Rafting at the Adventure Sports Center near Wisp Resort

One of our monthly blog posts on what to see, do, or where to eat on Deep Creek Lake and Western Maryland.

Adventure Sports Center, photo of people rafting on the white water course

For those heading to Deep Creek Lake this summer, you’ll love all the outdoor recreation the lake provides, but for those who prefer thrill-seeking excursions, you’ll want to plan on checking out Adventure Sports Center International. The most popular choice is whitewater rafting on their mile-long manufactured loop with mild and intense rapids on top of Wisp Mountain. In fact, Adventure Sports Center is the only mountaintop whitewater course in the world! The concrete and natural rock course measures over 1700 feet long with a 24-foot drop from top to bottom. 

Wisp Mountain is also home to Wisp Resort, one of the premiere ski resorts in Maryland, but there are also fun summer and fall activities to discover here as well. From scenic lift rides to two professional golf courses to disc golf and mountain biking trails—there’s something for everyone. A rafting excursion with Adventure Sports Center and exploring Wisp Resort are a few of the best ways for active, outdoor lovers to spend a day in Deep Creek Lake. 

Before you start planning your itinerary, you’ll want to secure your Deep Creek lodging—our luxurious bed and breakfast on the shores of the lake is one of the best places to stay. We’re located just across the street from Wisp Resort, so you’ll be in the ideal location to check out Adventure Sports Center, but you’ll retreat back to the peace and quiet of our inn. With only 12 guest rooms and suites, you’ll never encounter unwanted noise or crowds. We’ll also treat you to a hearty breakfast each morning, included in your stay—not all Deep Creek Lake lodging properties offer that service. Start planning those outdoor adventures and book your room today.

Adventure Sports Center, photo of Wisp Resort during the summer season

Adventure Sports Center & Summer at Wisp Resort

One of the best things to do in Deep Creek Lake is head to Wisp Mountain for rafting or kayaking at Adventure Sports Center and warmer weather activities at Wisp Resort. You’ll start your day at our Deep Creek Lake lodging with a wonderful meal and be ready to set off and explore the nearby activities.

Here’s what to expect at Adventure Sports Center & Wisp Resort: 

  1. White Water Rafting: Adventure Sports Center International has guides and instructors to help you along the whitewater course. Guided rafting trips last two hours, during which visitors receive a safety orientation and instruction and can take on the course multiple times. Adventure Sports Center International also boasts a raft conveyer that conveniently takes rafters from the finish point back to the start point. Even though it’s a fabricated loop, that doesn’t mean it’s not thrilling. There are great slopes, fast rapids, and curves for an exhilarating ride.
  2. Kayaking: Adventure Sports Center offers ways to do just that if you prefer kayaking over rafting. Inflatable kayaks or “duckies” are great for beginner visitors (12 or older) to explore rapids without advanced skills. They also have traditional kayaks but include private sessions and a class to teach the necessary safety skills. Experienced kayakers can also bring their own gear and boat privately.
  3. River Boarding: Perhaps the most challenging way to explore the whitewater course at Adventure Sports Center, this extreme sport uses a modified boogie board and flippers to navigate the river.
  4. Pontoon Boat Rides: Wisp Resort offers hour-long boat tours full of local knowledge, interesting tidbits, and history about Deep Creek Lake and the surrounding area while cruising on the lake in style. However, as a guest at our Deep Creek Lake lodging, we offer complimentary afternoon guided pontoon sailings (weather permitting.)
  5. Hiking and Mountain Biking: Adventure Sports Center offers guided hikes in the 550-acre Fork Run Recreation Area if you prefer staying on dry land. There are eight miles of trails, as well as back Country hiking on rougher for experienced hikers. There are trails to explore on two wheels too! 
  6. Climbing Excursions: For beginner and intermediate climbers, traverse the natural boulders and 35 to 50-foot tall sandstone ledges in Fork Run Recreation Area. Consider the “Intro to Advanced Climbing” class if you have a background in climbing but want to know more.
  7. Golfing at Wisp Resort: Book a tee time at one or both golf courses across the street from our Deep Creek lodging. Fantasy Valley is 18 holes and was named one of the “100 Must-Play Courses of the Mid-Atlantic” by Golfstyles Magazine. And Lodestone Golf Course is a modern trail-style course that follows the mountain’s contours. And has held the number two spot as “Best Public Golf Course” in Maryland by GolfWeek Magazine for many years. 
  8. Disc-Golf: For those who prefer golf with discs instead of clubs, there are two exciting disc golf courses at Wisp Resort. The first is at the base of the mountain with nine holes, and then come summer, take a scenic lift ride to the 18-hole Mountain Course.
  9. Aerial Adventures at Wisp Resort: There are three zip line and treetop tours a Wisp Resort. The two more adult-oriented ones are the Flying Squirrel Canopy tour and the Spider Monkey Adventure.
  10. Scenic Chair Lift Rides: This is by far one of the best ways to enjoy the striking fall foliage that takes over our forests during autumn. The panoramic views will be awash in fiery reds, gold, and oranges.
Adventure Sports Center, photo of the porch at Lake Pointe Inn overlooking the water

The Best Deep Creek Lodging for Your Next Getaway

Of course, the biggest draw to this area is Deep Creek Lake, but if you’re up for some outdoor excursions, Adventure Sports Center and Wisp Resort are great places to start. And when you book our Deep Creek lodging, you’ll be right across the street. Our location is ideal for so many reasons; not only do most of our guest rooms have beautiful views of the water, you can just walk right out on the grassy lawn, down to our private dock, and dive right in. We also have canoes and kayaks for guests to use at their leisure. And ample space for picnics, bonfires, and relaxing in the sun.

After a long day outdoors, retreat to our Deep Creek lodging for an evening beverage on the deck or cozy up by the fireplace in the main common room. Voted our as “most charming” guest room, The McCann Suite offers two rooms with tasteful decor, a comfy king bed, fireplace, and a private balcony with Adirondacks for taking in the lake views. This is perfect for those seeking a romantic and secluded getaway to Deep Creek Lake. Our adults-only Inn is the ideal place to rekindle, relish, and relax with our partner. 

We also have a long list of amenities available to our guests, including breakfast each morning and our sauna and spa room for amazing massages. You’ll find complimentary beverages throughout the day and freshly baked cookies. We have a small gift shop on site for snacks, wine, and merchandise (you never know what you might need!) And for those other things you may have forgotten or questions that come up, please ask our warm and welcoming staff members, who consistently go above and beyond to make each stay memorable and picture-perfect. Book your room at our luxurious Deep Creek lodging property today! 

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