Garrett County State Parks Recreation Guide 2024

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Table of Contents

DEEP CREEK LAKE STATE PARK .............6

898 State Park Road, Swanton, Md. 301-387-5563

SANG RUN STATE PARK & ...................10

YOUGHIOGHENY SCENIC & WILD RIVER

3735 Sang Run Road, McHenry, Md. 301-387-5563

CASSELMAN RIVER BRIDGE ................12

STATE PARK 10240 National Pike, Grantsville, Md. 301-895-5453

BIG RUN STATE PARK ...........................14

10368 Savage River Road, Swanton, Md. 301-895-5453

NEW GERMANY STATE PARK .............16

349 Headquarters Lane, Grantsville, Md. 301-895-5453

HERRINGTON MANOR STATE PARK ........22

222 Herrington Lane, Oakland, Md. 301-334-9180

SWALLOW FALLS STATE PARK .........24

2470 Maple Glade Road, Oakland, Md. 301-387-6938

JENNINGS RANDOLPH LAKE ..............24

Mt. Zion Road, Swanton, Md. 301-334-9180

WOLF DEN RUN STATE PARK .............28

1699 Upperman Road, Oakland, Md. 301-334-1272

DANS MOUNTAIN STATE PARK .............34

17410 Recreation Area Road, SW Lonaconing, Md. 301-895-5453

Welcome to Garrett County State Parks!

What was it that first lured you to explore Garrett County State Parks? Was it recreational opportunities on Deep Creek Lake, Maryland’s largest impoundment of water? Or was it Muddy Creek Falls, Maryland’s highest free-falling waterfall? Perhaps it was the chance to ride the trails at Wolf Den Run, Maryland’s only off-road recreational vehicle state park, or ride class V rapids through the Youghiogheny Natural Environment Area, Maryland’s only designated Scenic and Wild River. Did you want to stay overnight in a historic fullservice cabin built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, or unique campsites that include a three sided adirondack style shelter? Those opportunities in Maryland State Parks are only found in Garrett County!

We host plenty of unique, outdoor extremes in our region, but not all extremes come in adventuresized packages. Instead, maybe you

came for the chance to experience a proper winter in the county that has the coldest temperatures and heaviest snowfall of anywhere in the state. Or to swim in a serene mountain lake, achievable from three state parks in Garrett County. Perhaps you wanted to unplug in nature, knowing that there are ample opportunities to avoid cell service, traffic, and crowds on public lands in Garrett County. Whatever the reason that brought you here, we are glad that you came!

FROM THE COVER

New Germany State Park boasts two recently renovated, historic pavilions built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s. The Tall Oaks Pavilion (cover photo) and the Tamarack Pavilion (circle photo, opposite page) can be rented for family gatherings, weddings and other special events, such as Rachel and Kevin’s 2023 wedding. More information on page 16.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA FIKE

DEEP CREEK LAKE STATE PARK

Year-Round Beauty and Lakeside Recreation

Cradled at the base of the picturesque Meadow Mountain, Deep Creek Lake sits more than 2,500 feet above sea level. The park boasts about a mile of shoreline along Maryland’s largest man-made lake. The Ranger Station is located at the intersection of Brant and State Park Roads.

DISCOVERY CENTER

Meet animals up close, learn to fish, or attend one of our regularly scheduled programs, campfires, and guided hikes, available through the year. Schedules are posted on bulletin boards throughout the park. Don’t forget to stop by the Aviary that houses non-releasable birds of prey. Admission is free.

SWIMMING AND PICNICKING

Cool off on the only guarded public swimming beach on the lake Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, then recharge at one of the many waterfront picnic sites. Additionally, four shelters are available with a reservation for larger groups.

CAMPING

Meadow Mountain Campground has 112 campsites available April 15 - December 15 annually. Each site is conveniently located near heated restroom facilities with hot water showers. Twenty-six sites offer 30-amp electrical service. There are no water hookup sites. A dump station is available at the campground entrance. The Bear Den (an Adirondackstyle shelter), two mini camper-cabins and a yurt are available for reservation. The maximum length of stay is two weeks. Visit parkreservations.maryland.gov, scan the QR code to make reservations or call 888-432-2267.

