Page 21 - Garrett County 2022-2023 Activities Guide

Maryland’s only ski
resort. State parks that burst into spectacular bloom in the spring. A scenic man-made lake where you can spend a relaxing family vacation on the water, without the noise and crowds that come with an ocean beach. Stunning fall foliage that attracts visitors from all over the Mid-Atlantic.
Garrett County is truly a year-round outdoor destination. We invite you to join us and bond with your friends and family while you hike, bike, ski, swim, camp, or navigate one of several ORV tracks.
Whether you love a tranquil walk
in the woods or the thrill of tubing down a slope, we’re confident you’ll find your happy place here.
Winter
Wisp Resort (wispresort.com), Maryland’s only four-season downhill ski resort, is home to 33 slopes, spanning 137 acres. That diversity ensures you’ll find skiing and snowboarding activities tailored
to all levels of experience, from beginners to intermediates and experts. Lessons are available from qualified instructors, and lights illuminate the hills for nighttime activities.
There are dozens of trails and several Terrain Parks with jumps, boxes, rails and other features
to cater to freestyle skiers and snowboarders. The whole family
can enjoy snow tubing at the Wisp Mountain Park. (As long as everyone is 4 and older.) The snow-tubing slope has its own snowmaking
and grooming machine, so while weather still might impact your ability to snow tube, a lack of snow on the other slopes won’t mean you have to cancel your plans!
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular wintertime activities. Some of our favorite places to strap on the gear are New Germany and Herrington Manor State Parks. Park staffers
at New Germany groom and track the 12 miles of trails to make for
a great cross-country experience
for anyone from beginners to
more experienced skiers. Trails
at Herrington Manor are easy to 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), but the lodge is a year-round outdoor destination, with other offerings including cycling trips and an introduction to geocaching.
Those who prefer 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
www.visitdeepcreek.com 19
PHOTO BY CREDE CALHOUN – VISION QUEST STUDIOS
PHOTO BY CREDE CALHOUN – VISION QUEST STUDIOS