Page 24 - Garrett County 2023-2024 Activities Guide

OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES
Winter
Wisp Resort (wispresort.com), Maryland’s only four-season downhill ski resort, is home to
33 slopes, spanning 172 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. Visitors love the Mountain Coaster, a mix of an alpine slide and a roller coaster with stunning views of Deep Creek Lake. And 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.
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 (visitdeepcreek.com). The falls
22 Garrett County & Deep Creek Lake Activities Guide
PHOTO BY TIMOTHY JACOBSEN PHOTO BY CREDE CALHOUN – VISION QUEST STUDIOS