Page 21 - Garrett County 2021-2022 Visitors Guide

2019 with 12.5 miles of marked trails. More information is at dnr.maryland.gov/ publiclands/pages/western/wolfdenrun/ huckleberryrocks-orv-use.aspx.
Garrett County has more than 150 miles
of mountain-bike trails for anyone from beginners to adventurers looking for a jaw- dropping challenge. Margraff Plantation, part of Savage River State Forest, has two connected loops extending for more than 7 miles, with surfaces that range from a single dirt track to gravel roads.
For experienced mountain bikers, there’s a difficult trail that leads up to the fire lookout tower in Deep Creek Lake State Park. (Maryland law requires helmets for riders under 16, and they’re highly recommended for every rider.)
Whitewater rafting and kayaking are a great way to truly experience the outdoors. Both the Youghiogheny and Savage Rivers are prime destinations for whitewater thrill- seekers. Guides and outfitters are available to help you arrange an outing. If you have your own equipment, be sure to note the difficulty of all river sections before hitting the water. For more information on the Youghiogheny River, visit: visitdeepcreek. com/list/member/youghiogheny-river- lake-153. For more information and
guidelines on the Savage River, visit:
dnr.maryland.gov/forests/pages/ publiclands/western_savageriverforest.aspx.
Adventure Sports Center International
(adventuresportscenter.com), the world’s only mountaintop re-circulating whitewater course, features a 1,700-foot-long mountaintop configuration made of concrete and natural rock. The course drops 24 feet! The waves and hydraulics can be adjusted for all skill levels, from novice to Olympic-caliber athletes. Rafting trips are also available,
Summer
STAY ALIVE
DON’T DRINK AND RIDE
Ride responsibly. Speed and alcohol are a deadly combination and are the leading causes of snowmobile fatalities.
WEAR IT www.safewaters.com
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 All Earth
Eco Tours (allearthtours.com) offers kayak tours on Savage River Reservoir. Please check each park’s website for the most up-to-date visitor guidelines.
www.visitdeepcreek.com 19
PHOTO BY KRISTEN FISCHETTI – HIGHER FOCUS STUDIOS
PHOTO BY TIMOTHY JACOBSEN