Page 20 - Garrett County 2021-2022 Visitors Guide

Outdoor Experiences
Garrett County State Parks
Are Free for Veterans
Military veterans, including those
who are not state residents, get free admission to all parks managed by the Maryland Park Service. That includes Deep Creek Lake State Park.
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 a number of 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 301.387.5563 for daily conditions, updates and approximate ice depth to ensure it is safe for ice fishing.
Looking for some high-speed adventure? Garrett County has numerous state forest trails that are perfect for a snowmobile. Permits can be purchased for $15 annually and are available at state park offices.
To obtain trail maps and more information about outdoor activities, visit Garrett County Visitors Center, located at 15 Visitors Center Drive, McHenry, MD 21541.
Spring
With the arrival of spring, you’ll have even more options for outdoor fun.
Garrett County is home to 40 trails ready
to be navigated by novice hikers or experienced outdoor enthusiasts. Deep Creek Trail is perfect for a family stroll, with a half-mile trail that ends at Wisp Resort. Paths also run along wetlands that were originally part of Buffalo Swamp before Deep Creek Lake was developed.
Fork Run Recreation Area Trails consist of more than 9 miles of pet-friendly trails surrounded by magnificent woods.
Kendall Trail is another stunning hiking destination. It spans 3 miles and has amazing views of the nationally certified scenic and wild Youghiogheny River, a popular spot for paddlers. The Herrington to Swallow Falls Trail is a good novice trail with a mostly flat surface that winds 5 miles through Garrett State Forest. This scenic trail includes old logging roads and a historic railroad bed.
For more information on county trails, visit the Garrett Trails site at garretttrails.org.
Prefer to explore on two wheels? Discover the open roads of Garrett County on a motorcycle or bike. You can also go off-
road on the St. John’s Rock ORV Trail and Campground. Riders can make advance reservations for day use and overnight camping at compass.dnr.maryland.gov/ dnrcompassportal. Please check the website for the most up-to-date visitor guidelines.
The county’s newest ORV destination is the Huckleberry Rocks Area at Wolf Den Run State Park, which opened in summer
18 The Deep Creek Experience
PHOTO BY SARAH DUCK