Things To Do At Deep Creek Lake

Wondering what to do on a getaway to Deep Creek Lake?  We have a great outline of what you should see and do from touring the lake to visiting Friendsville and Frank Lloyd Wright iconic Falling Water.

Day Trips & Things To Do Around Deep Creek Lake

Antiquing

Antiquing has become a passionate sport for all seasons. If antiquing is your thing, the Deep Creek Lake area has antique, craft and souvenir shops interspersed with apparel, sporting goods, sewing and embroidery.

  • Alder Haus — 229 East Alder Street, Oakland (301) 334-3233
  • Blue Moon Antiques — 65 Main Street, Grantsville, MD (301) 895-3529
  • Book Market & Antique Mezzanine — 111 South 2nd Street, Oakland (301) 334-8778
  • B&O Railroad Station — The Shoppe at Heritage Square-Oakland (301) 334-1243
  • Cabin Fever Antiques and Collectibles — 17 E. Liberty Street, Oakland (301) 334-5630
  • Classic Antiques & Collectables — 5062 Hutton Road, Oakland (301) 334-2727
  • Emporium Antique Mall — 119 South Second Street, Oakland (301) 334-1337
  • Englanders Antiques and Grill — 205 E. Alder Street, Oakland (301) 334-0000
  • Hidden Treasures — 3800 MD Hwy, Oakland (301) 334-1087
  • Hometown Memories — 103 Town Park Lane (301) 334-3238
  • Mumbles & Squeaks Antiques — 119 South Second St, Oakland (301) 334-1337
  • The Painted Cupboard — 215 Alder Street, Oakland (301) 533-0097
  • The Bear Den — 102 N. Main Street, Accident (301) 746-6557
  • The Spinning Wheel Antiques and Dream Weavers — 161 Main Street, Grantsville (301) 895-5983
  • Red House School Country Mall — 3039 Garrett Hwy, Red House (301) 334-2800

Area Attractions

B&O Railroad Station
B&O Railroad Station in Oakland brought prominent citizens to the resort areas of Garrett County in the 1880’s. Built in 1884, it is one of the oldest stations in the country.

Casselman River Bridge
Casselman River Bridge was built in 1813. It was the largest single-span stone arch bridge (80 feet) in the 19th Century connecting the nation’s first Federal Highway. Picnic area with fireplaces is available. The bridge is located on Route 40 east of Grantsville, near the Spruce Forest Artisan Village.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Architecture – Ohiopyle Road, PA
Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob are two of Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpieces. Reservations are required. The Inn may be able to set up a tour for our guests. (724) 329-8501

Friend Family Associations National Heritage Museum & Library
Friend Family Associations National Heritage Museum & Library contains 700 general genealogical books and files of local families. It depicts history of Friendsville dating back to 1760. It is located on Maple Street in Friendsville.

Garrett County Historical Society & Museum
Get a glimpse into the past into the world’s most lavish hotels, Civil and World War involvement, Native Americans, brave pioneers and hunters, German settlers, the coal, farming and timber industries, and great American visionaries.
Free Admission–107 South Second St, Oakland
www.deepcreekhospitality.com/fr_gc_historical.asp
(301) 334-3226 This Museum has Seasonal Hours

Mountain Lake Park 
Mountain Lake Park was a popular resort from 1882 – 1942. In 1912, as many as twenty-eight hotels and boarding houses accommodated thousands of visitors who came to vacation in the cool mountains of Garrett County. Pres. Taft, Pres. Grover Cleveland, William Bryan, and Billy Sunday were a few of the renowned visitors. A five thousand seat amphitheater provided musical and dramatic performances.
http://www.whilbr.org/mountainlakepark/index.aspx

Spruce Forest Artisan Village
This historic village consists of authentic log cabins, schoolhouses, artisans (i.e. soapmakers, weavers, woodcarvers, blacksmith, and potters.

