Page 20 - Garrett County 2021-2022 Activities Guide

Outdoor Experiences
PHOTO BY TIMOTHY JACOBSEN
State Parks. Park staffers at New Germany groom and track the
trails to make for a great cross- country experience for anyone from beginners to more experienced skiers. Trails at Herrington Manor begin at the intermediate level,
and rentals of skis, boots, poles, snowshoes and sleds are available 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in season. More information and current guidelines can be found at dnr.maryland. gov/publiclands/pages/western/ newgermany/winter-activities.aspx and dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/ pages/western/herringtonmanor/ winter-sports.aspx.
There are several groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Savage River Lodge (savageriverlodge.com). Overnight accommodations are available at 18 private cabins and yurts, and dining is available for guests on site. For those
who need a little extra help
to hit the trails, All Earth Eco Tours (allearthtours.com) offers guided cross-country skiing
and snowshoeing tours. Please call 301.746.4083 for available services.
Those who prefer more leisurely pursuits will enjoy a walk down to Muddy Creek Falls, the highest
free-falling waterfall in Maryland,
at Swallow Falls State Park (dnr. maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/ western/swallowfalls.aspx). The falls sometimes freeze over during icy weather, and you’ll get great views of the winter landscape along the way there.
Ice fishing is a popular winter sport at a number of lakes in Garrett County, including Deep Creek Lake, where the “catch
of the day” can include yellow perch, walleye, northern pike, bluegill, pickerel and other local species. Please call Deep Creek Lake State Park at 301.387.5563 for daily conditions, updates and approximate ice depth to ensure it is safe for ice fishing.
To obtain trail maps and more information about outdoor activities, visit Garrett County Visitors Center, located at 15 Visitors Center Drive, McHenry, MD 21541.
Spring
With the arrival of spring, you’ll have even more options for outdoor fun.
Garrett County is home to 40
trails ready to be navigated by novice hikers or experienced outdoor enthusiasts. Deep Creek Trail is perfect for a family stroll, with a half-mile trail that ends at Wisp Resort. Paths also run along wetlands that were originally part of Buffalo Swamp before Deep Creek Lake was developed.
PHOTO BY SARAH DUCK
18 The Deep Creek Experience Activities Guide