TRAILS

The Meadow Mountain trail system features over 20 miles of multi-use trails that vary in length and difficulty. Mountain bike under a canopy of rhododendron or hike through a mountain-scape peppered with ferns. Visit Park Headquarters or the Discovery Center for a map.

BOATING AND FISHING

Deep Creek Lake is perfect for big boats and small boats alike! A canoe/kayak launch is located inside the day-use area of the park. The boat launch facility is located outside the day-use area along State Park Road. Please be sure to follow the proper safety guidelines to ensure a great experience. Fish along the shoreline of Deep Creek Lake (outside of designated swimming areas) for stocked trout, walleye, bass, and yellow perch. Hunting and fishing licenses are available at the Ranger Station.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO...

• The boat launch facility is open 24 hours a day except when winter weather or icy conditions prohibits access to water.

• A service charge covers the daily launching and removal of your boat during a 24-hour period.

• Personal watercraft, such as jet skis, may not be operated on the lake 11 a.m. to 4p.m. on the Saturday, Sunday and the holiday of Memorial Day weekend and the Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from July 1 through Labor Day.

Facts about the lake

SHORELINE: 65 MILES

LAKE ELEVATION: 2,462 FEET

AREA OF LAKE: 3,900 ACRES

SUMMER BOTTOM TEMPERATURE: 49°F

SUMMER SURFACE TEMPERATURE: 73°F

AVERAGE DEPTH: 26.5 FEET

APPROXIMATE DEPTH OF ICE IN WINTER: 18”

MEADOW MOUNTAIN ELEVATION: 3,022’

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Natural Resources Management Area

The lake management office is located on Brant Road just past the state park Ranger Station. Information about buffer strip use and lake regulations can be obtained by calling 301-387-4112.

The state property around the lake is commonly known as the buffer strip. Annual permits are issued to adjacent property owners who wish to use the buffer strip to access the lake.

YOUGHIOGHENY WILD

RIVER NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AREA

Beginning in the southern end of Garrett County, the Youghiogheny (pronounced Yock-ah-GANE-E) River flows northward into Pennsylvania, and is part of the Mississippi River watershed. In 1975, a 21-mile segment was designated as Maryland’s first Wild River.

Managed by the Maryland Park Service, the protected corridor along the river preserves its natural and aesthetic resources. Today, thousands of whitewater enthusiasts flock to Sang Run to experience the Class V rapids. This section is NOT for beginners, and challenges even the most experienced paddlers.

sang run state park

Step back in time at Sang Run State Park. Since the early 1800s, the Friend Family owned the farm and store until the State acquired it in 2008. The Friends Store and Election House were the center of the Sang Run community until the 1970s. Stop by this gem and explore the native wildflower meadows by way of the Bluebird Trail, tour the rustic Friends Store, or tour the demonstration gardens around the park. Stop by the Election House and learn about how efforts of the suffrage movement in Garrett County helped to propel the 19th Amendment. Picnic with the family or rent the picnic shelter for larger gatherings. Be sure to visit our annual Fallfest the last Saturday in September, featuring pumpkin painting, apple cider pressing, and much more! During the winter months, Sang Run has become the newest cross-country ski trail in the county.

For more information, scan QR code now.

casselman river bridge state park

A National Historic Landmark

Due to safety concerns, the Maryland Park Service has temporarily closed Casselman River Bridge State Park. Fencing and signs have been installed to prevent public access to the park, including a small portion of the Casselman River.

The closure was put in place after the historic Casselman River Bridge was inspected by the Engineering and Construction unit of the Department of Natural Resources. Engineers noted cracking within the stonework, missing grout, and dislodged stones. The closure precedes a scheduled restoration and repair project that is expected to begin in 2024.

Casselman River is a popular location for fishing and is stocked by the Department of Natural Resources. Anglers can still access the river to fish at locations outside of the state park.

Astride the Casselman River just east of Grantsville stands the historic Casselman River Bridge. Originally constructed in 1813, the single arch stone bridge once served the old National Road, which linked Cumberland, MD with the Ohio River. The stone arch of the bridge is 26 feet wide, 3 feet thick, and from end to end spans 80 feet, making it the largest bridge of its type in America at the time of its opening. It was reportedly made longer than necessary in hopes that the proposed Chesapeake and Ohio Canal would someday pass underneath.

