Dog friendly spring getaways are the perfect way to enjoy R&R with your entire family. We have more than 100 dog friendly vacation homes, so there is no need to board your pup.
Spring is an ideal time to take a break and bring your dog to Deep Creek Lake. It is a quieter season when rates are lower and warmer temps are perfect for getting some fresh mountain air.
The Deep Creek Lake area is definitely dog friendly. Here are a few suggestions for enjoying a spring getaway with your pet.
State Parks
Garrett County has eight state parks with hundreds of miles of trails that you and your pet can roam for hours. We’ll highlight some of the most popular spots for families. Many have relaxed restrictions during springtime. Keep in mind that pets should be leashed and under control at all times.
Casselman River Bridge State Park also allows leashed pets year-round. This 4-acre area is popular for picnicking, fly fishing, and photography. Enjoy views of the 80-foot bridge that was built in 1813. At that time, it was the longest single-span stone arch bridge in the U.S. and was as an important link on the National Road from 1813 to 1933.
Deep Creek Lake State Park is dog friendly with a few restrictions. It has lots of trails, plus there are picnic tables if you just want to enjoy the scenery and have a snack. There are several playgrounds for the kids too.
-Dogs are allowed on trails.
-Dogs are allowed in the Discovery Center parking area to access trails.
-Dogs are allowed on trails.
-Dogs are allowed in the Discovery Center parking area to access trails.
-Dogs can swim from shoreline in all areas except the swimming beach, docks, or fishing piers.
-Dogs are allowed in day-use area and lake (except for sandy portion of swimming beach area from Memorial Day weekend until after Labor Day)
Trails at DCLSP include:
–Discovery Trail (1/5 mile) that offers lake views. (Easy)
–Beckmans Trail (2 miles) This trail is moderate in difficulty and offers some local history at the Brant Coal Mine, which visitors can find by following the posted signs.
–Cherry Creek Loop (3 miles) Also a moderate trail, it passes through multiple ecosystems from lake-level to near the top of Meadow Mountain. Travel through rhododendron and mountain laurel thickets and hop rock to rock.
Herrington Manor State Park has a total of twelve miles of trails. There are lots of picnic tables with lake views and it is a popular fishing spot. Dogs are allowed on all trails year-round and in the day use area with the exception of the sandy beach.
All four Herrington Manor trails are of easy to moderate difficulty. They are grassy and broad making them ideal for walking with your dog.
New Germany State Park allows dogs on trails throughout the year. In the spring, dogs are allowed in the day use area and the lake. A total of ten miles of multi-use trails range from easy to difficult. Keep an eye out for birds and wildlife. Bird species include pileated woodpeckers, black-capped chickadees, barred owls, and great blue herons.
Sang Run State Park is located along the Youghiougheny River. Dogs are allowed on leash in all areas. This quiet spot is good for picnicking, and a mile-long trail traverses the agricultural farm fields highlighting large old trees.
Swallow Falls State Park is a favorite place to visit with three stunning waterfalls.
-Pets are not permitted in the day use area or on the Canyon Trail between the Saturday before Memorial Day and Labor Day. Pets are permitted in the day use area after Labor Day to the Friday before Memorial Day weekend.
The 1.5 mile Canyon Loop Trail takes you past Muddy Creek Falls, highest in Maryland, Swallow Tails and scenic Swallow Falls along the Youghiogheny River. Frequent rock outcroppings with wild rhododendron and mountain laurel are found along the trail. A side trip to Tolliver Falls offers a quieter side to the often crowded park trails.
Dog Parks
Garrett County has two fenced dog parks where you can let your pup get some off-leash exercise.
Bumblebee Road Park is located at 1249 Bumblebee Road, Accident, MD, 21520. It is just minutes from the northern end of the lake (McHenry). Open dawn to dusk, year-round, it has 40,000 square feet. It includes a double-door entry system, waste disposal, and separate fenced areas for small and large dogs.
The Oakland Dog Park is located at 27 Oakland Rosedale Road, Oakland, MD, 21550. It has two fenced areas as well as an agility course and waste disposal.
Dining
Weather permitting, you can dine outdoors with your pup at Mountain State Brewing Co., Traders Coffee House, Archie’s Barbeque, Honi-Honi Bar, Canoe on the Run, The Greene Turtle, Black Bear Tavern, and Dutch’s at Silver Tree.
Final Thoughts
Choose a dog friendly home for your family this spring. It’s the perfect time to explore the outdoors. After a day of hiking and sightseeing, you can come home to a comfy house that has everything you need.