Village Church and Stanton’s Mill
Showcasing Allegheny history, folklore, and festivals.
177 Casselman Road, Grantsville (301) 895-3332
http://www.spruceforest.org

Art Galleries & Dealers

Garrett County Arts Council
The Garrett Arts Council Gallery showcases the finest arts, crafts and handmade gifts of mountain Maryland artists
206 East Alder Street, Oakland (301) 334-6580
www.garrettarts.com

Simon Pierce
Simon Pearce designs and manufactures original products in hand blown and handmade pottery.
265 Glass Drive, Mtn. Lake Park (301) 334-5277
www.simonpearce.com

Sacred Ground
Sacred Ground is dedicated to lovers and collectors of exquisite pieces of Native American Jewelry and handmade pottery from the American Southwest.
20294 Garrett Highway, Oakland (301) 387-8474

Snowbird Creations
Snowbird Creations Glass Studio is a fully equipped fused glass studio with a large retail gallery on the premises.
398 Snowbird Lane, Swanton (301) 387-4624
www.snowbirdcreations.com

Stained Glass Gallery
Over 2000 stained glass lamps, windows, panels, sun catchers, candle holders, picture frames, etc.
214 I Street, Mtn. Lake Park (301) 334-8222

Festivals

Country Fest and Auction
Garrett County Fairgrounds
4th Saturday of August
http://countryfest.org

Autumn Glory Festival
Oakland, Maryland
October
http://www.oaklandmd.com/autumn-gloryfestival.html

McHenry Highland Festival
Garrett County Fairgrounds
June
http://www.highlandfest.info

SavageMan Triathlon Festival
Deep Creek Lake
September
http://www.winthefight.org/savageman/

Garrett County Agriculture Fair
Garrett County Fairgrounds
Last week in July
http://www.garrettcountyfair.org

Deep Creek Lake Art & Wine Festival
Garrett County Fairgrounds
September
Visit the Deep Creek Lake Art & Wine Festival website for a complete list of activities, entertainment, restaurants, artists and more!
http://www.deepcreekwinefest.com

Springs Folk Festival
Springs, PA
October
http://www.springspa.org/

Biking & Bike Rentals

Another way to enjoy nature’s abundance is through exploring over 80,000 acres of public parks.

High Mountain Sports – Traders Landing
Rte. 219 Deep Creek Lake (301) 387-4199
http://www.highmountainsports.com

Wisp Outdoor Adventures
13 Weber Rd., Oakland, MD (301) 387-4911
www.wispresort.com

Elkridge Nature Works
Guided tours for all seasons including: cross country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and mountain biking (301) 895-3686

High Mountain Sports
Kayak and mountain bike tours (301) 387-4199

Mountain Streams & Trails 
Mountain bike tours (800) RAFTNOW

Guided Tours

Appalachian Mountain Tours
Mountain Bike Tours (301) 387-4199 or (301) 616-5550

All Earth Eco Tours 
Variety of tours for all seasons including: snowshoeing, cross country skiing, nature walks, kayaking, backpacking, and farm tours. (800) 446-7554
http://allearthecotours.com/

Hiking

Blackwater Falls
Blackwater Falls State Park is named for the falls of the Blackwater River whose amber-colored waters plunge five stories then twist and tumble through an eight-mile long gorge. West Virginia
www.Blackwaterfalls.com

Coopers Rock
Coopers Rock State Forest gets its name from a legend about a fugitive who hid from the law near what is now the overlook. A cooper by trade, http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/garrett.asp he resumed making barrels at his new mountain hideout and sold them to local communities. He lived and worked in the forest for many years. Bruceton, WV
www.coopersrockstateforest.com

Dolly Sods
Trails through or near hardwood forests, conifers, rocks, bogs, cascading streams, and beaver dams make rugged and remote Dolly Sods a favored hiking spot  Located in the Monongahela National Forest, WV

Herrington Manor State Park 
awaterproof map gives you more than 21 miles of trails to explore.
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/herrington.asp
(301) 334-9180

Potomac-Garrett State Forest
Garrett State Forest is the Garrett State Forest is the birthplace of Forestry conservation in Maryland. Many wildlife species make their home in this forest. Primitive campsites, hiking, hunting, birding, biking, skiing and snowmobiling allow visitors to enjoy the beauty of their surroundings.
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/garrett.asp
(301) 334-2038