The presence of the Casselman River Bridge helped make the surrounding area, known as Little Crossings, a thriving center of commerce and transportation, with many stagecoaches, wagons, horsemen and foot travelers utilizing the bridge during their travels. Many buildings appeared during this economic boom, including a store and inn which remains today as the Penn Alps Restaurant and Craft Shop. The advent of the railroads in the 1840s resulted in cheaper travel. The National Road went into decline, but eventually acquired more interest and funding for road developments in the early 20th century to accommodate a newer means of transportation: the automobile.

The bridge continued in service until a new steel bridge was built along modern U.S. 40 in 1933. The State of Maryland restored the old stone bridge in the mid-1950’s, and it is now the center of Casselman River Bridge State Park, Maryland’s smallest State Park at 4 acres.

Your Basecamp for Forest and River Recreation

big run state park Friendly reminders

Swimming and gas-powered boats are prohibited in the Savage River Reservoir. Pets must be leashed and accompanied by owner. Consumption of alcohol is prohibited, except inside motor homes. An alcohol permit can be purchased for the Big Run Pavilion at time of reservation.

Potable water and trash receptacles are not provided.

Big Run DOES NOT have cell service.

If a peaceful, secluded outdoor experience is what you need, then Big Run State Park in Swanton is just the place. Nestled between two native brook trout streams and the Savage River, Big Run features 29 primitive campsites that are open and reservable year-round.

Big Run also offers a group camping area and a large picnic pavilion for day-time use. To reserve a campsite or pavilion, call 1-888-432CAMP or visit parkreservations. maryland.gov. Reservations are strongly encouraged, but walk-in camping for one night only can be accommodated at the selfregistration area.

The headwaters of the Savage River Reservoir is within walking distance of all campsites and pavilions, which provides anglers with bountiful trout, bass, catfish, tiger muskie and more. A boat launch area is available for small watercraft, such as kayaks, canoes and rowboats. Be prepared for low water levels during most times of the year, which creates riverine

conditions and can make trailered boats challenging to launch. Waterless restrooms are available year-round.

The popular, 4.6 mile Monroe Run Hiking Trail in Savage River State Forest is accessible from Big Run. Trail parking is available along Big Run Road. Backpackers wishing to obtain a backcountry permit to camp along the trail must do so through Savage River State Forest facilities.

New germany state park

A Best Kept Secret

New Germany State Park is nestled peacefully between Big Savage Mountain and the Eastern Continental Divide – with miles of multi-use trails, plentiful lakeside activities, year-round overnight options, and four-season fun for the whole family, New Germany is where memories are made.

Cabins: New Germany features twelve log cabins available to reserve yearround. Each cabin combines rustic features with the cozy comforts of home, including electric heat, a wood stove, a full kitchen and bathroom. Pets are welcome in cabins #3-7.

Swimming, Boating & Fishing: New Germany’s 13-acre lake provides a designated swimming area – kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards are available to rent at the Lake House or Ranger Station. A free boat ramp is located north of the swim beach. Gasoline powered vessels are prohibited on New Germany Lake. Anglers can fish for trout, bass, catfish, panfish or tiger muskie. No license is required for anyone under 16 years old. Fishing licenses are available for purchase at the Ranger Station.

Nature & History Programs: The Nature Center is open daily during the summer and features interactive displays and self-guided activities. Ranger led crafts, guided hikes and campfire programs are scheduled in advance. The Nature Center

also includes a separate room dedicated to the Civilian Conservation Corps and its influence on New Germany State Park.

Camping: Camp under the stars at one of New Germany’s 49 serene campsites. Several sites accommodate small camper trailers or motorhomes, however only sites 34 and 58 offer 30 amp electric service. The Alpine Lodge (an Adirondackstyle shelter) has a 10-person capacity and is a great option for larger families or small groups. The White Oak Loop is open year-round and has a heated shower house. The Hemlock Loop is petfriendly. Reservations are recommended, but walk-in campers are welcome. A dump station and potable water are located outside the entrance to the campground.

