Page 63 - Garrett County 2024/2025 Visitors Guide

Wolf Den Run State Park
301.334.1272 (office), 301.616.3619 (on-site duty ranger)
Wolf Den Run State Park includes 2,039 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
Note: At the time of writing, some roads in the forest were closed due to hazardous conditions. Check dnr.maryland.gov/ forests/pages/publiclands/western_ potomacgarrettforest.aspx for updates before you go. 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
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
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. There is a boat ramp for public use, but no gas-powered motors are allowed. The swimming beach is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset, and as weather and staffing permits, lifeguards will be on duty from 11 a.m. until
6 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Swimming is allowed, at your own risk, outside of guarded hours, within the designated sandy portion of the beach.
New Germany Lake
301.895.5453
Boating, fishing and swimming are all popular activities on this 13-acre lake. Boats without gas motors are permitted year-round. Kayaks, canoes, rowboats and stand-up paddle boards can be rented from late spring to early fall. Fishermen will find populations of large-mouth bass, catfish, bluegill and trout. Swimming
is permitted at your own risk within the designated swimming area.
Savage River Reservoir
301.895.5453
Another popular spot for fishing and non- motorized boating, this reservoir at Big Run State Park features a boat ramp between campsites 83 and 84. Gas motors must be removed before the boat can be launched. Fish populations include yellow perch, bluegill, catfish, trout, walleye and large-mouth bass. There is no swimming at Savage River Reservoir.
MUNICIPAL
Broadford Lake
301.334.8218
Owned by the Town of Oakland, Broadford Lake offers a launch area as well as boat rentals. The lake supports several warm-water fish species, including smallmouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, black crappie, yellow bullhead and brown bullhead. Each spring, the lake is also stocked with about 2,000 rainbow trout. The surrounding park includes ball fields, tennis courts, hiking areas, picnic pavilions and a sandy beach.
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 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.
// COMMUNITY PROFILE: State Parks
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.
PHOTO BY NICK SHARPS
www.visitdeepcreek.com 61