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Top 14 Deep Creek Lake Winter Activities for Non-Skiers



It’s a common conundrum – what’s a non-skier to do when friends and family are hitting the slopes at Wisp Resort?  Deep Creek Lake winter activities offers lots of options that can keep every member of your crew entertained.  It’s a great way to enjoy a weekend getaway near Pittsburgh, Baltimore, or Washington, DC.

Here are just a few of our favorite Deep Creek Lake winter activities for the non-skiers staying at a Deep Creek Lake vacation rental:

Deep Creek Lake winter activities

Hiking at Swallow Falls State Park
Crisp white snow makes this beautiful place even more spectacular, and it’s definitely a must see throughout all four seasons.  If you’re up for some serious hiking, explore trails to all three of the waterfalls – Swallow Falls, Muddy Creek Falls, and Tolliver Falls.  There is also a handicap accessible trail and view platform at Muddy Creek Falls for those that need an easier route or just want to take a short stroll.   Be sure to bring your camera and wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots.  Trails can be slippery during the winter months.  Get more info.

Simon Pearce Tours
Watch master glassblowers at work, then shop for the beautiful items they make in the retail store.  You can also choose from a wide variety of second-quality glass. Located in Mountain Lake Park, it is just a short drive from most Deep Creek Lake vacation rentals. Find out more.

Guided Snowshoe Tours
Weather permitting, All Earth Eco Tours offers another great way to experience Swallow Falls State Park. Their snowshoe tours are a “no experience required” way to cruise through the woods and take in the scenery.  For those seeking high adventure, ask about their trips to Big Savage Mountain and Lost Lands.

Sleigh Rides at Deep Creek Lake

Sleigh Rides
One of the classic Deep Creek Lake winter activities, you can t
ake a ride back in time as you swish through open fields and over hills listening to the sound of muffled hoof beats in the snow.  Sleigh rides at Pleasant Valley Dream Rides are an ideal way to enjoy the outdoors no matter what your age.

Cold Drinks By a Warm Fire
Get cozy by the fireplace at local restaurants like Firewater Kitchen & Bar, Uno Chicago Grill or Dutch’s at Silver Tree, and warm-up with your favorite beverage.

Sled Riding at Blackwater Falls State Park
Within one hour of the Deep Creek Lake area, you’ll find the ultimate sledding hill!  Head to Blackwater Falls State Park to ride up on a conveyor, sled to the bottom, and repeat!  Bring your own sled or rent one on-site.

Sample Award Winning Cheeses
Stop by Firefly Farms in nearby Accident, to check out their award winning goat cheese and browse their selection of gourmet foods. They can even make you a personalized cheese board to go.

Cross Country Skiing
With minimal instruction, you can kick and glide on cross country ski trails at Herrington Manor State Park and New Germany State Park.  Call ahead to check trail conditions and for rental equipment availability.

Shops & Antiques
Avoid the cold temperatures when you visit area shops and antique stores.  Schoolhouse Earth, Bear Creek Traders, A Mountain Fix, and High Mountain Sports are a few of our favorites at the lake.  Take a short drive to Oakland to browse antiques at Englander’s or Cabin Fever. You can also shop at The Painted Cupboard or Oakland Mercantile. While you are there, hit up Flipside Sounds – a vinyl shop in downtown Oakland.

Deep Creek Axe Throwing Co.
Test your skills in the Deep Creek Lake axe throwing arena! This fun indoor activity is suitable for ages 8 and up.

Museum Tours
When visiting Oakland, history buffs should stop at the two museums operated by the Garrett County Historical Society.  Return to the past as you explore area treasures, learn about early settlers, and check out Model T Fords. Call for hours of operation.

Snow Tubing, Mountain Coaster Rides, & Escape Games
Wisp Resort is well-known for skiing, but they also offer a variety of activities that anyone can enjoy. Reserve a snow tubing session, try out the escape game, or take a ride on the mountain coaster.

Arcades
Everyone in your group will enjoy playing a wide variety arcade games and snacking on great food at Deep Creek Fun Zone.

Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center
Fun for kids of all ages, the Discovery Center is a one-of-a-kind environmental center with hands-on exhibits that showcase the natural resources of Western Maryland. Open Friday-Sunday from 10AM-4PM during the winter season.

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

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

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”

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.

Deep Creek Lake Cross Country Skiing

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”

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”

Deep Creek Lake Winter Update



Wisp1.11.15-7After much anticipation, Deep Creek Lake winter weather has arrived! Wisp Resort is getting ready to operate on full gear very soon.

Currently there are 8 trails open including the snow tubing park, mountain coaster and ice skating rink so now is the ideal time to visit Deep Creek Lake.

For those that like to try something a little different, snow shoeing is also another adventurous activity to try while you are in the area. All Earth Eco Tours does some amazing tours throughout the Swallow Falls State Park area and is the perfect activity for the whole family (As one who is well known to be Adventure Challenged, i.e. clumsy, even I can say that I can accomplish this and I loved it!)

There are also various places to go cross country skiing around the area so don’t forget to ask about some of our favorite places to go when you call in! It’s always so surprising that we still get asked “What things are there to do at Deep Creek?” when we always answer “Everything!” Offering lots of terrific last minute specials on our Deep Creek Lake rentals, our Reservationists are ready to help you find the perfect home for your winter getaway! Give our office a call today (1-866-351-1119 or online at www.deepcreekvacations.com)

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If you haven’t made plans yet, don’t forget that the 18th Annual MSP/NRP Deep Creek Dunk is coming up on February 20th. What has truly become a true Deep Creek Lake tradition for many, it is also a wonderful opportunity to help adults and children with special disabilities so that they may experience the joy of participating in the Maryland Special Olympics! Granted taking on the frigid waters of Deep Creek is no easy task but great fun is had by all and the costumes and outfits that you get to see is so worth it! Kiss, Pee Wee Herman, and Teen Wolf are just some of the many creative people you get see run in the water! Again, all for a great cause. Do you dare to dunk?  DSC_0104

Again, you must call us here at Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations and let us help you find the home that fits your needs! The Snow is here! We can’t wait to see you at the lake! #deepcreeklake #skiwisp #daretodunk