​Cross-Country Ski Report (Updated 2/5/26):
New Germany still has several inches of densely packed snow on the trails. A  WINTER STORM WARNING  is in effect from Friday morning through Saturday morning, with total snow accumulations of 6-8 inches expected. Winds could gust as high as 60 mph. An ​EXTREME COLD WARNING​ is also in effect from late Friday night throught Saturday morning with dangerously cold wind chills as low as 20-30 degrees below zero expected. Trails may be impacted by downed trees and branches throughout the weekend. The Green, Purple, and Orange trails, as well as portions of the Blue and Red trails, were last groomed on Sun​day. Snowshoers and hikers are reminded to please use the Pink, White, or Black trails to avoid walking on ski trails. Ski and snowshoe rentals are available at the Lake House on weekends and at the Ranger Station on weekdays. Rental hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Equipment must be returned by 5 p.m​​​​.

​CLOSURE NOTICE (UPDATED):
New Germany State Park will be upgrading its water system and wastewater treatment plant in 2026-2027. This project will require cabins, campsites, and pavilions to be closed at various times during construction. Site closures are subject to change as the project moves forward. If you would like to be notified when a site reopens, you can create an alert at https://parkreservations.maryland.gov/. From there, search for your desired stay and then select "Notify me" on the results page. You will receive an email when a site matching your criteria becomes available. We apologize for the inconvenience.​​

​Park Reservations
1-888-432-2267​​

Garrett County​

New Germany State Park
349 Headquarters Lane​​
Grantsville MD 21536​​

Contact: 301-895-5453​
E-mail New Germany State Park​

Hours: 8 a.m. to Sunset

New Germany State Park’s visitors frequentl​y call it a “best kept secret.” This mountain gem is nestled between the 2,900 ft. Big Sa​vage Mountain to the east and the eastern Continental Divide along Meadow Mountain to the west. New Germany has diverse forests with ten miles of multi-use trails and a small lake suitable for fishing, swimming, and paddling. There is no cell phone service at New Germany State Park. An emergency phone (911 ONLY) is available insi​de the Lake House at 403 McAndrews Hill Road, Grantsville, Maryland. A pay phone is also available at 474 McAndrews Hill Road, Grantsville, Maryland (across the road from New Germany Lake).​

Upcoming Park Programs and Events​

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Snowmobile Permit Information

Snowmobile Permits Available On-Site

Snowmobile riding is not permitted within New Germany State Park; however, the park is a convenient location for visitors to obtain Maryland Snowmobile Permits (Decals) before accessing nearby trail systems on state lands.

Permits may be purchased at the park office during standard operating hours.

Where to Ride

Nearby snowmobile and winter riding opportunities include:

• Deep Creek Lake State Park – Main staging area and access point for the Deep Creek Lake Snowmobile Trail

• Deep Creek Lake Natural Resources Management Area (NRMA) – Designated snowmobile trail corridor

• Potomac–Garrett State Forest – Seasonal snowmobile trails

• Savage River State Forest – Additional designated winter riding routes

• Wolf Den Run State Park – Designated ORV riding system with seasonal snowmobile opportunities 

Visitors should consult each area’s webpage for current trail conditions, maps, and seasonal guidelines.

How to Obtain a Snowmobile Permit

Permits can be obtained in two ways:

1. Remote Application (Email or Fax)
Complete the Snowmobile Registration Application:
https://dnr.maryland.gov/Documents/LRS-Off-Road-Registration.pdf

Submit the form by email or fax to a Maryland DNR Service Center listed on the application.
If paying by credit card, you may also include the credit card authorization form:
https://dnr.maryland.gov/Documents/Credit-Card-Authorization-Slip-(G-13).pdf

A staff member will contact you if additional information or confirmation is required.

2. In-Person Pickup – Western Region Locations
Snowmobile permits may be purchased at:

• Deep Creek Lake State Park 

• New Germany State Park

• Herrington Manor State Park

• Savage River State Forest Headquarters

These locations provide convenient options for riders accessing trail systems throughout Garrett County.

Past Decal Holders

Log into your existing MDOutdoors (formerly COMPASS) account and open your vehicle list; then select your current Offroad vehicle (snowmobile, ATV, UTV) and click renew. The $10 decal will be added to your cart and mailed to you in the near future after payment is fulfilled. Keep your receipt or digital image of the page as proof of purchase.​

Skiing comes to the “Maryland Alps” in 1940

​ Newspaper reporters in the 1940s and 1950s called this area “The Maryland Alps,” the place where winter was king - “Maryland’s first genuine winter sports area.” Can you identify this place? Here are a few more clues: “The first ski event south of the Mason and Dixon Line” occurred here in 1941. In the 1950s, this locale was called Maryland’s skiing mecca.” Give up? These accolades refer to present day New Germany State Park and Savage River State Forest, where in 1940, recreational skiing was as new and fresh as the first snowfall of that winter.​​