Page 62 - Garrett County 2024/2025 Visitors Guide

PHOTO BY SARAH DUCK
EXPLORE NATURE
at Our State Parks, Forests and Lakes
CAMPING
Times of operation and service charges can vary at different parks. Please call state parks directly for more information. Pets are welcome at some state park campgrounds. More information is at parkreservations.maryland.gov.
Swallow Falls State Park
ascertain hours in the wintertime). Traveling with children? Don’t miss the Discovery Center, where hands-on exhibits teach visitors about the flora, fauna and heritage of Western Maryland. Hunting, fishing and camping are also permitted at the state park (in season).
Herrington Manor State Park
301.334.9180
Four miles north of Oakland, this state park features a 53-acre lake that makes
it a great destination for swimming, boating and fishing. Looping through
the surrounding forest are 12 miles of trails that attract hikers and bikers. Cross- country skiers will find 10 miles of trails for beginners to intermediate skiers,
as well as a 5.5-mile trail that connects Herrington Manor to Swallow Falls State Park.
New Germany State Park
301.895.5453
Note: The Hemlock camping loop will be permanently closing on October
1, 2024, in order to accommodate a new wastewater treatment plant for
the park. Named by early settlers based on its resemblance to their homeland, New Germany is located 5 miles south
of Grantsville. In the summer, the park’s lake is popular for boating, fishing and swimming. In fall, it highlights the colorful tableau of the changing leaves. Exhibits at the Nature Center introduce guests to the native wildlife.
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.
MARYLAND STATE PARKS
Big Run State Park
301.895.5453
The park’s location at the mouth of the Savage River Reservoir — 16 miles from exit 24 off I-68 — makes it a great destination for fishing and boating. Twenty-nine
family campsites are available by prior reservation. Call 1.888.432.CAMP or visit parkreservations.maryland.gov. Campers without a reservation will be permitted
to pay upon arrival for campsites marked "AVAILABLE" for one night only.
Casselman River
Bridge State Park
301.895.5453
Note: At the time of printing, Casselman River Bridge State Park was closed due
to repair work. Check dnr.maryland.gov/ publiclands/pages/western/casselman.aspx for updates on a reopening date. The 80-foot, single-span bridge sits at the heart of a four- acre parcel east of Grantsville on U.S. Route
40. It was the longest bridge of its kind in the world when it was first built in 1813. Today, it’s a popular spot for fly-fishers and photographers.
Deep Creek Lake State Park
301.387.5563
The park, which encompasses more than 1,818 acres, is conveniently located 3 miles southeast of McHenry, on the lake’s east side. Its day-use area includes two guarded swimming beaches and 1 mile of lakefront access. A boat launch area is open 24 hours a day (weather permitting — call ahead to
60 The Deep Creek Experience