Trails: With more than 10 miles of trails, New Germany is a delight for hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts. Trails range from easy to moderate, and are well signed and intersect frequently to allow users the opportunity to easily adapt their route as needed. Leashed pets are welcome.

Shelters: New Germany features two historic, recently renovated, ADA accessible picnic pavilions with a new restroom facility constructed in 2022. The Tall Oaks Pavilion has a 75-person capacity and features a wood burning fireplace. The Tamarack Pavilion has a 40-person capacity and is located next to the playground. An alcohol permit can be purchased at the time of reservation. For shelter reservations, call 888432-CAMP or visit parkreservations. maryland.gov.

The Black Forest Room inside the Lake House has a 60-person capacity and is available to reserve in the spring and fall. Call the Ranger Station at 301-8955453 for more information.

Winter Activities: When conditions allow, cross-country skis and snowshoes are available to rent and the trails are tracked and groomed for skiing. Ice fishing is allowed on New Germany Lake, but anglers must use extreme caution when walking on the ice. Once known as “The Maryland Alps”, New Germany has a number of hillsides once used for downhill skiing, but are now enjoyed by sledding enthusiasts. After a day of playing in the snow, visitors can enjoy refreshments and a warm fire inside the Lake House.

Gift Shop: Visit our gift shop, located inside the Ranger Station, for firewood, hunting/fishing licenses, clothing, specialty gifts and more. Open daily, yearround, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

herrington manor state park

Outdoor Adventures for All Seasons

Herrington Manor is steeped in the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps, an emergency program established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933 that paired the nation’s high number of unemployed young men with the desperate need for conservation work across the country. The Corps built the dam, dug the lake and built several of the log cabins still enjoyed today. In 1964, Herrington Manor officially became a state park, getting it’s name for Sgt. Abijah Herrington, a Revolutionary War soldier.

Today, Herrington Manor offers year-round recreation in the open air. Herrington Lake encompasses

53 acres of great fishing, swimming, paddling, and bird watching, and is stocked with rainbow trout in the spring. Large mouth bass, blue gill, chain pickerel and even a few catfish reside in the lake year round. Canoe, kayak, and SUP rentals are provided at the Lake House, as well as some snacks for those who forgot to pack a picnic basket.

Herrington Manor’s trails connect with the state forest, and offer miles of hiking and cross-country skiing in the winter. Pets on a leash are always welcome, and can even cool their paws in the lake near the boat ramp.

Friendly reminders

• The park is open 8 a.m. to sunset

• Alcohol is prohibited in the park except inside cabins. Permits are available for the Lake House and Pavilion reservations.

• Pets are welcome at Herrington Manor with a few exceptions. They are prohibited on the beach and designated swim areas. Pets are prohibited inside buildings, with the exception of the designated pet-friendly cabins (numbers 1-10). They must be leashed and accompanied by owners at all times.

• Herrington Manor is a trash-free park. Please take your trash home with you and plan accordingly for your visit.

AT YOUR LEISURE

Accessibility: The headquarters, lake house, beach area and fishing pier are accessible to the mobility impaired. A beach wheelchair is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cabins: Offering 20 full service cabins with electricity, bathrooms with shower, fully-equipped kitchens including refrigerator and dishes, as well as wood burning fireplaces with inserts. Personal items such as towels, linens, pillows, blankets, dish soap, toiletries and food are not provided. A two night minimum stay is required on nonholiday weekends and a three-day minimum stay is required on holiday weekends. Cabins are available year round.

Boating: Canoe, kayak and stand up paddle boards (SUPs) rentals available on the lake, but visitors may bring their own boats (electric trolling motors only) as well.

Fishing: With a Maryland Angler’s license, fishermen can fish anywhere in the lake except for the swimming area. Licenses can be purchased at the park office. Children younger than 16 do not need a license.

Picnicking: Picnic tables and grills are scattered throughout the beach area, as well as other areas around the lake. A pavilion available to rent sits on top of a knoll above the beach and lake area.

