MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES MARYLAND PARK SERVICE

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DEEP CREEK LAKE STATE PARK

Park Status Information

Highlights

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Park Reservations
1-888-432-CAMP (2267)
Fees and Hours of Operation
​ Park Passes
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Mountain biker on a rocky trail in the fall​

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Deep Creek Lake State Park​
898 State Park Road
Swanton, Maryland 21561​​

Visit the DNR Event Calendar


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Information: 301-387-5563​
Email Deep Creek Lake State Park
Day-use hours are 8 a.m. - Sunset
Trail hours are Sunrise to Sunset.

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Welcome!

 

Deep Creek Lake State Park is located in Western Maryland’s Garrett County. The park encompasses over 1,800 acres and adjoins Deep Creek Lake Natural Resources Management Area and its 3,900-acre man-made lake. Deep Creek Lake State Park lies just west of the Allegheny Front on a large plateau known as the Tablelands or Allegany Highlands. Its location at the southernmost end of Meadow Mountain places it west of the Eastern Continental Divide and within the Mississippi River watershed.

The park gets its name from the lake, which was a hydroelectric project, constructed on Deep Creek in the 1920s by the Youghiogheny Hydroelectric Company. With its mile long shore line, two swimming beaches, 20 miles of hiking/biking trails, 112 site campground, and 6,000 square foot Discovery Center, Deep Creek Lake State Park offers year round activities for everyone. The Deep Creek Lake State Park Complex also includes Sang Run State Park and the Youghiogheny Wild River Natural Environmental Area.


Fishing​
Fishing is a popular activity at Deep Creek Lake State Park. Anglers can fish from the shore and from the docks along the park shoreline. Fishing from the ranger docks adjacent to the Ranger Station and in the swim area (sandy beach) is not permitted.


Hunting
Deep Creek Lake State Park is one of Maryland’s many state parks that allow public hunting. The 551-acre designated hunting area is marked with managed hunting area signs.

Hunters can park at the Ranger Station, on various pull offs on State Park Road, and at the Cherry Creek parking lot. Please recognize all hunting regulations​ and seasons. Remember to keep all weapons unloaded until you are within a designated hunting area. Hiking and mountain biking trails traverse parts of the hunting area. Be alert and respectful of trail users who are recreating in the area. Hunting licenses may be purchased at the Ranger Station.

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Details about the Park

Information​

 

Location:
Garrett County
Deep Creek Lake State Park
898 State Park Road
Swanton, Maryland 21561​​

Contact:
 ​301-387-5563​

Hours of Operation:
Day-use: 8 a.m. to sunset
Trails: Sunrise to sunset

Main gate closed during snowmobile season (Dec. 15-March 15). Parking available at Discovery Center.

Certain activities are permitted outside of the regular park hours (e.g. fishing, boat launch, hunting where permitted). Please check with the park before your visit if you plan to engage in an activity which requires you to be in the park before or after the posted hours.

Fees

Day-use: $3 per Maryland resident, $5 per non-Maryland resident (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day), $3 per Maryland vehicle & $5 per non-Maryland vehicle the rest of the year

Discovery Center: Free, donations for animal care and programming encouraged

Trails: Free, donations for trail maintenance encouraged

Pet Policy:

  • Pets are allowed in Browning, Beckman and Garrett Camp Loops
  • Pets are allowed on trails
  • Pets are allowed in boat ramp area to board vessels
  • Pets are allowed in Discovery Center parking area to access trails
  • Pets are allowed to swim from shoreline in all areas except swimming beach, docks or fishing piers
  • Pets are allowed in day-use area and lake (except for sandy portion of swimming beach area from Memorial Day weekend until after Labor Day)

Day-use Area

 
Deep Creek Lake State Park ​

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The day-use area at Deep Creek Lake State Park encompasses the park’s waterfront and picnic areas. This area is open 8 a.m. to sunset. Users and guests of this area are subject to paying the park entrance fee and must vacate the area by sunset.


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Features include:

  • Two sandy beaches. Swimming prohibited while swim lines are removed.​
  • Beach shower house, foot washing station and changing station
  • One mile of lakefront access
  • Picnic tables with grills
  • