Page 20 - Garrett County - 2024 Activities Guide

OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES //
PHOTO BY SARAH DUCK
Those who prefer a cold-weather hike 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 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.
Another fun way to enjoy the cold season is with a horse-drawn sleigh ride from Circle R Ranch (deepcreeklakestable.com).
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!
SPRING
Spring is a wonderful time to witness the reawakening of nature as you wander Garrett County’s many hiking trails, which range
in difficulty level from “suitable for everyone” to those that only
a seasoned outdoor enthusiast should attempt.
If you’re not sure where to start, head to the Garrett Trails website (garretttrails.org) for an inventory of county trails. Garrett Trails has lately worked to make Garrett County’s trails more accessible
for those with mobility issues. The 0.65-mile Acorn Trail in the Fork Run Recreation Area is specifically designed to make hiking more accessible for those using all- terrain wheelchairs, senior citizens, those recovering from surgery, or those using adult strollers.
Another great way to enjoy the spring blooms: playing one
of the many fine golf courses
in the region. Players love the challenging fairways and dazzling scenery at Lodestone Golf Course (wispresort.com/activity/golf- overview). The course has the highest elevation of any golfing venue in Maryland at 2,973 feet above sea level.
Fantasy Valley Golf Course, formerly known as Wisp Resort Golf Course (wispresort.com/ activity/golf-overview), embraces modern course design in a setting whose charm has attracted golfers since 1980.
Lodestone Golf Course
18 Garrett County & Deep Creek Lake Activities Guide