Swimming: The lake features a swimming area, beach and concession stand. Lifeguards are on duty Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Hiking, Biking, Skiing & Snowshoeing: Ski and snowshoe rentals, as well as fat tire bike rentals are available at the lake house – open on weekends and holidays. During the week these items can be rented at the park office. The park has 10 miles of trails to hike, ski, and snowshoe, plus a 5-1/2 mile trail from Herrington Manor State Park to Swallow Falls State Park.

Wildlife: Herrington Manor is home to many different types of wildlife. Visitors might catch a glimpse of bears, turkeys, deer, foxes, squirrels, rabbits and other critters while enjoying the park. Remember, these animals are wildlife, so please do not feed them.

swallow falls state park

Old Growth Forest and an Ancient River

Best known for Maryland’s highest free-falling waterfall, Swallow Falls State Park is home to Muddy Creek Falls, which is a towering 53 feet. Four breathtaking waterfalls can be seen from the 1 1/4mile trail that meanders through the virgin hemlock and white pine forest. Some of the larger trees are over 330 years old. The Youghiogheny River gets its name from the American Indians, meaning river that flows the wrong way. The river flows north to Pittsburgh, Pa. Exercise extreme caution when around the river as fast currents, violent rapids, slippery rocks, and underwater hydraulics have caused injuries and deaths.

CAMPING IS “IN-TENTS”

Swallow Falls State Park has a campground with 65 sites, modern bath houses, fire rings, lantern posts, and stabilized pads. Three sites have sewer, water and electric, and three sites have water and electric. Each campsite can accommodate two camping units (up to 6 people) per campsite and one person must be 18 years or older. Additionally, the campground has three camper cabins that have electric with one double bed and bunk bed, a mini-fridge, and a microwave. Alcohol is prohibited in all areas of the park except in class A motorhome or with an alcohol permit for a pavilion reservation. Pets are permitted in the campground year round, as long as a registered camper accompanies them at all times. Pets are only permitted in the day-use area from September 3 through May 24, 2024. For reservations, call 888-432-2267 Monday–Friday, or visit parkreservations. maryland.gov. You may contact the park at 301-387-6938 during the sumer season, or 301-334-9180 year round.

AT YOUR LEISURE

Picnicking: There are several picnic tables and grills located on the hill just past the main parking area. A pavilion located beside the main parking lot can be rented as well.

Hiking: a 1 1/4-mile trail meanders through the sensitive management area along the Youghiogheny River. Muddy Creek Falls, Upper and Lower Swallow Falls, and Tolliver Falls can be seen on this loop trail. A 5.5-mile trail also connects Swallow Falls State park to Herrington Manor State Park.

jennings

randolph lake

Mt. Zion Road, Swanton 301-334-9180

Managed jointly by Swallow Falls State Park and Herrington Manor State Park, Jennings Randolph Lake was completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1981 as an emergency reservoir for metro Washington, D.C. More than five miles long, the lake flows along the North Branch of the Potomac River and divides Maryland and West Virginia. The Maryland Park Service, Freshwater Fisheries and Natural Resources Police manage a boat ramp on the lake, open April through October, weather permitting. A floating dock and parking lot that accommodates 50 boat trailers can be found onsite.

Jennings Randolph Lake offers wonderful fishing and boasts the state record for walleye caught in 1998. Bring plenty of rope for your anchor line, as much of the lake is over 100 feet deep. Many species of wildlife can be spotted in the lake area, including bears, eagles, beavers, and waterfowl, but remember to respect the wildlife, and give them plenty of room to do their thing.

Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy time in nature, however recreating outdoors always has the potential to disturb natural and historical resources. In order to help enhance the park experience for all visitors, and protect the ecological and cultural value of Maryland State Parks, please minimize your impact by following LEAVE

PLAN AHEAD & BE PREPARED

• Prepare for extreme weather, hazards and emergencies. Call 911 or 410260-8888 if you have an emergency.

• Contact the park prior to your visit to confirm information regarding facility hours, programs, events, equipment rentals, trail recommendations, etc.

TRAVEL & CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES

• Stay on designated trails.

• Park only in designated parking spots.

• Keep all camping equipment and vehicles on the provided camp pad and driveway.

• Do not exceed campsite capacity.

LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND

• Observe historical and cultural structures and artifacts, but do not damage, alter or remove them.

