Pen Mar Park and High Rock Overlook: A Scenic Hidden Gem in Western Maryland
Pen Mar Park is a hidden gem on the Maryland-Pennsylvania border with a playground, historic exhibits, and an incredible scenic overlook. Pair it with nearby High Rock Overlook for one of the most dramatic views in Maryland.
Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
Some places surprise you.
Pen Mar Park definitely did for us.
We originally stopped here mostly because it was nearby while exploring Washington County. I figured it might be a decent playground stop and maybe a nice place to stretch our legs.
Instead, it turned out to be one of those places where you arrive… walk toward the overlook… and suddenly realize the view is much bigger than you expected.
The park sits high along South Mountain, right on the Maryland-Pennsylvania border. In fact, depending on which direction you drive in from, you might briefly cross into Pennsylvania before looping back into Maryland to reach the park.
It’s a quiet place. Not flashy. Not crowded.
But it has a few things that make it surprisingly memorable.
And if you add nearby High Rock Overlook to the visit, the whole outing becomes something pretty special.
Related: Hagerstown City Park is another excellent place for families in Washington County
Quick Snapshot: Pen Mar Park
Location: Cascade, Maryland
County: Washington County
Admission: Free
Good for:
• families with kids
• scenic views
• picnics
• quick outdoor stops
Highlights
• beautiful valley overlook
• newer playground
• historic exhibits about the Pen Mar amusement park
• large picnic areas
Related: Check out this list of Maryland Day Trips… you will love the ideas!
The View Is the Star of the Park
Pen Mar Park exists for one reason.
The view.
The overlook faces west across the Cumberland Valley, and on a clear day you can see miles of farmland, rolling hills, and distant ridges fading into the horizon.
It’s the kind of wide-open landscape that makes you pause for a second.
Even kids notice it.
Related: Washington Monument State Park is also steeped in history and has great views!
There are benches and a covered pavilion area near the overlook, so it’s easy to sit for a few minutes and actually take it in instead of just snapping a quick photo and leaving.
A Little Civil War History on South Mountain
Pen Mar Park sits along South Mountain, a ridge that played a small but fascinating role during the Civil War. Just a few miles south of here, the Battle of South Mountain took place in September 1862 as Union and Confederate forces fought for control of the mountain passes leading toward Antietam.
Not long after that battle, another dramatic nighttime clash happened nearby at Monterey Pass, when Union cavalry attacked Confederate wagons retreating after the Battle of Gettysburg. The fighting scattered hundreds of supply wagons across the mountain roads and turned this quiet ridge into a chaotic battlefield for several hours. Today the area feels peaceful, but the surrounding mountains were once part of a much larger and pivotal campaign during the war.
Related: Gathland State Park is historically significant for the Civil War too
Pen Mar Park and the Appalachian Trail
Pen Mar Park also happens to sit right next to one of America’s most famous long-distance trails — the Appalachian Trail. The trail follows the crest of South Mountain through this region, and hikers frequently pass through the park while trekking between Pennsylvania and Maryland.
For thru-hikers walking the entire 2,000-plus mile trail from Georgia to Maine, Pen Mar can feel like a welcome little oasis: a place to sit at a pavilion, refill water, or simply enjoy the sweeping valley views before continuing down the ridge. Even if you’re not hiking the full trail, it’s pretty cool to realize that the same footpath running past this quiet mountain park eventually stretches across fourteen states.
Related: The Marty Snook Memorial Park is a unique and super fun park in Hagerstown
The Playground Is Surprisingly Good
If you’re visiting with kids, the playground will probably be the first stop.
It’s relatively new and nicely designed, with a mix of climbing elements, slides, swings, and one feature that kids seem to love: a seated zipline.
It’s not a huge playground, but it’s thoughtfully laid out and surrounded by trees, which means there’s usually some shade.
There are also plenty of picnic tables nearby.