Savage River State Park
A Guide of Savage River State Forest, provides
you with more than 54,000 acres of rugged terrain available for hikers, hunters, anglers and mountain bikers alike.
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/savageriverforest.asp
(301) 895-5759

Swallow Falls State Park
This Park contains some of Maryland’s most breathtaking scenery. The Youghiogheny River flows along the park’s borders, passing through shaded rocky gorges and creating rippling rapids. Muddy Creek Falls is a crashing 53-foot waterfall – a spectacular sight. Much of the trail is an easily navigable old logging road. Don’t Miss This!!
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/swallowfalls.asp
(301) 387-6938

Boating

From Mid-May to Mid-October, weather permitting, the Inn’s 28′ pontoon boat motors out each afternoon for a complimentary ride. If your wish is to Captain your own vessel, there are rental boats available at local marinas.

  • Aquatic Center Inc. — Deep Creek Drive, McHenry, MD  (301) 387-8233
  • Bill’s Marine Rentals — Garrett Hwy, McHenry, MD  (301) 387-5536 or e-mail us at rental@billsmarineservice.com
  • Crystal Waters — Garrett Hwy, Oakland, MD (301) 387-5515
  • Deep Creek Lake Boat Rentals — Deep Creek Drive, McHenry, MD (301) 387-9130
  • Deep Creek Marina — Deep Creek Drive, McHenry, MD (301) 387-6977

Canoeing and Kayaking
The Inn has kayaks and canoes for 0ur guests. For those that wish for more adventurous rapids try:

Adventure Sports Center
ASCI leads guided raft trips around its man-made mountain-top whitewater course in state-of-the-art self-bailing rafts. Kayak where the National Whitewater championships and the 2007 US Freestyle Nationals were held. The entire experience lasts 2 hours and is reasonably priced.
www.adventuresportscenter.com
(877) 300-ASCI

Laurel Highlands River Tour
Family-owned and operated by your hosts, Linda and Mark McCarty, the company invites you to experience white water rafting at an adventure vacation level just for you.
www.laurelhighlands.com
(800) 472-3846

Mountain Streams and Trails
The Cheat Canyon is an exciting whitewater rafting adventure dropping an impressive 300 feet in ten miles. A popular summer whitewater-rafting trip with families, children, and beginners. This is known as the extreme scenery tour offers something for everyone.
http://www.mtstreams.com/CheatRiver.htm
(800) RAFT-NOW

Precision Rafting
The Precision family is a close-knit group of devoted Class V white water specialists. Each individual guide brings an abundance of river knowledge and skill to every fun and action-packed adventure. 715 Morris Ave, Friendsville, MD
www.precisionrafting.com
(800) 477-3723

White Water Adventures
White Water Adventurers is located directly in the Ohiopyle State Park alongside the Youghiogheny River and in the middle of western Pennsylvania’s best-known outdoor adventure destination.
www.wwaraft.com Call to reserve your reservation (800) WWA-RAFT

Golf

Oakland Golf Course
The Oakland Golf Club in Oakland, Maryland near Deep Creek features a fantastic team, including our own PGA pro, Pat Warren. As challenging as it is beautiful, our course will provide you with a delightful outing of golf on our beautiful, rolling, splendidly maintained fairways and greens. Open to the public.
http://www.golfatoakland.com
(301)-334-3883

Wisp Resort Golf Course
Golfstyles Magazine named the Wisp Resort Golf Course one of the “100 Must-Play Courses of the Mid-Atlantic.” This 6,700 yard, par 71 championship course ebbs and flows along tree-lined fairways, and past strategically placed bunkers and water hazards. The multiple tees make it enjoyable and challenging for all players. McHenry, MD
http://www.wispresort.com/golf-wisp.php
(301) 387-4911

Fishing

Garrett County has become one of the premier destinations for the sport of fly-fishing. With miles of cold mountain rivers, streams and lakes, this area offers many fishing experience.

