deep creek lake state park Archives - Deep Creek Lake Vacations Blog

September 13, 2018March 30, 2022

Deep Creek Lake Hiking Trails that You Can Explore

There are so many Deep Creek Lake hiking trails that you can explore! We are giving you an overview because we can hardly cover all of them here. Garrett Trails is a great resource for more detailed info on Deep Creek Lake hiking trails.

Deep Creek Lake Hiking Trails Overview

The statistics don’t tell the whole story, but they’re enough to entice hikers of all experience levels: over 80,000 acres dedicated to public parks, forests and open space areas, abundant wildlife populations and scenic beauty unlike what is found anywhere else in Maryland. The state forests and parks of Garrett County offer an immense, challenging and easily accessible hiking paradise.

Savage River State Forest

Savage River State Forest comprises 54,000 acres along the Savage River and the reservoir. It is the largest of Maryland’s state forests and features miles of rugged trails. Avid backpackers will enjoy the lengthy and picturesque trails found in this area. Big Savage Trail is the longest, following a 17 mile path along the ridge of Big Savage Mountain. Travel through upland forests of oak and hickory and reap the reward of the breathtaking view at High Rock. Before you lace up your boots, be sure to stop by forest headquarters to pick up a backcountry permit. Continue reading “Deep Creek Lake Hiking Trails that You Can Explore”

July 11, 2018March 30, 2022

Tips for Your First Deep Creek Summer Vacation

If you are planning your first Deep Creek summer vacation, it can be a little overwhelming. There are tons of fun activities and adventures to enjoy! We put together a list of some absolute “musts” for first-timers.

see the sights

No Deep Creek summer vacation is complete without a little sightseeing! One of the most popular attractions is Muddy Creek Falls at Swallow Falls State Park. This towering waterfall is the tallest in the state of Maryland. It is surrounded by pristine forests and amazing scenery. Plus, hiking trails lead you to two more picturesque waterfalls. This is a great selfie spot!

If you have kids in your group, you cannot pass up a visit to the Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park. Hands-on displays highlight the environment of Western Maryland. During the summer, they have daily events that include seeing the birds in the aviary, arts & crafts, guided hikes, fishing with a naturalist and more!

Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center — See the Birds in the Aviary at the Discovery Center

Continue reading “Tips for Your First Deep Creek Summer Vacation”

January 4, 2018March 30, 2022

Deep Creek Lake Cross Country Skiing Guide

Deep Creek Lake cross country skiing offers adventure to some and peace of mind to others. It is an accessible sport that appeals to all ability levels and ages. One of the best aerobic workouts in the world, this multi-generational activity is known for its quick learning curve, low injury rate and low impact motions. Refreshing the mind as well as the body, cross country (Nordic) skiing provides a sense of solitude for many as they inhale crisp mountain air and travel through hardwood forests and open meadows.

Garrett County and the surrounding areas offer miles trails. Most of the trails in the county were developed in the 1930’s through the combined efforts of the state of Maryland’s Forestry Department and the Civilian Conservation Corps. The CCC is responsible for much of the labor that went into developing New Germany and Herrington Manor State Parks.

New Germany State Park

New Germany’s 12 miles of trails are probably the most well known. Lending themselves to all ability levels, the groomed trails are perfect for beginners. Novice skiers will enjoy the flat Green trail that parallels Poplar Lick or the Three Bridges trail. For more advanced skiers, there are many trails that branch off the Green Trail and climb the steeper walls of the stream valley. The trails are very well marked, but always have a map handy just in case. Cross country ski and snow shoe rentals are available as conditions allow. Continue reading “Deep Creek Lake Cross Country Skiing Guide”

July 14, 2016March 30, 2022

5 Favorite Dog Friendly Deep Creek Lake Activities for Summer

Dog friendly Deep Creek Lake activities and restaurants make our area a favorite destination for travelers with pets. It’s not a true family vacation unless you can bring your four-legged friend with you!

This list could be a lot longer, but here are a few of the highlights that you and your pooch don’t want to miss:

Explore the Lake in a Kayak
Paddling around the lake on quiet summer mornings is even more fun when your dog can join you! Rent a double kayak from Wisp Resort or High Mountain Sports, and they’ll deliver it right to your Deep Creek Lake vacation rental home.

Sunsets, Flatbreads, & Microbrews at Mountain State Brewing Company
Kick-back by the fire pit on the patio and watch one of the famous Mountain Maryland sunsets with your best friend by your side. Continue reading “5 Favorite Dog Friendly Deep Creek Lake Activities for Summer”

June 1, 2016March 30, 2022

State Park Spotlight: Deep Creek Lake State Park

A favorite summer destination, Deep Creek Lake State Park is home to endless outdoor adventures on water and on land. It’s a popular spot throughout all four seasons, but it truly shines in the summertime.

If you are at Deep Creek this summer, grab your floats and flip-flops and head to the sandy beach at Deep Creek Lake State Park. It’s a great place to spend a sunny afternoon swimming, picnicking, and enjoying the view. Tables, grills, restrooms, and a bathhouse are all available for you to use. If you’re vacationing with a larger group, you may want to consider reserving one of the pavilions in advance. Lifeguards are on duty at the designated swimming area from 10AM-6PM Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Wisp Resort operates the concession stand at the state park where you can get ice cream, cold drinks, and snacks. You can also rent a kayak, canoe or stand up paddle board from them. Continue reading “State Park Spotlight: Deep Creek Lake State Park”