another. I should’ve looked at the pictures posted about this place first Lol. We will be back up here in the future, but I saw on Facebook someone does hiking and backpacking trips and I thought of bringing my family on an overnight backpacking trip. Definitely an interesting place and worth the trip.
Easy off the beaten path hike to a gorgeous view. Shared the hill with a few deer enjoying the acorns.
Rocky Gap Lake is fed by Rocky Gap Run, which winds its way through a mile-long gorge. The forest are dense with rhododendron and mountain laurel. On the cliff overlooks is where MONKEYS HEAD ROCK is. My friend, F. Evans brought me to this place, and has been coming up here as a child, as well as traditions of his family have visited this same area. We reached the rock overhang that overlooked the valley, and Fred asked me what I see in the next rock formation over. It looked liked three monkey heads stacked on top of one another. Awesome place!!!!
Unmarked clearly visible trail. Head around the casino at Rocky Gap, Park at the gate across Old Hancock rd. Hike the Old Hancock Rd until you get to the Handicapped Hunting Site #1 about 50yrds east towards Rocky Gap from there is the Trailhead. It looks like a deer foot path. After cresting the shrubbery you shall see the trail opens up and is very clearly visible. Follow along the way until you reach the Bluff. Do not approach the edge as it’s a sheer drop. Across the valley is the Monkey’s Head Rock (It looks way more like a Native American Head/Face). It is only accessible from the Evitts Mt Homestead Trail but the hillside down to it is notorious for rattlesnakes.