Winter in Maryland brings powdery fresh snow, cozy evenings by the fire, and a steady mix of outdoor fun things to do at Deep Creek Lake. Many visitors join us for the crisp mountain air, fantastic trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and the chance to slow down for a few days. One of the best places to explore the outdoors is Savage River State Forest, a large protected area that offers a peaceful escape. The forest becomes a playground for winter recreation of all kinds.
The Deep Creek Lake area offers many winter activities in Maryland for those who want both adventure and comfort. You can spend part of the day on a mountain trail and the other half enjoying shops, breweries, or a massage. Wisp Resort adds even more variety to a winter trip with skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and popular mountain attractions. Savage River State Forest remains the highlight for many guests who want to be surrounded by nature and newly fallen snow.
Travelers looking for one of the most inviting Deep Creek Hotels choose our luxury Inn for its warmth, lakeside setting, and easy access to winter recreation. Our location is only a short, scenic drive from Savage River State Forest in Grantsville, Maryland. After a day outside in the cold, unwinding by the fire, hitting the on-site sauna room, or drawing a bubble bath in your private suite is even better. Book your lodging today!
Winter Wonderland at Savage River State Forest & More
Snowshoeing in Savage River State Forest is one of the best ways to enjoy winter in Maryland. The terrain ranges from gentle to steady climbs, which gives visitors room to explore at their own pace. Many guests choose snowshoeing because it is simple to learn and offers a quiet way to move through the trees. Fresh snowfall softens the trails and creates a calm setting for steady exercise.
Popular routes include Monroe Run and sections of Big Savage Mountain. Both offer open views, tall evergreens, and expansive spaces that work well for snowshoeing. Conditions shift throughout the season, so be sure to check snow levels before heading out. When snowfall is substantial, the forest turns into a clean white landscape ideal for long days outside. Several trailheads have parking areas that stay accessible through the season, which helps visitors start early and spend as much time as they want on the trail.
Cross-country skiing is one of the most popular winter activities in Maryland, and the forest has nearly nine miles of marked ski trails. These trails sit off I-68 at Exit 29 and are easy to reach by following signs for the Savage River Lodge. Snowshoeing is permitted on the same routes, and visitors are asked to stay to the sides of the groomed ski tracks. There is no fee for trail access, making this a simple and appealing option for families and couples who want to spend a whole morning or afternoon outside.
Snowmobiling also draws many winter guests to Savage River State Park in Maryland, mainly when the forest receives six inches or more of snow. Riders need a DNR ORV Sticker, which is available through the DNR COMPASS portal, DNR Licensing Offices, or local park and forest offices. The permit costs ten dollars for the year. Once registered, riders can explore three main snowmobile areas within Savage River State Forest.
The Meadow Mountain Trail is the longest at roughly eleven miles. You can reach it from Exit 22 off I-68 by turning onto Ellis Drive and heading to the nearby parking area. This route includes East Shale Road, crosses New Germany Road, and ends at Frank Brenneman Road. It is not a loop, so riders often plan out-and-back routes.
The Margraff Plantation Roads form a loop system with several miles of open riding. To reach these trails, take I-68 to Exit 219 and continue south toward Oakland. In Accident, turn onto Accident Bittinger Road and then Fratz Road. The loop format makes this area popular for steady, relaxed riding.
The Bowman Hill North Trails offer another loop for visitors who prefer a shorter system. These trails start on I-68 at Exit 19. Continue south on Route 495 for about five and a half miles, turn onto Dung Hill Road, and follow it as it becomes Bowman Hill Road. A parking area sits three-quarters of a mile ahead on the right.
More Things to Do in Deep Creek Lake this Winter
There are plenty of winter activities in Maryland beyond snowshoeing. There are so many fantastic things to do in Deep Creek Lake all year long, but winter always takes on a bit of a magical air with the freshly fallen snow.
Wisp Resort is one of the top destinations for downhill skiing and snow tubing, and is often referred to as the best ski resort in Maryland. The resort offers groomed slopes, lessons, and a year-round mountain coaster. Many visitors pair a morning of skiing with an afternoon at the inn for a warm break before heading out again. The resort also has easier slopes for new skiers, making it appealing to groups or skiers of varying levels. While Wisp Resort provides the action, Savage River State Forest offers the quiet counterpoint for those who like both environments.
Cross-country skiing is another popular activity around Deep Creek Lake. Several local trail systems open once there is enough snow, giving guests a chance to glide across open fields and forest paths. A favorite area is the trail between Swallow Falls State Park and Herrington Manor State Park. Begin at Swallow Falls, home to the impressive Muddy Creek Falls, which is quite an exceptional sight during the wintertime.
Stay at One of the Most Luxurious Deep Creek Hotels this Winter
Lake Pointe Inn is one of the top Deep Creek Hotels for those who want comfort with easy access to winter recreation. Our lakeside setting gives guests a beautiful place to wake up and start and end each day. Enjoy a warm breakfast first thing, and experience all the best snowy-weather activities within a short drive, including Savage River State Forest. Many guests return in winter because they enjoy the simple rhythm of outdoor fun followed by time by the fire.
Each private guest suite offers space to relax with mood lighting, thoughtful design, and comfortable furniture. After a cold day on the trail, guests appreciate warm drinks, seating in the shared living room by the riverrock fireplace, and chatting with others. The common areas are equipped with books and board games, if that’s how you prefer to relax.
When you are ready to plan your trip, think about how you want to spend your time. Snowshoeing near the inn, snowmobiling through the woods, or skiing or snowboarding at Wisp Resort all offer something different. Savage River State Forest remains is just one of the best places to explore this winter, and it is such a bonus that you can pair that with a stay at one of the most luxurious Deep Creek Lake hotels. Join us this winter and book your lodging today!
