Play & Explore

Deep Creek Lake has a multitude of activities for every taste. From the super adventurer in your group to the king of relaxation - we will take care of any vacation style. Click on the icons below for information on your favorite activities:

Biking • back to top
Pick up that mountain bike and get ready for a true mountain ride! Many of our state parks including Deep Creek State Park have trails that are available to even the most avid biker. Trails range in difficulty and include many opportunities for photography and wildlife viewing. For a longer journey, try the 5.5 mile trail that extends from Herrington Manor State Park to Swallow Falls State Park.

If you are looking for that perfect spot around your Deep Creek vacation lodging - check out our great family communities with quiet residential streets, great for children and young adults. For more information on Deep Creek biking, call us at 866-348-7148.

Hiking • back to top
There are so many Deep Creek hiking trails in Garrett County and the lake area, that you’ll always have a new spot to try out when you visit again. From the beautiful scenic trails of any of our local state parks, to the quiet less known spots - you’ll be sure to get your fill of exploration and fun. Pick up the Hiker’s Guide - a hand-held map of the Deep Creek Lake State Park trail system. Enjoy trails that range from easy to challenging - with plenty of opportunities for wildlife sighting and photo opportunities.

However, if you are just in the mood for a quick morning stroll - many of Deep Creek vacation homes and lodging are perfect locations to satisfy those cravings. For more information on Deep Creek hiking, call us at 866-348-7148.

Golf • back to top
There is no shortage of golf greens in Garrett County. Try your hand at Wisp’s 18-hole championship course. The course is located at the base of Marsh Mountain and will be sure to challenge any level of expertise. Head into the town of Oakland for a quiet afternoon at the Oakland Golf Club. Perfect for all skill levels, this course is sure to please everyone with it’s rolling hills and well-manicured greens. For more information on Deep Creek golf, call us at 866-348-7148.

Skiing and Snowboarding • back to top
Many do not realize that Maryland has a fantastic downhill skiing resort in their backyard. Wisp Resort boasts 700 ft of vertical drop with 32 slopes and trails on 132 acres of skiable terrain. All ages and skill levels will find Wisp perfect with slopes ranging from beginner to Black Diamond. In addition to the average 100” of snowfall annually, Wisp has one of the most sophisticated snowmaking systems in the region. Snowboarders will catch some major air at the terrain and rail park as well as turn some skilled tricks on the Super Pipe. Lessons and rentals are available, so even those who have never set foot on snow can be gliding down the mountain in no time. For more information on Deep Creek skiing, call us at 866-348-7148.

Family and Children Activities • back to top
Deep Creek plays host to the ultimate in family entertainment and fun. Spend that much needed quality family time together on the many mini-golf courses in the area. Fulfill all of their adrenaline cravings on the go-kart tracks or on the paintball course. For the explorers and nature lovers in your group, head over to the Discovery Center for a complete interactive experience. Your children will love the group activities that include exciting nature hikes, naturalist talks, and hands-on craft projects. Head to the Deep Creek State Park for a day at the beach. Lounge on the sandy beach while watching the children splash in the roped off swim area. Grill out for lunch and spend the afternoon by the playground.

A new and exciting program for families to participate in has arrived to Garrett County and Western Maryland. ParkQuest provides great team building and bonding for families as you get outside and complete nature quests at our local Deep Creek Lake State Park and Swallow Falls. For more information on this actvity, call us at 866-348-7148.

Boating & Water Sports • back to top
On Deep Creek Lake the boaters make all the waves! There is a season and activity for everyone. Speed boaters rule the lake’s waters from Memorial Day until our Autumn Glory Festival when the docks are pulled from the lake. There is always room, however, for pontoon boats, kayaks and even sail boats with the many coves and inlets that branch off of the lake. Dive into some serious water sports with wake boarding, waterskiing and tubing. Lessons are available locally, so be sure to sign up during your vacation to learn from the pros. Or, for those who want to control their speed - try an exciting wave runner or jet ski ride. For more information on Deep Creek lake activities, call us at 866-348-7148.