That combination alone makes Pen Mar Park a solid stop for families.
Related: Here are the best playgrounds in Western Maryland
The Amusement Park That Used to Be Here
What makes Pen Mar Park especially interesting is its past.
More than a century ago, this quiet mountain park was actually a busy amusement resort.
The name “Pen Mar” literally comes from its location on the Pennsylvania–Maryland border.
Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, excursion trains carried thousands of visitors from cities like Baltimore and Hagerstown to the mountaintop resort.
People came here for:
• rides
• concerts
• dances
• picnics
• the cooler mountain air
One of the most famous attractions was a massive dance pavilion that hosted big bands and huge crowds.
For a while, Pen Mar was one of the region’s most popular summer destinations.
Eventually, like many early amusement parks, the resort declined as automobiles made it easier for people to travel farther for recreation.
Today, most of the rides and buildings are gone. But the park keeps that history alive through a small collection of historical displays inside one of the park buildings.
If you enjoy little bits of local history, it’s worth stepping inside for a few minutes.
High Rock Overlook: The Adventure Part of the Trip
About five minutes away from Pen Mar Park is another spot that locals have known about for years.
High Rock Overlook.
This place feels completely different from the park.
High Rock is basically a huge rocky cliff sitting high above the valley. The view is even more dramatic than the one at Pen Mar Park.
But the setting is also much rougher.
There are no playgrounds.
No visitor center.
And very few safety barriers.
What you’ll find instead is a giant rock outcrop covered in layers of colorful graffiti.
At first glance it might seem a little chaotic. But once you climb up and look around, it becomes clear why people keep coming back.
The view is incredible.
Related: Rocks State Park is another park with rock outcropping overlooks
The Graffiti Rock
One of the most unusual things about High Rock is the rock itself.
Over the years, visitors have covered the surface in spray-painted names, messages, and artwork. The entire overlook has become a constantly changing patchwork of colors.
Some people love it.
Some people hate it.
But either way, it definitely gives the place a personality you won’t find at most overlooks.
For teens especially, this spot tends to feel pretty cool.
Related: Gambrill State Park is known for it’s gorgeous overlooks
Important Safety Tips for High Rock
While High Rock is absolutely worth seeing, it’s important to know what you’re getting into.
This is not a typical park overlook.
There are steep drop-offs and very limited railings.
Because of that, it’s best suited for:
• older kids
• teenagers
• adults
I would personally not recommend it for younger children unless you are watching them very closely.
The views are spectacular, but the cliffs are real.
Related: If you are in Washington County, check out Jellystone Park
Why This Is a Great Spot for Tweens and Teens
If you’re traveling with teenagers, High Rock can easily become the highlight of the day.
There’s something about climbing the painted rock steps, reaching the top, and seeing the valley stretch out below that feels a little adventurous.
It also happens to be a fantastic photo spot.
The combination of graffiti art and mountain views makes it incredibly photogenic.
Related: Check out Cushwa C&O Canal at Williamsport for a gorgeous walk with interesting history
Turning This Into a Simple Family Outing
The nice thing about Pen Mar Park and High Rock is how easy it is to combine them.
A typical visit might look something like this:
Start at Pen Mar Park.
Let the kids play at the playground for a while.
Walk over to the scenic overlook and enjoy the view.
Take a few minutes to check out the historical displays inside the park building.
Then hop back in the car and drive a few minutes to High Rock Overlook.
Altogether, it’s an easy outing that can fill a couple of hours.
Final Thoughts
Pen Mar Park is one of those places that doesn’t get talked about nearly as much as it probably should.
The playground is great for kids.
The overlook is beautiful.
And the history of the old amusement park adds a layer of character that you don’t expect from a small mountain park.
Add in the dramatic views from nearby High Rock, and suddenly you’ve got one of the most unique scenic stops in western Maryland.
Just remember one thing when you get to High Rock.
Enjoy the view.
But watch your step.
