Page 62 - Garrett County 2023/2024 Visitors Guide

PHOTO BY NICK SHARPS
OFF-ROAD VEHICLES
Both ORVs and snowmobiles are permitted in certain areas of all three state forests. ORVs must be registered annually with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and display a registration sticker. Registration stickers can be picked up at any DNR Regional Service Center, and trail maps are available at each State Forest office.
COMMUNITY PROFILE: TOWNS
Sang Run State Park
301.387.5563 (year-round), 667.270.0541 (May-September)
Explore an early-1800s home site, farm and store. At the historic Friends Store, buy penny candy, old-time soda, local jams and various souvenirs. Nature programs during the summer months include hayrides, guided bird hikes and Dutch- oven demonstrations.
Swallow Falls State Park
301.387.6938, 301.334.9180 (November-March)
The Youghiogheny River flows through this park just north of Oakland, creating some of Maryland’s most beautiful scenery. Both the Youghigheny and Muddy Creek are marked by waterfalls and violent rapids, making them challenging destinations for skilled white-water rafters. Muddy Creek Falls is Maryland’s highest waterfall, at 53 feet high.
Wolf Den Run State Park
301.334.1272 (office/reservations), 301.616.3619 (on-site duty ranger)
Wolf Den Run State Park includes 1,700 acres of mixed forest, three brook trout streams, and rocky bluffs rising 900 feet above the Potomac River. The park’s
trails are open for hiking, biking, fishing, birdwatching, hunting and off-road vehicle use.
Youghiogheny Wild River Natural Environmental Area 301.387.5563
Designated as Maryland’s first Scenic & Wild River, this part of the Youghiogheny runs from Miller’s Run to Friendsville. It includes serene, meandering stretches as well as dramatic falls and rapids. Public access points are at Swallow Falls State Park, Sang Run State Park and south along the Kendall Trail from Friendsville. Several rafting companies lead tours of the river, including Precision Rafting and Wilderness Voyageurs.
MARYLAND STATE FORESTS
Potomac-Garrett State Forest
301.334.2038
Potomac-Garrett State Forest has over 80 miles of trails open to hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders of any ability. Hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular activities. An archery range offers a fun challenge in the form of 30 life-size, three-dimensional targets. Camping is permitted year-round at 36 primitive sites.
Savage River State Forest
301.895.5759
estimated at more than $1.59 billion. It spans the Mason-Dixon Line between Pennsylvania and Maryland, with clean water and steep valleys making for a scenic setting. Populations of trout, walleye and smallmouth bass make the lake a popular fishing destination.
STATE
Deep Creek Lake
301.387.4111
Maryland’s largest freshwater lake is also Garrett County’s most famous attraction. It boasts 65 miles of shoreline and is open for a large variety of recreational options, including boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming and water skiing. In the winter, ice fishing is a popular option.
Herrington Manor Lake
301.334.9180
Swimming and boating are permitted on this 53-acre lake, with stand-up paddle boards, canoes and kayaks all available for rent at the concession between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Outside the summer season, rentals are available at the Park Office. There is a boat ramp for public use, but no gas-powered motors are allowed. The swimming beach is guarded daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer season.
At more than 55,000 acres, this is Maryland’s largest state forest. The Big Savage Trail is an excellent destination for experienced hikers with good navigation skills, as portions of the scenic trail can become overgrown by forest-floor vegetation. Boating, fishing and hunting are all permitted in designated areas of the forest. Hunters and other shooting enthusiasts can also take advantage of a shooting range on New Germany Road.
LAKES
FEDERAL
Jennings Randolph Lake
304.355.2346 (Corps of Engineers Office)
This 6.6-mile-long lake is tucked between Garrett County and Mineral County, West Virginia. Originally built to manage flood risk and secure water supply, Jennings Randolph is also a recreational destination, with areas for fishing, boating, picnicking and camping. The lake provides sanctuary for many species of birds, fish and other animals.
Youghiogheny River Lake
814.395.3242 (Corps of Engineers Office), 814.395.3166 (daily recreation info) Completed in 1943, Youghiogheny River Lake has prevented flood damages
60 The Deep Creek Experience