Bill’s Outdoor Center
Enjoy scenic 4-hour fishing tours of Deep Creek Lake with friends and family. It’s fun fishing with a scenic tour and no hassles.
20768 Garrett Hwy, Oakland
www.billsoutdoorcenter.com
(301) 387-3474

DJ’s Outdoor Adventures Unlimited
29 years of experience on Deep Creek Lake, D.J.’s offers Fly fishing trips, Deep Creek Lake Fishing Trips, family fishing tours, and night fishing tours.
www.fishingdeepcreeklake.com
(301)-616-7407 cell or 304-735-3426

Ken Penrod’s Life Outdoors Unlimited
Ken Penrod’s Life Outdoors Unlimited has been in the guiding business for 24-years now. They operate 12-months of the year – seven days a week, offering partial day, full day and multiple day outings.
www.penrodsguides.com
(301) 937-0010

Cross Country & Alpine Skiing

Discover the challenges of cross-country skiing on over 25 miles of trails in Garrett County.

Backbone Ski Farm
A truly unique experience awaits you on Backbone Farm. If it is instruction you seek, Backbone instructors Max Dubansky and Crede Calhoun together have over 50 years of combined Nordic teaching.
Lynndale Road in Pleasant Valley, Oakland
www.backbonefarm.com
(301) 334-5633

Canaan Valley
Canaan Valley is guaranteed a lot of snow! Most years the annual average stacks up to 160 inches (that’s over 13 feet!).
http://www.skithevalley.com

Herrington Manor State Park
Trail Guide of Herrington Manor State Park, showing the more than 21 miles of trails, which offer hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and mountain biking. Rentals available.
222 Herrington Lane
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/herrington.asp
(301) 334-9180

New Germany State Park
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/newgermany.asp

Timberline
Our commitment to people, to the preservation of history, and to the environment has helped create a “Sense of Place” and make Timberline a national treasure unequaled anywhere in the world.
www.timberlinereosrt.com

Wisp Resort–Alpine Skiing
Gets your adrenaline pumping at the new Terrain Gardens mini parks, Whip Saw Terrain Trail, Super Pipe, Pro Park, Rail Park & Kid Zones. This mountain has something for everyone. 296 Marsh Hill Road, McHenry (301) 387-4911
www.wispresort.com

Horseback Riding, Sleigh & Hay Rides

Take a step back in time by enjoying a carriage or winter sleigh ride through the countryside of Pleasant Valley. This picturesque area is the perfect location to enjoy the fall foliage on a hay ride or your own horse drawn tour of the Miller Family Farm.

Miller Family Farm
1689 Pleasant Valley Road, Oakland, MD 21550 (301)-334-1688
http://www.pleasantvalleydreamrides.com

Circle R Ranch
Directions: Route 219 South; Left onto Sand Flat Road (at Little Sandy’s) mile on the right.
4151 Sand Flat Road, Deep Creek Lake 301-387-6890

Pleasant Valley Dream Rides
301-334-9612 Horsedrawn Carriage Rides offered: Thursday, Friday and Saturday; Winter Sleigh Rides everyday but Sunday; Amish Dairy Farm Tours: Thursday, Friday and Saturday; Milking at 4pm. Route 219 South-4 miles beyond Oakland, left onto Paul Friend Road, go 1 mile, right onto Pleasant Valley Road, first farm on the right after turning onto Pleasant Valley Road.

Spas

Nemacolin Woodlands Spa
A world of soothing sounds, invigorating aromas and relaxing touches. A destination where time stands still. Farmington, PA
http://www.nemacolin.com/
(800) 422-2136

Massage at the Lake Pointe Inn
We offer massage services at the Lake Pointe Inn, click here to learn more.