• Leave rocks, plants, trees and natural objects as you find them.

• Cutting down trees for firewood is prohibited in Maryland State Parks.

• Do not carve, cut, break or hack live vegetation, or hang items by trees with nails or screws.

• Do not alter natural or historical

features with paint, chalk or other forms of graffiti.

DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY

• Maryland State Parks do not provide trash cans in order to minimize litter, odors and wildlife interactions. Please dispose of all trash and food waste in the provided dumpsters or pack-it-in, pack-it-out.

• Do not burn trash or food waste.

• Clean up after your pet.

MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTS

• Campfires are only permitted at designated campsites or group fire rings. Established fire rings must be used.

• Do not use charcoal grills for campfires.

• Use only firewood provided for sale or timber found in the immediate area of your campsite. Do not cut live vegetation.

• Firewood must be able to fit entirely within the fire ring.

• Purchase firewood locally to avoid transferring invasive forest pests.

• Do not leave fires unattended, and extinguish your campfire completely when finished.

NO TRACE outdoor ethics:

• Do not burn trash or food waste.

RESPECT WILDLIFE

• Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow, approach, harass or feed.

• Store food and trash securely. Use metal bear boxes when provided.

• Do not remove baby wildlife. They are often intentionally left alone for long periods of time.

• Contact a ranger if you have wildlife concerns. Do not attempt to handle wildlife.

• Keep pets on a leash at all times.

BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER VISITORS

• Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.

• Avoid raising your voice, playing loud music and running generators around other visitors.

• Yield to a variety of trail users, including foot traffic, mountain bikers and equestrians.

• Keep pets on a leash at all times.

WOLF DEN RUN STATE PARK

North Hill Road, Kitzmiller

Managed jointly by Swallow Falls and Herrington Manor

Managed jointly by Swallow Falls and Herrington Manor

State Parks, Wolf Den Run

State Parks, Wolf Den Run

State Park is the first Off Road Vehicle (ORV) state park in Maryland. The property comprises three distinct areas, including the Huckleberry Rocks Area, North Hill Area and the Potomac River Area. These areas combine to include 2000+ acres of mixed forest, three miles of river frontage on the North Branch of the Potomac River, three native brook trout streams and unique rocky bluffs rising 900 feet above the Potomac River.

State Park is the first Off Road Vehicle (ORV) state park in Maryland. The property comprises three distinct areas, including the Huckleberry Rocks Area, North Hill Area and the Potomac River Area. These areas combine to include 2000+ acres of mixed forest, three miles of River frontage on the North Branch of the Potomac River, three native brook trout streams and unique rocky bluffs rising 900 feet above the Potomac River.

All three areas also include rugged mountainous terrain with numerous ephemeral streams, meadows, small tributaries and wetlands. All three parcels are open for ORV riding with approximately 50 miles of trails to enjoy on the combined parcels. Passive recreational opportunities such as hiking, biking, fishing and birding are also welcome.

The Wolf Den Run State Park Office and Campground is now open. Riders can stop in to register to ride or call the park office at 301-3341272. The office is located in the campground area at 1699 Upperman Road, Oakland, MD 21550. Office hours are 9 am to 3 pm daily.

The Wolf Den Run Campground offers 10 primitive campsites with a picnic table and fire ring. Portable restrooms are available for use at each end of the campground. Reservations can be made by calling 888-432-CAMP, visiting parkreservations. maryland.gov, or scanning the QR code.

Reservations are required for ORV riding. Please call 301-334-1272

Hours for Motorized Use: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (April 1 – October 31) and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (November 1 –March 31)

Side by side, ATVs and dirt bikes require the use of a helmet.

Consumption of alcohol is prohibited.

Facilities are minimal, please prepare to be self-sufficient during your visit. No motorized use allowed during the annual deer firearms season (two weeks beginning the first Saturday after Thanksgiving). The park remains open for walk-in hunting and non-motorized use.

Weekdays: $199*

Weekends: $209*

Trail ride packages include a farm sanctuary tour LIKE

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dans mountain state park

Family Fun in the Cool Mountain Air

Perched high upon a 16-mile-long mountain in Lonaconing, Dans Mountain State Park is the perfect place to cool down on a hot summer day. The 481-acre park features a heated swimming pool, picnic pavilions, a recycled-tire playground, a fishing pond, and trails for hiking and mountain biking.

