Page 59 - Garrett County 2023/2024 Visitors Guide

FRIENDSVILLE
friendsville.org
Garrett County’s oldest settlement was named for its founder, John Friend Sr. Following the establishment of the Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Railroad, the town became an important shipping point for lumber. Today, Friendsville is conveniently located along I-68.
Vacationers flock to Friendsville for adventure sports, including great opportunities for whitewater rafting along the Youghiogheny River. The Youghiogheny, as well as Bear Creek, are two of the most significant trout waters in Maryland, and the Kendall Trail along the Youghiogheny River is a great destination for scenic hiking.
Local businesses include Precision Rafting, Wilderness Voyageurs and Demaree Inflatable Boats.
Population: 430 Elevation: 1,549 feet Incorporated: 1902
GRANTSVILLE
visitgrantsville.com
Grantsville is located east of Friendsville, and also sits along I-68.
The tract of land that would become Grantsville was originally called “Cornucopia.” It later became “Grant’s Village,” in honor of innkeeper Daniel Grant. The town benefited from its location along a route constructed to provide passage for troops during the French and Indian War. That route later became the National Road, drawing more business and settlers to the area.
The area’s must-see attraction is Casselman Bridge, built to carry the National Road across the Casselman River. Built in 1813, it was the largest stone
arch in America at the time. The bridge is open to foot traffic, and the surrounding Casselman River Bridge State Park is
a popular fly-fishing spot. Nearby, the Spruce Forest Artisan Village preserves the area’s cultural heritage. Visit working artisans housed in log cabins and explore the school house and church.
Population: 701 Elevation: 2,414 feet Incorporated: 1864
KITZMILLER
kitzmillermd.org
Once a major producer and shipper of coal, this town east of Oakland is now most attractive for its scenic location along the North Branch of the Potomac River.
Visitors enjoy fishing in the river, picnicking along its banks or taking in scenic views along Kitzmiller’s river walk.
The Kitzmiller area is close to Garrett County’s youngest state park, Wolf Den Run. The park encompasses nearly 2,000 acres, including three brook trout streams, 1,700 acres of mixed forest, and rocky bluffs rising 900 feet above the Potomac River. For more information, go to dnr. maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/ western/wolf-den-run.aspx.
Kitzmiller
LOCH LYNN HEIGHTS
business.visitdeepcreek.com/list/member/town-of-loch- lynn-heights-34
Like Deer Park, Loch Lynn Heights became
a popular resort area once the B&O Railroad came to town. Trains carried visitors from Baltimore, Washington or Pittsburgh to the station in Mountain Lake Park, just across
from Loch Lynn Heights. The most popular destination, Loch Lynn Hotel, was destroyed by a fire in 1918, and the adjacent casino — once home to an indoor swimming pool and bowling alleys — was demolished in 1985.
Today, Loch Lynn Heights is attractive for its outdoor-recreation opportunities, which include three soccer fields, two softball fields, a paved walking path and an observation deck with historical signage. North of the athletic fields, you’ll also find a roughly 1-mile boardwalk
and gravel walking trail through wetlands surrounding the Little Youghiogheny River.
Population: 465 Elevation: 2,438 feet Incorporated: 1896
Population: 217 Elevation: 1,564 feet Incorporated: 1906
Spruce Forest Artisan Village
COMMUNITY PROFILE: TOWNS
www.visitdeepcreek.com 57
PHOTOS BY SARAH DUCK
PHOTO BY SARAH DUCK