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Dog Friendly Spring Getaways at Deep Creek Lake



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 Youghiogheny 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, the 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 HouseArchie’s BarbequeHoni-Honi Bar, Canoe on the Run, The Greene TurtleBlack 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.

Quick Guide: Deep Creek Lake Fall Getaways



Deep Creek Lake fall getaways are a favorite way to enjoy the best of this colorful season. Reserve your Deep Creek Lake vacation rental, pack your hiking boots and sweaters and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

20 THINGS TO DO AT DEEP CREEK THIS FALL

-Take the scenic route for a fall foliage driving tour and leaf peep on scenic back roads

-Take a hike at Swallow Falls State Park (or one of the other 8 state parks in the area)

-Snack on a yummy pumpkin roll from Trader’s Coffee House

-Snuggle up by the fire with someone special at a Deep Creek cabin

-Enjoy the view from the ziplines at Monkey Business Adventure Park

-Check out foliage on the Barn Quilt Trail

Snap photos of fall colors at scenic spots like the Cove Overlook

-Do some early holiday shopping at Schoolhouse Earth

-Mountain bike on the trails at Deep Creek Lake State Park

-Order craft brews and flat breads and watch one of the famous sunsets on patio at Mountain State Brewing Company

-Wind your way through the Cove Run Farms Corn Maze

-Stop by Klotz Corn & Pumpkins to for brightly colored mums and perfect carving pumpkins

-Warm up with s’mores on a crisp fall night at your lakeside fire pit

-Experience the Autumn Glory Festival events and pick up a traditional turkey dinner at a local restaurant

-Ride the Mountain Coaster at Wisp Resort (weekends only)

-Visit Casselman Bridge State Park and grab a bite at Cornucopia Cafe

-Visit the Mountain Fresh Farmers Market for local maple syrup and fall harvest veggies

-Make a pile of leaves for the kids to play in

-Browse the shops in historic downtown Oakland – recently named among the Top 50 Small Towns with the Best Fall Foliage

-Take some time to slow down with Deep Creek Lake fall getaways and make memories with your favorite people! Reserve now for the best selection.

Deep Creek Lake Fall Getaways

HART for Animals at Deep Creek Lake



HART for Animals is an important part of the Deep Creek Lake community. They use 85% of all revenues to support charitable programs, including adoptions, spay/neuters, rescue and transports and sheltering. Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales has supported their work for years through donations, volunteering and event sponsorship. HART for Animals is tireless in their endeavor to improve the condition of animals in Western Maryland.

HART is more than adoption center. They are also home to Bredel Veterinary Clinic, Bed ‘N Bark Inn pet hotel and Muttworks grooming.

Fast & Furriest 5K Run/1K Walk

In 2017, we sponsored the very first Fast & Furriest 5K Run/1K walk in conjunction with HART for Animals. It was a big success, and we are continuing the sponsorship. On Saturday, June 29, 2019, you can bring your pup join us in supporting HART.

HART for Animals

Registration for this dog friendly fun run/walk starts at 7:30AM at HART – 1265 Bumble Bee Rd., Accident, MD 21520. It is a fun outing for the entire family! Get more information and make plans to attend the 2018 Fast & Furriest 5K Run/1K Walk!

HART for Animals guest bartender challenge

Every spring, the Taylor-Made team looks forward to HART’s Guest Bartender Challenge. Local companies “compete” to raise the most money. Each one hosts a night where they bartend at an establishment. All tips and funds raised from silent auction items are donated to HART for Animals. Continue reading “HART for Animals at Deep Creek Lake”

June 2017: Deep Creek Events



deep creek events

Deep Creek events are popping up everywhere this month! You can shop for farm fresh produce, test your endurance with a long distance bike ride, taste delicious treats from Deep Creek Lake restaurants and much more!

Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center
Activities Daily throughout the Month
From guided hikes and aviary tours to butterfly walks and crafts for kids, the Discovery Center can help you explore the outdoors.

Mountain Fresh Farmers Market
Wednesdays & Saturdays, 10AM-1PM, Mountain Fresh Pavilion in Oakland
From now until Oct. 28, you can head to Oakland for fresh produce, baked goods, meats, jewelry, crafts, local honey and much more!
Continue reading “June 2017: Deep Creek Events”

Enjoy Spring-like Deep Creek Weather



Unseasonably warm Deep Creek weather has closed the slopes at Wisp Resort, but it has also opened up more activities to Deep Creek vacationers.

Please note that many of the outdoor options are weather permitting and may only be available on the weekend. We suggest calling to check availability before making plans.

All Earth Eco Tours
Guided hikes at state parks and along the Youghiogheny River.
301-746-4083

The Alley
Enjoy bowling, arcade games and snacks in nearby Oakland.
301-334-3040

Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center
Tour the Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park, see the birds in their aviary and check their schedule for special weekend programs.
301-387-7067

FireFly Farms Creamery & Market
Taste award-winning goat cheese and browse gourmet items in the market.
301-746-8188 Continue reading “Enjoy Spring-like Deep Creek Weather”

4 Favorite Fall Hikes at Deep Creek Lake



Our four favorite fall hikes at Deep Creek Lake take you through some of the most beautiful terrain in the area. Leaf peepers will love the opportunity to immerse themselves in the brilliant colors of autumn as the trek along miles of scenic trails.

After Labor Day, these trails are all dog friendly! Check the state park websites for more details.

LOSTLAND RUN TRAIL – Potomac Garrett State Forest
One of Garrett County’s best kept secrets, this 3.5 mile trail is highlighted by Cascade Falls, towering hemlocks, and a short spur trail that leads to the Potomac Overlook with views of the river and mountains. Moderate in difficulty, it takes about two hours each way.

fall hikes at deep creek lake

Continue reading “4 Favorite Fall Hikes at Deep Creek Lake”

5 Favorite Dog Friendly Deep Creek Lake Activities for Summer



Dog Friendly Deep Creek Lake Activities

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”