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Embrace the Outdoors: Explore the Best Hiking and Walking Trails in Garrett County, Maryland

With the arrival of summer, it’s the perfect time to lace up your hiking boots, grab a water bottle, and embark on an outdoor adventure. Garrett County, Maryland, nestled in the scenic Appalachian Mountains, offers an abundance of hiking and walking trails that showcase the region’s natural beauty. From lush forests and cascading waterfalls to panoramic vistas, these trails cater to all skill levels and provide opportunities to connect with nature. In this article, we will highlight some of the best hiking and walking trails in Garrett County, inviting you to explore the great outdoors.

Swallow Falls State Park is a true gem, boasting several beautiful hiking trails. The park’s main attraction is Muddy Creek Falls, Maryland’s highest free-falling waterfall. Take the easy 1.25-mile trail to witness the majestic cascade and continue to explore the park’s scenic surroundings. The Swallow Falls Canyon Loop Trail offers a moderate 1.25-mile hike through ancient hemlock forests, leading you to tranquil Swallow Falls and breathtaking Tolivar Falls.

Deep Creek Lake State Park not only offers water activities but also features picturesque hiking trails. The Indian Turnip Trail is a 1.4-mile loop trail that winds through hardwood forests and showcases stunning lake views. For a longer adventure, the Beckman’s Trail offers a 5.5-mile loop around the park, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the area’s diverse flora and nature.

Herrington Manor State Park is known for its serene lake, but it also offers fantastic trails to explore. The Hemlock Trail is an easy 1.2-mile loop that meanders through a beautiful forest of hemlock trees. For a longer hike, try the 6-mile Rock Maze Trail, which takes you on a journey through diverse landscapes, including scenic overlooks and the unique “rock maze” formation.

The Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center features interpretive exhibits and educational programs, as well as nature trails. The Lake Shore Trail is a 1.4-mile easy hike that takes you along the picturesque shoreline of Deep Creek Lake. Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the lake.

Located just outside of Garrett County, Casselman River Bridge State Park offers a historic and scenic hiking experience. The park’s trails lead you to the iconic Casselman River Bridge, built in 1813. Explore the 0.25-mile self-guided interpretive trail to learn about the history and significance of the bridge, and then continue onto the Great Allegheny Passage, a long-distance hiking and biking trail that follows the path of the former Western Maryland Railway.

Memorial Day

Today we honor the many women and men that lost their lives serving to protect our country and citizens. Many of us have family that we remember and honor on this day by picnics, family, and friend gatherings. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day to honor and mourn those who died while serving. Many volunteers place American flags on the graves of military personnel in national cemeteries.

Cities and towns across the United States host Memorial Day parades each year, including our own Oakland, Maryland. often incorporating military personnel and members of veterans’ organizations. Some of the largest parades take place in ChicagoNew York and Washington, D.C.

Americans also observe Memorial Day by wearing a red poppy in remembrance of those fallen in war—a tradition that began with a World War I poem. On a less somber note, many people take weekend trips or throw parties and barbecues on the holiday, perhaps because Memorial Day weekend—the long weekend comprising the Saturday and Sunday before Memorial Day and Memorial Day itself—unofficially marks the beginning of summer.

Grand Old Flag

The Best Things to Do in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland

Deep Creek Lake State Park is an idyllic spot to launch a boat. Wisp Resort operates a rental kiosk on the park’s public beach for kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and beach chairs.

Want to take paddling to the next level? Wisp has a 1,700-foot recirculating whitewater course on the top of the mountain, for gentler rapids than some on the nearby Youghiogheny River. Guides help rafts and kayaks maneuver the rock-lined loop. You can ride the ski chairlift to get to the course, taking in mountain and lake views.

Drop the paddle and start a motor at Lake Life Rentals in McHenry. The outfitter issues temporary boating licenses so you can steer pontoons with cushioned seats and a canopy for sun coverage. (Seafaring dogs are allowed.) For an additional fee, rent tubes to strap on the back of the boat.

The placid water makes the lake an ideal spot to learn how to waterski and wakeboard. Book a session with Rouse Water Sports, departing from the Deep Creek Marina Club. Greg Rouse, a water­ski instructor with more than 30 years’ experience, uses a training boom—a bar that extends from the boat onto the water—for a beginner-friendly lesson. Start with water­skis, or if you’re more advanced, try barefoot skiing.

Beyond the lake, there are hikes that take you by local waterways. To learn more about the area’s ecology, reserve a spot on a river walk led by All Earth Eco Tours. Stroll along the Youghiogheny River while a guide points out plants and animals. After a mile walk upstream, the tour stops at a swimming hole for downtime in the water.

