Page 22 - Garrett County 2022-2023 Activities Guide

Outdoor Experiences
PHOTO BY SARAH DUCK
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 301.334.8218 for daily conditions, updates and approximate ice depth to ensure it is safe for ice fishing.
Looking for some high-speed adventure? Garrett County has numerous state forest trails that are perfect for a snowmobile or other off-road vehicle (ORV). ORVs must be registered annually with the Department of Natural Resources and display a registration sticker. Snowmobile and other ORV riders may purchase their ORV permit online at compass.dnr.maryland. gov/dnrcompassportal. Permits are also available at Deep Creek Lake, New Germany and Herrington Manor state parks, and at Savage River State Forest and Potomac- Garrett State Forest. The ORV permit is effective immediately and may be printed by the customer to carry with them while riding.
For those who like their outdoor fun in a group setting, Deep Creek Adventure Bureau (dcabfun.com) hosts runs, races and fundraisers all year long. In winter, join fat bike rides through the snow at our state parks and on our local trails!
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. Fork Run Recreation Area Trails consist of more than
9 miles of pet-friendly trails surrounded by magnificent woods.
For more information on county trails, contact Garrett Trails at garretttrails.org.
Prefer to explore on two wheels? Discover the open roads of
Garrett County on a motorcycle
or bike. Garrett County has more than 150 miles of mountain-bike trails for anyone from beginners
to adventurers looking for a jaw- dropping challenge. Margraff Plantation, part of Savage River State Forest, has two connected loops extending for more than 7 miles, with surfaces that range from a single dirt track to gravel roads.
For experienced mountain bikers, there’s a difficult trail that leads
up to the fire lookout tower in Deep Creek Lake State Park. (Maryland law requires helmets for riders under 16, and they’re highly recommended for every rider.)
20 Garrett County & Deep Creek Lake Activities Guide
PHOTO BY KRISTEN FISCHETTI – HIGHER FOCUS STUDIOS