Adventure Sports • back to top
Adrenaline races through the mountains in many different forms. It is usually high speed and high energy including whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and kayaking. Adventure also comes at a more relaxed pace as well, such as exploring the state parks and hunting for geocaches. Garrett County is certainly the place to be for adventure since it is all in one location. Rock faces can be found at the top of Marsh Mountain and within driving distance are Seneca Rocks and Cooper’s Rock. Whitewater rafting is also atop the mountain and provides a continuous flow of water through the man-made course at the Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI). Beginners and experts alike love this unique rafting experience and provides the perfect backdrop for a fun-filled morning or afternoon adventure. You may choose to head to the nearby Youghiogheny River to enjoy the raw nature and rapids. These are only a few locations of many that help to satisfy your need for thrill and excitement. Be sure to make advance reservations for adventure and adrenaline when you book your place to stay. For more information on Deep Creek adventure sports, call us at 866-348-7148.

Shopping • back to top
Whether you are looking for extreme sportswear and equipment or you just want to find a souvenir from your vacation, Deep Creek will satisfy many shopping needs that cannot be found elsewhere. Find yourself immersed in quaint local shops that boast gourmet food samples and local antiques. Nearby Oakland also offers an unique shopping experience. Our small town provides a stroll down the street of quaint storefronts. Street lamps light your way in the evening after the storekeepers close up for the night. Local home made products are found at local farm stores including crafts and food products. For a sophisticated flair, visit our local glass factory to watch the intricate process of blowing glass and stop by the gift shop for a special gift to take home. For more information on Deep Creek shopping, call us at 866-348-7148.

Spa • back to top
Just getting away from the city will certainly be relaxing, but remember to take the extra measure and enjoy a spa treatment or two. There are options throughout the lake area offering many different services. You can visit a full Deep Creek spa for an array of treatments or have your own massage therapist come to your home. If you are here for a romantic getaway, enjoy a private couples massages or buy a package to get the most for you money. Spa services are not the only way to rejuvenate your body. Various gym and fitness centers offer health services and amenities such as, weight rooms, Pilates, Yoga, Spinning Classes, Zumba and Dance Lessons. For more information on Deep Creek spas, call us at 866-348-7148.

State Parks • back to top
Get out and breathe the fresh air. Garrett County boasts seven state parks with trails, foliage, beaches, and waterfalls are just a few of the sites you will see and enjoy. Our state parks even host a historical stone bridge which was part of the very first national highway. You can venture out on your own or learn from many experienced naturalists in the area. Activities at the parks include bird watching, hiking, swimming, rock climbing, boating, camping, or visiting Deep Creek Lake’s Discovery Center. Swallow Falls is a short drive towards Oakland and with a short walk you can view Muddy Creek Falls pouring down 53 ft. into the river below. It is some of the most beautiful scenery in Western Maryland. For more information on Deep Creek state parks, call us at 866-348-7148.

Festivals • back to top
Festivals are frequent here at the lake and offer flavor, charm, and culture all through the year. If you like parades and fair rides or if you would prefer to browse antiques, handmade items and classic cars - They are here as well. Fireworks, ice cream, and music fill summer days and nights. Then Christmas lights, carols and ice sculptures abound in winter. Our Autumn Glory festival was ranked #1 in the world and we even bring a piece of Scotland to the area in June with the McHenry Highland Festival. Escape after the Labor Day weekend and peruse through the Art & Wine Festival complete with a dinner with wine pairing. Feel like a local as you join in some of our favorite events. For more information on Deep Creek festivals, call us at 866-348-7148.

Other Winter Sports/Activities • back to top
The world is covered in a fresh layer of snow. The temperature is cold and you have already built a snowman and made snow angels. There is always more to delight in before settling in with some hot chocolate in front of the fireplace. Skiing is not your only option. Here at Deep Creek Lake, you race down the tubing hill or glide through a large field in the back of a horse-drawn sleigh. If you seek speed and adventure, snowmobiling or a dog sled tour might be right for you. For scenery-seekers, snowshoeing and cross country skiing fills your world with peace as you softly step your way through a quiet world of gently falling snowflakes. For more information on Deep Creek winter activities, call us at 866-348-7148.

Fishing • back to top
Spring beckons fishermen to test the waters from cool still mornings to gentle twilight. In the summer many fishermen move to the nearby streams to find quiet waters or to try some Deep Creek fly fishing. Fall descends into winter but a few brave souls still venture out to continue fishing amid the ice and the snow. Everyone can enjoy the water here at the lake, whether it means teaching the kids to fish from the shore or putting your boat in at the state park’s launch for a quick zip around the lake. You can pick up your temporary fishing license at one of the local bait & tackle shops or visit during one of our free fishing days in Maryland. Talk to the locals there and find out all of the best fishing spots. Check out our many lake front and lake access homes online. For more information on Deep Creek fishing, call us at 866-348-7148.