One of the best parts about visiting Deep Creek Lake is the abundance of state and local parks right nearby. There are endless opportunities for hiking and getting back to nature, and the significantly cooler temperatures make it easy to enjoy hiking even in the dead of summer. Of course, come November, you’ll have to put on your best winter coat and boots if you want to get outside, but there’s something about the crisp air and breathtaking beauty that makes it all worthwhile.
Swallow Falls State Park
My favorite of the state parks near Deep Creek Lake is Swallow Falls. Old-growth hemlocks and the mighty Youghiogheny River inspire a deep sense of awe. There are multiple waterfalls, including Muddy Creek Falls, the highest free-flowing waterfall in Maryland. The fastest way to get there from the parking lot is to go left on the loop trail. It’s impressive, but be careful not to get too close to the edge at the top! In the summer, you may see some swimmers beneath the falls, but once again, be careful. The river is fast, and there have been multiple drownings over the years.
A better place to swim would be in the calmer waters by the waterfall that bears the name Swallow Falls. There is a short but sometimes slippery hiking trail that goes between the two. I recommend visiting during the week when it won’t be as crowded because the path is narrow and it’s nice to enjoy it without too many people!
Swimming near Swallow Falls is delightful. You can wade in, but it does get deep fast. There are rocks on the far side to jump off, but I highly recommend wearing water socks to help your feet grip if you want to climb up. The water is cold and refreshing in the summer. Me personally, I would probably only venture into the water in August, but you can decide how adventurous you are.
Once you’ve done some swimming at Swallow Falls, you can decide to go right on the loop trail to go back to the parking lot or continue on a bit further to go to Tolliver Falls. Tolliver Falls is just a tiny little waterfall, but something about its setting is lovely. It has a little beach to wade in, but for some reason, this water is even colder than over by Swallow Falls. So maybe just do the hike.
If you want some serious hiking, there is a 5.5. mile trail that connects Swallow Falls State Park with Herrington Manor State Park through the Garrett State Forest. Mountain biking is also allowed. Camping and fishing are also popular activities at Swallow Falls State Park.
Deep Creek Lake State Park
Right there on the shores of the lake is Deep Creek Lake State Park. This park has several great features, including a fun-filled beach, perfect for kids, and twenty miles of hiking trails. There is also the Discovery Center which hosts events for young and old alike. If you’ve ever been to Meadowide Nature Center in Derwood, Maryland, there is an aviary at the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center similar to the one at Meadowside. It houses nine injured and rehabilitated birds, including a turkey vulture, a great horned owl, and a golden eagle.
For those without a dock, there is a boat launch that can be used for a fee. But the big draw is the beach, which has a lifeguard on duty during the summer, a beach shower house and changing station, multiple playgrounds and picnic shelters, and fishing access. The beach is perfect for swimmers as there are almost no waves. It is roped off, and the water is generally pretty warm in the later part of the summer. You could spend a whole day here with young kids and be perfectly happy.
What I really enjoy about the park, though, is the miles of hiking trails. My favorite, and one that’s good for adults and kids alike, is Beckman’s Trail (red blazes.) This trail takes you to the Brant Coal Mine, which is truthfully a pretty creepy sight to stumble upon in the woods, even in the middle of the day. It’s a recreation of an actual coal mine that two local pioneers started. Sadly, the operation was a disaster, and both died of chronic lung disease within three years. With old train tracks and a coal cart outside of the boarded-up entrance to the mine, it reminds you of the harsh realities of living in the mountains before modern times.
Other trails don’t lead to much other than nature, but there are big rocks, beautiful meadows, and tons of chipmunks to see! Of course, you should never forget that Deep Creek is black bear country, so you may want to bring bear spray. However, I’ve been hiking here numerous times, and I’ve never seen a black bear. Sightings are rare, so don’t stay home because of the possibility.
Deep Creek Lake State Park also has camping options. There are 86 basic camp sites and 26 electric ones, as well as a couple of different options for rustic cabins, and even a yurt.
Other State Parks Near Deep Creek Lake
Herrington Manor State Park – I will be visiting here next time I go to Deep Creek Lake. Built upon the site of a former manor house, the park encompasses a large, 53-acre lake (Herrington Lake) which can be used for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. There are also twelve miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. In the winter, cross country skiing is available, and you can rent skis, boots, poles, snowshoes, and sleds. In addition, there are twenty cabins for rent with hot showers, fully-equipped kitchens, and wood-burning fireplaces. It is about twenty-five minutes from Deep Creek Lake.
New Germany State Park – I haven’t been here yet, but it looks like a great way to spend a day. With a small lake for fishing, swimming, and paddling, ten miles of trails, and a nature center, plus absolutely no cell phone service, it sounds wonderful! There is even a lake house with shower facilities and a snack bar with ice cream and sodas during the summer. There are twelve full-furnished cabins to rent as well as campsites. It is just over twenty minutes from Deep Creek Lake.
Hoye-Crest – Not a state park, but a must-do nonetheless. Hoye-Crest is Maryland’s highest point, so something to check off your bucket list. I did this as a pre-teen, so all I remember is complaining (sorry, mom and dad!) However, knowing that I’ve climbed the highest peak in Maryland still gives me a sense of accomplishment.
The point is only 3,360 feet above sea level, so obviously, you’re not talking the Rockies here. But it wasn’t super easy, either. It’s basically straight uphill. Unfortunately, from what I’ve read, there has been a lot of logging around the first part of the trail. Not something I really want to see when hiking. But the second half of the trail is nice, and the views at the top are good.
The funniest part about this Maryland high point trail is that, to get to it, you have to start in West Virginia. But Deep Creek Lake is only about 35 minutes from Silver Lake, West Virginia, where the trail begins. So this two-mile, up-and-back trail is worth it, if only to say that you did it! And, on the way home, you can stop in Oakland at El Canelo and toast to yourself with chips and salsa and a giant margarita.
Want More Deep Creek Lake Info?
- Where to Stay in Deep Creek Lake
- Whitewater Rafting near Deep Creek (with kids!)
- Deep Creek Lake Restaurants
- Shopping in Deep Creek Lake
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