Swimming: The Dans Mountain swimming pool is heated and features a water slide! The pool is staffed by certified lifeguards and is fully accessible for persons with disabilities. Refreshments are available for sale at the entrance to the pool building, which was renovated in 2023. Hours are 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Hours are subject to change due to weather, staffing availability or scheduled maintenance.

Group Camping: Dans Mountain features the Hill Run Group Campsite, which is reservable from May through September. This site offers a tent camping experience for up to 40 people, and includes a large pavilion with a fireplace and electric outlets. Showers and potable water are not available. A portable bathroom is provided.

Gatherings and Parties: The park has three pavilions available for reservation for daytime use from April to October. The Mountain Top Pavilion and Pythian Pavilion are near the pool, and the Water Station Run Pavilion offers a panoramic view of the fishing pond. Call 888-432-2267 or visit parkreservations.maryland.gov to reserve. The pool is available by reservation for private parties (after hours) with certified lifeguards on duty. Call the Ranger Station at 301-895-5453 for more information.

Trails: The 4.5 mile Lonacona Loop was constructed in 2023 and provides users with a moderately challenging experience gaining 650 feet of elevation over rocky terrain. The Dye School Trail connects with the Lonacona Loop to create a one mile loop option that gains only 200 feet of elevation and features the foundation of the Dye School, a one-room schoolhouse active in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.

FROZEN WINTER WARNINGS

Remember, no ice is safe. Anyone who participates in ice activities must accept the degree of risk associated with this choice. Although ice fish-

ing, skiing and other activities are permitted on Deep Creek Lake, New Germany Lake and Herrington Manor Lake, visitors must use extreme caution.

MAKE THE MOST OF WINTER

Cross-Country Skiers and Snowshoers Flock to Garrett County’s Fresh Powder

The geographic location and topography of Garrett County align perfectly for ideal winter conditions, unrivaled by neighboring counties and States. Winter sports and activities draw hordes of fresh-powder and ice aficionados each winter. And don’t forget, the full-service cabins at Herrington Manor and New Germany State Parks are reservable yearround so you can stay and play at length!

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

Herrington Manor and New Germany State Parks both track and groom their trails for cross-country skiing when conditions allow. They also each rent equipment, making these locations ideal for beginner skiers hoping to try the sport for the first time. Have your own skis? Try crosscountry skiing at Sang Run State Park, an up and coming ski destination with epic mountain views.

ICE SKATING & ICE FISHING

During most winters, Deep Creek Lake, Herrington Lake and New Germany Lake will sustain ice thick enough to support pedestrians, such as ice skaters and ice fishermen.

However, the Maryland Park Service does not maintain ice surfaces in any way, and users must proceed at their own risk. Hard water anglers must follow all Maryland fishing regulations.

SNOWMOBILING

Deep Creek Lake State Park offers snowmobiling opportunities, including the Meadow Mountain Trail and access to Deep Creek Lake once it is sufficiently frozen enough to ride.

SNOWSHOEING

The joy of snowshoeing is that it is easy to learn, and provides visitors a chance to responsibly explore parks off-trail, since soils and

vegetation are protected under several inches of snow. Just be prepared: research your route ahead of time, have park maps and GPS available for reference, and let others know of your plan. Herrington Manor, New Germany and Deep Creek Lake State Park all have snowshoes available for visitors to rent.

SLED RIDING

The mountainous terrain of Garrett County allows for many informal sledding hills within State Parks, however the only maintained sledding hill is found near the park office at Herrington Manor State Park. This fun winter must-do even includes electric lights, so the fun can continue even after dark.

Children should ALWAYS be supervised. Always plan ahead: wear a life vest, tell someone your plans if you go out alone, carry an ice pick and nylon rope, and never venture onto the ice after dark.

The Maryland Park Service does not maintain ice surfaces in any way.