Stop at Firefly Farms Market to stock up on Maryland-made cheese, cured meats, and crackers. At the cafe, the farm’s cow’s- and goat’s-milk cheeses are folded into cheffy sandwiches. West Virginia’s Mountain State Brewing Company has an outpost in McHenry for pub fare, flatbread pizzas, and cold beers. The back patio often hosts live music in summer. For a sweet treat by the water, grab a cone from Lakeside Creamery or, to customize your confection, pick a glaze and toppings at Deep Creek Donuts.

for more The Best Things to Do in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland (washingtonian.com)

Deep Creek Farmers Market season begins

The Deep Creek Farmers Market is a community event that promotes a wholesome, social gathering place in our area showcasing the rich agricultural heritage, local craftspersons, and unique small businesses of the area. Visit food vendors, craftors, live bands, and more! The Mission of this market is to serve all Garrett County residents and visitors alike, and specifically the Deep Creek Lake/Northern Garrett County region. There are inherent benefits for the consumer, producer, and community where food is grown, purchased, and consumed locally. They strive to improve the variety, taste, and freshness of products available to consumers in our area. The Farmers Market is open every friday during the summer season from 3-6pm between the fairgrounds and the college parking lot. visit Deep Creek Farmers Market – “Grow, nourish, and inspire community” for more information

Bobcat Academy gives students immersive college experience

Frostburg State University will be hosting students from both Allegany and Garrett Counties in a Dual Enrollment Pilot program next fall.  The Bobcat Academy will give students an immersive college experience and an opportunity to earn college credits while completing their senior year of high school.  Dr. Kim Green-Kalbaugh, Chief Academic Officer for Allegany County, spoke about the academy at this month’s school board meeting. Garrett County schools will have open house events on May 19th and 30th for students and parents interested in the Bobcat Academy.

for more information Bobcat Academy gives students immersive college experience | WCBC (wcbcradio.com)

Garrett County Gran Fondo – Ride Through the Scenic Wonders of Mountain Maryland

Get ready for a wild ride through the scenic wonders of the Deep Creek Lake area and mountain Maryland. The 12th annual Garrett County Gran Fondo is now accepting registrations and is proudly presented by the Garrett Trails Organization

MCHENRY, MD, May 05, 2023 /24-7PressRelease/ — Whether you’re a casual cyclist or an experienced athlete, this challenging ride is guaranteed to offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the stunning views of the mountains to the vibrant culture at each stop, riders will get to experience all that mountain Maryland has to offer. Not only that, riders can rest assured knowing that their efforts will be put to good use in supporting local trail initiatives led by the Garrett Trails Organization.

Garrett County, Maryland is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and unique outdoor experiences. On Saturday, June 17th, 2023, cyclists from all over the country will have a chance to take in the beauty and majesty of this region with the Garrett County Gran Fondo cycling event.

This challenging ride will take riders on a 25 -125-mile route through some of the most picturesque spots in mountain Maryland. Along the way, riders will get to experience some of Garrett County’s best attractions such as Deep Creek Lake and the scenic Youghiogheny River.

Read more: https://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/news/24-7-press-release/garrett-county-gran-fondo-ride-through-the-scenic-wonders-of-mountain-maryland#ixzz80qQGePrC

photo via Garrett County Gran Fondo – Ride Through the Scenic Wonders of Mountain Maryland (digitaljournal.com)

First Deep Creek Lake Visitors Map

The first Deep Creek Lake visitor’s map?

This 1936 map was made by Frank Corliss, who was in charge of the surveying for the original land acquisition of the lake. Labeled with roads, the businesses along the “strip” on 219 and lot owners, along with the factoid info on the right, it looks a lot like a visitor’s map to me.

Lots of cool details and info on here – stuff that’s long gone and some things that are still here.

For more info on the map, Frank Corliss and a downloadable bigger version, head over to Chris Nichols website: https://dimesy.com/…/the-first-visitors-map-of-deep…/

What’s Up Deep Creek for May 2023

Taylor-Made Deep Creek Sales

What’s Up at Deep Creek? Glad you asked! Here’s the scoop on area happenings for May 2023.

One. Last. Chance. at Sipside Lounge

May 3, 5-9PM
Hosted by Barb and Pat Franc, this fundraiser benefits the Garrett Regional Medical Center Foundation. Open to the public, is supports the GMRC’s Behavioral Health Center. There will be a cash bar, drink specials, and live music.

