![[Deep Creek Lake State Park Trail Guide]](/publiclands/art/abouthead.gif)
Deep Creek Lake State Park is located in Western Maryland's Garrett County on a plateau known as the Allegheny Highlands. The park boasts one mile of shoreline on Deep Creek Lake, which is Maryland's largest freshwater lake. Visitors enjoy the lake for boating, swimming, paddling and fishing. Park trails on Meadow Mountain provide opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing and snowshoeing on a variety of terrain. Historic, cultural and natural heritage features are interpreted at the Discovery Center, which hosts scheduled park programs throughout the year. Early Influence of Man Early nomadic hunters and gatherers, followed by Native American hunters, roamed throughout the mountains of Garrett County. Beginning in the 1700s, early settlers depended on the area's abundant natural resources. The mountains remained relatively pristine until the end of the 19th century when massive logging operations began stripping the land of virgin red spruce, hemlock, white pine and yellow birch forests. Today, the forest on Meadow Mountain is a good example of a maturing hardwood forest in recovery from exploitation. The park is the site of the historic Brant Coal Mine and homestead site, which operated from 1923 to 1926. A restored entrance preserves a typical drift or adit mine, where the Brant family worked for several years, supplying bituminous coal for heating and blacksmithing in the local community. Visitors can learn more about the natural heritage and cultural resources in the area by visiting the park's Discovery Center, located on the lake. For Discovery Center information call 301-387-7067. Wildlife and Nature Appreciation Forest wildlife species, such as black bear, wild turkey, bobcat and white-tailed deer have grown in numbers over the past decades as habitat has improved and wildlife management tools have been successful. Evidence of the activities of small mammals such as squirrel, chipmunk, raccoon, skunk and opossum, are frequently seen. The park's mature hardwood forest provides an ideal habitat for birds, such as the red-tailed hawk or great horned owl, that nest high in the trees. Various warblers, as well as many other small songbirds, dart through the summer foliage and provide colorful sights and sounds. Trails Please Play Safe! The Deep Creek Lake State Park trail system varies in terrain and, in some places, may be very rugged. Trails are open to visitors for hiking, wildlife viewing and mountain biking, unless otherwise posted. Remember, you are responsible for having the necessary skills, knowledge and equipment for a safe and environmentally friendly visit. Maryland is home to many species of snakes, including the venomous northern copperhead and timber rattlesnake, both of which can be found at Deep Creek. Always be aware of snakes in their natural environment and do not harm them, as they are protected by law as an important part of the natural ecosystem.
Deep Creek Lake Recreation Deep Creek Lake State Park offers a variety of water-related recreation. The one mile of waterfront provides a sandy beach with a roped swimming area with lifeguards on duty in the summer months. Picnicking is available in the park's waterfront area. Tables, grills, pavilions, playgrounds and restrooms are available. Pavilions may be reserved in advance by calling the statewide reservation service. The public boat launch facility is open most of the year except when winter weather and or ice conditions prohibit access. Fishing is popular on the lake for stocked trout, walleye, bass and yellow perch. Deep Creek Lake is also known for a large population of smallmouth and largemouth bass. Bass tournaments are often held on the lake. Two accessible fishing docks are available at the boat launch. For more information about fishing in Maryland, rules, regulations and licensing visit www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries
Meadow Mountain Cove Water Trail
Youghiogheny Scenic and Wild River Visitors to the river should take care to use only designated public access points as most of the land along the river corridor is privately owned. Public access points can be found at Swallow Falls State Park, 301-334-9180, Sang Run and in Friendsville where hikers can enjoy several miles of trails upstream. Whitewater boating has become an increasingly popular activity to experience the wildness of the Youghiogheny. The river is extremely difficult and potentially dangerous. New visitors are advised to visit the river with a professional river guide or another experienced boater.
Guides and Outfitters
Camping Pets on a leash are welcome on the trails and in designated camping areas. Private rental lodging and hotels surround Deep Creek Lake. For rental information, contact the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce at 301-387-4FUN. Tips for camping in black bear country:
 Hunting is permitted in the park's backcountry areas during regular hunting seasons. The managed hunting areas are posted and applicable regulations, including license requirements, apply. A disabled hunter access area is designated in the parcel north of the developed park. For more information about hunting in Maryland, visit www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide Leave No Trace Leave No Trace, Inc. is a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. Leave No Trace builds awareness, appreciation and respect for our wildlands. For more information visit www.lnt.org 
Directions From Washington, D.C./Baltimore: (Travel time approximately 3 1/2 hours.) Take I-70 west to I-68 west. Stay on I-68 for approximately 66 miles. Take exit 14A (Rt. 219 south - Deep Creek Lake). Continue on Rt. 219 south for 18 miles. Turn left onto Glendale Road. Continue on Glendale Road for one mile, crossing over the Glendale Bridge. Immediately after crossing the bridge, turn left onto State Park Road. Continue on State Park Road for one mile until you see the information sign for state park facilities. From Pittsburgh: (Travel time approximately 2 1/2 hours.) Take I-79 south to I-68 east. Take exit 14A (Rt. 219 south - Deep Creek Lake) and follow the above directions.
Deep Creek Lake State Park
State Forest and Park Service General Information: 1-800-830-3974 Deep Creek Lake State Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
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