Page 21 - Garrett County 2023/2024 Visitors Guide

In the winter: thirty-three ski slopes and countless miles of cross-country tracks. In the spring: forests and meadows bursting
into bloom as you hike or bike past. In the summer: the beach, festivals and long nights spent by the campfire. In the fall: spectacular foliage competing with the reds and pinks of a sunset over the water to create a dazzling natural display.
And let’s not forget Deep Creek Lake, a gorgeous body of water that invites you to swim, boat and fish. (Even in the cold season, you don’t have to miss out on lake fun — ice fishing is a popular winter pastime!)
So join us for all-season outdoor fun — you may never want to leave.
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. Trails are grouped into categories, including Town Trails (ideal for quick workouts and people with mobility restrictions), easy forest trails, fishing and boating trails, state park trails and more.
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/lodestone), designed by Hale Irwin. 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/fantasy-valley), embraces modern course design in a setting whose charm has attracted golfers since 1980.
Thousand Acres Golf Club
(thousandacresgolf.com) is carefully constructed to protect and enhance
the natural environment. Players will have stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains and Deep Creek Lake. Formerly a nine-hole course, Thousand Acres is celebrating its inaugural year as an 18-hole, 7,200-yard championship course in 2023.
Oakland Golf Club (golfatoakland.com) spans 6,395 yards of scenic, rolling terrain and is home to the annual Western Maryland Amateur Championship.
Other courses in close proximity to Garrett County include Alpine Lake Resort (alpinelake.com/golf), Rocky Gap Casino Resort (rockygapresort. com/golf) and Preston Country Club (prestoncountryclub.com).
If you’d rather golf on a smaller scale, Garrett County has two miniature golf courses with fun obstacles and designs. For more information, check out visitdeepcreek.com.
SUMMER
Deep Creek Lake is Maryland’s largest freshwater lake and offers a reprieve from the summer heat. Deep Creek Lake State Park has a sandy beach perfect for soaking up the sun, building sandcastles or playing volleyball, and kids can swim safely in the roped-off swimming areas. Picnic tables throughout the park are the perfect place for a family lunch.
Paddleboarders love the serenity of the flat- water lakes that adorn the Garrett County countryside. Some of the favorite spots are found at Herrington Manor State Park, New Germany State Park, Savage River Reservoir and Broadford Lake Park, which welcome non-gas-powered boats. Local outfitters rent equipment and offer eco-tours around Savage River Reservoir.
OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES
CREDE CALHOUN - VISION QUEST STUDIOS
www.visitdeepcreek.com 19
PHOTO BY SARAH DUCK