Fletcher’s Spring Fling
May 5, 6:30PM
Join us for a Fun Filled Celebration of Fletcher’s Miracle Journey! Fletcher’s Spring Fling is a fundraising event to benefit Fletcher Layne Fazenbaker’s family. She was born with a rare congenital brain tumor and received treatment at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Her family is experiencing financial burdens due to the time away from home, work and their business. There will be live music by the Remedy, food by Goehringer’s Catering, bouquet bar by Jeffries Farm, The Travel Mug Coffee Trailer, games, prizes & more!

The Meadow Spring Kick Off Event 2023
May 6, 8AM-4PM
Halian Landscapes and Mosser Meadow Nurseries invite you to their 2nd annual spring kick off. There will be plants, artisans, food, and fun!
-ABPH Art
-Bearded Bee
-Fernwood Soap
-Mountain Magic Candle Company
-Pleasant Valley Woodcrafts
-Spruce Knob Maple
*FOOD: Coffee Bar, Wildom Farm and Sweitzer’s BBQ
*LIVE MUSIC: by Terah Crawford
*FREE Kettle Corn and Face Painting

Team Trivia
Every Thursday, 6:30-8:30PM
Mountain State Brewing Company hosts team trivia every Thursday throughout the year!

Team Bingo
Every Sunday, 1PM-3PM
Mountain State Brewing Company hosts team bingo every Sunday throughout the year!

Mountain Fresh Spring Farmers Market
Every Saturday in May, 10AM-1PM
Held at the pavilion off 2nd Street in Downtown Oakland by the town parking lot, local vendors offer farm fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and more.

HART for Animals Guest Bartender Challenge
May 10, 6-9PM
Taylor-Made real estate is your host at Mountain State Brewing Co. for the annual Have a HART Guest Bartender Challenge! Stop by for a drink and help support a great cause!

Plant Your Own Herb Planter
May 11, 18, and 25, 6:30PM
Three Sisters Farm will provide several varieties of culinary herbs, a strawberry pot to plant them in and soil. Cost is $5 and includes food from Big Dogs Deli. Bring a beverage of choice. Space is limited and you must be pre registered.

Mountain Maryland Native Plant Festival
May 13, 10AM-3PM
New Germany State Park is the location for this celebration of native plants. There will be native plants for sale, family friendly activities, nature walks, and educational displays.

Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet at Savage River Lodge
May 14, 10AM-2PM
Reservations are recommended for this Lodge tradition that features made to order omelettes and waffles, a carving station, and assorted side dishes and desserts.

Mothers Day Buffet at Wisp Resort
May 14, 11AM-2PM
Wisp Resort offers a delicious buffet and complimentary photos for you and your mom. Reservations are required. Call 855-990-0304.

Dutch’s Wine Pairing Dinner
May 18, 4-9:30PM
Dutch’s at Silver Tree offers a special wine pairing dinner menu with Garrett Mentors, a local children’s mentoring organization, receiving funds from the sales. Please call Dutch’s to make your reservation: 301-387-0525!

National Road Festival Yard Sale
May 20, 8AM-1PM
Held throughout the town of Grantsville, the National Road Festival Yard Sale has become one of the biggest events of the National Road Festival. Other events going on during the yard sale include:

  • Free appraisals provided by Blue Moon Antiques
  • Car Show, Grantsville Town Park
  • Food Trucks, Grantsville Park
  • Live Music in the afternoon sponsored by the Grantsville A&E District
  • Kids’ games provided by JTF

Growing and Caring for Lavender
May 20, 10-11:30AM
Deep Creek Lavender Farm’s owner, Anne Davidson, teaches you about growing, propagating, and caring for Lavender. Learn about the history and uses of lavender. Plants and lavender items can be purchased after the class.

Make a Wood Wick Dough Bowl Candle
May 20, 10:30AM
Head to The Studio at Marsh Hill to learn to make a triple wood wick candle. Mix scent into the wax and pour into a rustic wooden dough bowl. The class cost is $52.

2nd Annual Deep Creek Lake Memorial Weekend Craft Show!
May 26 3-7PM and May 27 10AM-6PM
Held at the Garrett County Fairgrounds, this event includes numerous craft vendors along with great food.

Mountains and Museums
Memorial Day Weekend
All seven of the county’s museums will be open during Memorial Day weekend for the Mountains and Museum event, on Saturday, May 27, 2023. The Oakland Museums will be open on Friday and Saturday, May 26-27,2023, 11-4 and Sunday, May 28, 2023, 12-3