Page 63 - Garrett County 2021-2022 Visitors Guide

MARYLAND STATE FORESTS
Garrett State Forest
301.334.2038
Mountain forests, streams and valleys stretch over nearly 7,000 acres of protected land,
5 miles northwest of Oakland. The area’s many wildlife species make this a great
area for birding; visitors may also encounter beaver ponds and cranberry bogs. Backpack camping is permitted throughout the forest.
Potomac State Forest
301.334.2038
Bordering 9 miles of the Potomac River’s North Branch, this rugged mountain forest encompasses 11,535 acres. Its highest elevation is 3,220 feet, on Backbone Mountain. Cross-country skiing, fishing, hiking and snowmobiling are popular activities. An archery range offers a fun challenge in the form of 30 life-size, three- dimensional targets.
Savage River State Forest
301.895.5759
At more than 54,000 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. Horseback riding, hunting and camping are all permitted in designated areas of the forest. Hunters and other shooting enthusiasts can 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 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. (At the time of writing, bike, kayak and canoe rentals were unavailable due to staffing shortages caused by COVID-19. Check dnr. maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/western/ herrington.aspx for updates.) 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.
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.
Savage River Reservoir
301.895.5453
Another popular spot for fishing and non- motorized boating, the reservoir 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.
MUNICIPAL
Broadford Lake Park
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.
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.
www.visitdeepcreek.com 61
PHOTO BY NICK SHARPS