It derives its name from the presence of Iron Age earthworks on its summit, dinas in Welsh signifying a defensive site or "city".

[1] The deep gorges which define its northern and southern edges are designated as a part of the Coedydd Nedd a Mellte (Neath & Mellte Woodlands) Special Area of Conservation (SAC) on account of their thick oak and ash woodlands, which shelter important bryophyte communities, in particular certain species of moss.

A system of tramways, aerial cableways and inclines on the southern flanks of Dinas Rock conveyed the material from the mines to the valley below.

It is associated with Arthurian legend,[5] as it is one of the many locations reputed to be the place where Arthur's knights lie waiting for a call to defend Britain.

It was sufficiently noted for the specialist press photographers to catch the riders passing through and images of Dinas Rock are found in the motorcycle magazine reports of the time.