WILDLIFE management areas

Maintaining this Young Forest has Helped Support an Abundance of Wildlife

CUNNINGHAM SWAMP WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

9001 Bittinger Road, Swanton, MD 301-334-4255

Cunningham Swamp Wildlife Management Area is a 328 acre tract which encompasses the majority of Cunningham Swamp, a rich wetland with exceptional habitat for wetland and bog related species. There is ample opportunity for the Garrett County adventurer to hunt waterfowl and big game such as white-tailed deer and black bears. Bird watchers may find some interesting species here that prefer the thick cover of alder swamp types of habitat, including alder flycatchers, Nashville warblers, and golden-winged warblers.

MT. NEBO WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

1728 Kings Run Road, Oakland, MD 301-334-4255

Mt. Nebo Wildlife Management Area is a 1854-acre tract best known for its exceptional ruffed grouse and woodcock hunting. It is dominated by mixed hardwood forest and protects two red spruce bogs, one of the most unique wetlands in Maryland. These are among the oldest peat bogs in eastern North America, complete with a host of rare and endangered plants. In the fall, a man-made pond, or “impoundment,” attracts a variety of migrating waterfowl. Many trails and old roads invite quiet strolls or challenging hikes and take the visitor to many picturesque landscapes.

GARRETT COUNTY STATE FORESTS Connect with the land and Help Sustain Western Maryland’s Natural Resources

SAVAGE RIVER STATE FOREST

127 Headquarters Lane, Grantsville, Md. 301-895-5759

Savage River State Forest is located in central and eastern Garrett County, south of U.S. 40. The largest forest in Maryland with more than 55,000 acres, Savage River State Forest provides year-round recreation opportunities including hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, camping, backpacking, paddling, fishing, hunting and more.

The forest also features a shooting range and several miles of off-road vehicle trails, including St. John’s Rock ORV Trail. This trail is the state’s first modern off-road vehicle trail, featuring technical trail spurs, single-track hare-scramble style trail section, a full-size rock crawl area, and campsites designed to support off-road vehicles.

GARRETT STATE FOREST

1431 Potomac Camp Road, Oakland, Md. 301-334-2038

Located five miles northwest of Oakland off U.S. 219, Garrett State Forest is considered the birthplace of forestry conservation in Maryland. In 1906, the Garrett brothers, John and Robert,

donated 2,000 acres to the State of Maryland under the condition that a state forestry department be established to manage the area. This generous donation served as the foundation of Garrett State Forest and Maryland’s present public land system. Today, the forest consists of 8,000 acres with opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, camping, off-road vehicle trails and more.

POTOMAC STATE FOREST

1431 Potomac Camp Road, Oakland, Md. 301-334-2038

Potomac State Forest is located in southeastern Garrett County, off MD 135. This forest consists of 11,000 acres and provides several access points to the North Branch of the Potomac River. The forest provides opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, camping, a 3-D archery range, and several miles of off-road vehicle trails.

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Maryland’s working state forests are certified as sustainably managed by: Certified Sustainability Managed Forests

CALENDAR

SOLAR ECLIPSE PROGRAMS

April 8

DEEP CREEK LAKE STATE PARK – RAMP COOK OFF

April 27

DANS MOUNTAIN STATE PARK- YOUTH FISHING RODEO

April 27

HERRINGTON MANOR STATE PARK- YOUTH FISHING RODEO

May 11

OLD TIME JAMS AT THE NEW GERMANY STATE PARK LAKE HOUSE

May 17, June 21, July 19, August 16 & 30

NEW GERMANY STATE PARKMOUNTAIN MARYLAND NATIVE PLANT FESTIVAL

May 11

MARYLAND IRON FESTIVAL

May 20-21

NATIONAL TRAILS DAY ACTIVITIES

June 1

FREE FISHING DAYS IN MARYLAND

June 1 & 8, July 4

DEEP CREEK LAKE STATE PARK- 24TH ANNUAL ART IN THE PARK July 13 & 14

SANG RUN STATE PARKFALLFEST

September 28

SWALLOW FALLS STATE PARKAPPLE BUTTER BOIL

October 12

DEEP CREEK LAKE STATE PARK- DISCOVERY CENTER AFTER DARK

October 19

DEEP CREEK LAKE STATE PARKHOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

December 7

HERRINGTON MANOR STATE PARK: CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE

December 7