State Parks and Hiking in Deep Creek & Surrounding Area
Deep Creek State Park - trails and a bird sanctuary, try geocaching in the park, so much fun.
Swallow Falls State Park - lots of great hiking trails and you can hike to three beautiful falls. Muddy Creek Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in MD.
The two-mile hike passes four waterfalls and several calm, shallow areas where you can play in the Youghiogheny river. The safest place to play in the river with children is Tolliver Falls, the last waterfall you come to.
Germany State Park - easy hikes and not very crowded.
Herrington Manor State Park - has a nice lake and offers 10 miles of trails into the adjoining state forest.
Fork Run Recreational Area Trail - great for mountain bikers, hiking, and boulder climbing.
Hoye-Crest is a summit along Backbone Mountain just inside of Garrett County, Maryland. It is the highest natural point in Maryland at an elevation of 3,360 feet.
Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis, WV - hike to the LindyPoint Overlook, the park has the longest sledding magic carpet on the East Coast in the winter.
Spruce Knob, Seneca Rocks and Dolly Sods Wilderness, close to Davis, highest point of WV.
LOSTLAND RUN TRAIL - Potomac Garrett State Forest - 7 miles out and back trail - moderate Trail is highlighted by Cascade Falls, towering hemlocks, and a short spur trail that leads to the Potomac Overlook with views of the river and mountains. It takes about two hours each way. There are also two nice swimming holes. One is at a smaller waterfall about halfway. The other is at Cascade Falls. Lots of rock hopping and stream crossing and fun swinging bridges. Dogs are allowed.
CANYON TRAIL - Swallow Falls State Park - 1.5 miles - easy Following the flow of the Youghiogheny River, this popular trail provides lots of photo ops! It takes you along Muddy Creek Falls, highest in Maryland, Swallow Tails and scenic Swallow Falls. A slight detour will lead you to Tolliver Falls too. You can swim at the bottom of Upper Swallow Falls. It's a busy trail so go early in the morning or later in the evening. Dogs are only allowed in the off season. There is also a 5.5 miles one way hiking trail that connects Swallow Falls and Herrington Manor State Park through the Garrett State Forest. Fat tire bike rentals are available to rent Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day at the Herrington Manor State Park lake house.
SNAKEROOT TRAIL - Deep Creek State Park - 0.25 mile - easy - great for kids Use the Meadow Mountain Trail to access this easy, short loop. Pick up a self-guided brochure in the headquarters office before embarking on this interpretive nature trail. Use the panels to learn about the flora and fauna of Western Maryland.
BECKMAN'S TRAIL - Deep Creek State Park - 1.7 miles, loop - moderate ThisTrail has the perfect balance of challenge and accessibility that makes it great for more experienced hikers or mountain bikers. The trail starts out nice and easy, before hitting a moderate incline. When you finish climbing, you'll be rewarded with a serene natural rock garden, where you can catch your breath before heading toward the more technical parts of the trail. Eventually, Beckman's Trail links up with the Brant Mine Trail, which combines gorgeous foliage with history at the Brant Coal Mine and Homesite. Beckman's Trail, Meadow Mountain Trail, and Indian Turnip Trail Loop form a 5 mile moderately loop trail if you want to extend your hike. You can bring your dog.
CRANESVILLE SWAMP - 1.2 mile loop - easy You can see a unique pine forest, the swamp, and a hardwood forest all while walking over roots and bog, pine needles and plank covered mud. It's a great hike for families. There are five trails at Cranesville Swamp, including a 1,500-foot boardwalk.
ROCK MAZE TRAIL - Garret State Forest - 0.8 mile out and back trail - easy It is a pleasant walk through old growth timber back to a maze of large boulders and features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. Dogs are allowed. This hidden gem is a maze of towering boulders and it's an unexpected find among the surrounding woods.