Summer Campout & Rail Biking Tour

Black Women Hiking the DMV presents a time to rest, reflect, socialize, hike, and experience an unique adventure at Dans Mountain State Park , which is 481-acres and perched high upon a 16-mile long mountain in Lonaconing, Maryland.

CAMPSITE:
This is a front-county camping outing that is welcoming for all skill levels, especially for beginners. The campsite is shaded and amenities include: large pavilion shelter, portable toilet, stone fireplace, food storage container; and dump station for trash.

RAIL BIKING:
The park has close proximity to Maryland's only rail biking. On Saturday, we’ll visit the nearby town for a unique, guided 2-hour rail biking tour (see photo below). Unlike standard biking, a group of 2 or 4 people pedal custom-made aluminum cars directly on decommissioned railroad tracks adjacent to the scenic Great Allegheny Passage Trail. No experience required. The route is downhill and requires very little effort. As long as one person is pedaling, the rail car will move. Cost includes: rail bike, guide, umbrellas (if needed), and helmet. There is a weight limit of 300 lbs. per seat.

WHAT TO BRING:
Camping is as comfortable as you make it, so bring what makes you most comfortable to get the best experience possible. No drinks or food are provided or sold at the campsite. There is no potable water on-site so you must bring enough water to drink and cook. Outside firewood is not permitted. Please see the list of items you need to bring, here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gHe97vbkGUY1RcxrTcmRtPdSebS5nIHx/view?usp=share_link. Closed toe shoes are required for the rail tour. Bring a swimsuit if you plan to use the swimming pool.

TIME/SCHEDULE:
Check-in starts at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26. If you need to arrive later, it is suggested to arrive before dark to have plenty of time to set up your tent. Check-out is by 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 28, 2026. This event is rain or shine, but may be cancelled or postponed due to severe weather.

Itinerary

• Friday - Camp set-up/ Welcome Circle/ Lunch; Evening hike (approximately. 2.5 miles; moderate); Dinner/ Fire Building & Foil Packet Dessert 1
• Saturday - Rail Biking Tour, Creamery; Downtime or group game time; Fire Building & Foil Packet Dessert 2; Late night outdoor projector feature & campfire popcorn
• Sunday - Approx. 2 mile sunrise hike (moderate) and then head home.

REGISTRATION DETAILS:

• $90 per person/tent & rail biking guided tour
• $45 per person/tent only
• Campfire desserts plus s'mores are included. Gear, meals, and firewood are not included in either ticket option.
• A full refund can be issued for the camping portion of the reservation through Monday, June 16, 2026. A $5 processing fee will be deducted from the camping reservation. If you need to cancel up to 3 days prior to the trip, your payment will be processed as a tax-deductible donation. The $45 rail biking portion is non-refundable.

WHERE TO MEET:
The Park’s main entrance is located at 17410 Recreation Area Road SW, Lonaconing, MD 21539. Our campground site number will be provided to attendees prior to the event.

Other Park Fees:

• There is no vehicle entrance fee, but there is a fee to use the swimming pool.

DISCLAIMER & LIABILITY:
All participants, including guests, are required to sign the Release and Waiver of Liability and Indemnity Agreement.