New At Deep Creek: Sang Run State Park

Sang Run State Park officially became Garrett County's newest state park!

The historic Friends Store, election house, farm and waterfront area known as the greens were donated to the state of Maryland almost ten years ago. The staff of Deep Creek Lake State Park have been taking care of it ever since. The land was originally settled by John Friend in 1769 and was the center of activity for the Sang Run community for more than 100 years. The store sold food items and bought & sold ginseng – which is a root that is prized as an herbal remedy. A shortened version of the word ginseng (Sang) also gives this area its unique name.

Efforts of the Maryland Park Service have breathed new life into this area. Hiking trails, gardens, bluebird restoration projects and traditional arts and trades are demonstrated during spring, summer and fall. Plans for the future include the restoration of the 1872 election house.

Visitors can test their navigation skills by trying out the Park Quest. Wednesday through Sunday from 9am - 4pm, GPS units are available at Friends Store. You can travel around the 77-acre farm to discover natural and historic sites by locating designated spots and answering a series of questions.

The park also has access to the Youghiogheny River for rafting and fishing. The waterside pavilion is available for rental too.

Sang Run State Park is located on 3735 Sang Run Road, McHenry. For more info, you can call Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center at 301-387-7067.