Water Sports

Jet Ski Rentals
Take a spin around the lake on your own jet ski. It is a perfect way to see so much of the lake in a short amount of time. Aquatic Center.
634 Deep Creek Drive McHenry, MD (301) 387-8233

High Mountain Sport’s Water Ski School
High Mountain Sport is about having fun. May thru September, take a lesson from The Greg Rouse Water-ski School at High Mountain Sports. Experienced instructor Greg Rouse gives expert instruction for beginners to advanced skiers or wakeboards. Novice to advanced; welcomes children and adults, by reservation only. McHenry, MD (301) 387-4199

Directions to the State Parks From the Lake Pointe Inn

Deep Creek Lake State Park (8 1/4 miles):
Take #219 South, just before the 219 bridge, take a left onto Rock Lodge Road(approximately 2 3/4 miles). Take a sharp right onto State Park Road at the “Y” (There is a sign that points to the State Park). Several trailheads are on your left (i.e. Brandt Mine and Fire Tower) before you get to the information center, which is also on your left before you go over a small bridge.

Alternative route: Take #219 South over the 219 bridge. Travel approximately 2 1/4 miles, passing Uno and the Garrett Cinemas. Take a left onto the Glendale Road (next to Alpine Village). Immediately after you cross the Glendale bridge, take a sharp left onto State Park Road. After you pass over a second small bridge,take a right onto Brandt Road to enter the Park Information Center. The park beach and boat launching areas are on your left continuing on State Park Road.

Swallow Falls State Park (11 1/4 miles):
This route takes you by the spillway of the Deep Creek Dam – Take #219 South over the 219 bridge. Take your immediate right, after crossing the bridge, onto Lake Shore Drive. At the first intersection (approximately 3 1/2 miles), take a right onto Mayhew Inn Road. Travel another 3 miles and take a left onto Oakland-Sang Run Road-go up 1/4 mile, then a right onto Swallow Falls Road. – the park entrance is on the right about 1 mile down.

Alternative route: Travel south on #219 approximately 7 miles (past Uno and the Garrett Cinemas). Take a right onto Mayhew Inn Road (next to JG’s Pub). Travel approximately 1.5 miles, bear left onto Bray School Road (at three way intersection where Lake Shore Drive meets Mayhew Inn Road and Bray School Road). Take a right onto Oakland-Sang Run Road, than a left onto the Swallow Falls Road – the park entrance is on the right about 1 mile down.

Herrington Manor State Park (14 3/4 miles):
Follow the directions to Swallow Falls State Park and continue past the park entrance about 3 1/4 miles to the Herrington Manor State Park entrance on your right.

New Germany State Park (19 1/2 miles):
Take #219 South. Just beyond McHenry Plaza., left onto Mosser Road. Stay on Mosser Road about 3 1/2 miles until you take a left onto Rock Lodge Road. Follow Rock Lodge Road approximately 4.miles. Take a right onto Route #495 and travel approximately 3 miles, then take a left onto New Germany Road. Travel about 8 miles to the park entrance on the right.

Big Run State Park (20 1/2 miles):
Follow same directions for New Germany State Park, but, after 1/2 mile on New Germany Road, take a right onto Big Run Road. 4 1/2 miles to park.

Savage River Reservoir (16 1/2 miles):
Follow directions for New Germany State Park, but, after 1/2 mile on New Germany Road, take a right onto Dry Run Road. 4 1/2 miles to public landing.

Mt. Nebo Wildlife Management Area (10 1/2 miles)
Although not a State Park – of interest to bird watchers:
Take Route #219 South. Approximately 6 1/2 miles from the 219 bridge, take a right into the Management area (across the street from King’s Run Road). Go 1/4 mile. Park and walk the trail to where it forks. The left fork leads to the swamp lake and offers the best bird watching (about a 1 mile walk)

Directions To Cranesville Swamp
Marsh Hill Road to left on Sang Run Road; then 2.2 miles to intersection; then sharp Left turn (staying on Sang Run Road); then 2.4 miles to Youghiogheny River – cross bridge and continue up Sang Run Road 0.5 miles to left on gravel road (still Sang Run Road); then 3.0 miles to left onto White Rock-Cranesville Road, (sign is missing but Sang Run Road ends here) which becomes Cranesville Road after 1/4 mile. Go 2.6 miles to right on Lake Ford Road; then 0.4 miles to right on a gravel road; then 0.2 miles to entry lane to Cranesville Swamp. Go 0.1 mile to parking and trailhead.

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