Nestled next to the mountains in the northwestern tip of Maryland, the quiet Deep Creek Lake area offers residents and vacationers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of a large city plenty of healthy activities in the great outdoors. The area features the 3,900-acre Deep Creek Lake and the fresh air of Garrett County, which is so clean that vehicle emissions tests are not necessary. With moderate summer temperatures and a tremendous amount of snowfall during the winter, you can find things to do in Maryland's Deep Creek area any time of the year.
Amusement Park
On a warm summer day, head to the Funland Family Fun Center for a day full of outdoor enjoyment for the entire family. Since admission to the park is free, your family only pays for the rides and attractions you choose to enjoy. The amusement park features an 18-hole miniature golf course, go-kart tracks and a bumper car course. Test your strength and stamina at the park's climbing wall or battle your friends in the water balloon "Water Wars." After a long day, cool down with a ride on the carousel.
Outdoor Activities
Escape to the mountains of western Maryland for year-round recreation. During the winter, spend some time skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing or snowmobiling on the mountain's snow-covered slopes. During the warmer months, stretch your legs on an 18-hole golf course or relax with a bit of fly fishing in Deep Creek Lake. Spend a warm summer day on the lake with a paddleboard, pontoon or kayak tour. Those who would rather explore the mountain can approach it from a different perspective through a segway tour, mountain buggy tour or mountain coaster.
Local Festival
Exercise your legs while indulging in a glass of wine at the annual Deep Creek Art & Wine Festival. Since its inception in 2005, the town has hosted the annual festival to benefit the Potomac Chapter of the American Red Cross. Along with wine tastings from 200 Maryland and national wineries, the festival also features live entertainment, children's activities and a silent auction. Take advantage of the food vendors, many of which offer healthy options. Although the food selection varies from one year to another, you can generally find fresh sandwiches, cheese and salads at the festival.
Lake Camping
Take advantage of the area's many water activities by camping in Deep Creek Lake State Park. According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the park features one mile of sandy shoreline on "Maryland's largest man-made lake." At the Meadow Mountain Campground, all 112 campgrounds sit near indoor restroom facilities for guest convenience. During the day, take a hike or mountain bike around the lake. On hot days, cool off with a refreshing swim in the cool waters.
Horseback Riding
Outdoor enthusiasts looking for a more relaxing activity after a day of hiking or kayaking can take in the beauty of Deep Creek Lake from the back of a horse. Multiple businesses offer horseback tours in the Deep Creek area. Circle R Ranch has been offering horseback rides to Deep Creek Lake residents and vacationers since the 1940s. The ranch offers private horseback tours through a variety of Deep Creek Lake areas. A private guide and a well-trained trail horse will bring you through winding trails, hillsides, apple orchards and wooded areas.
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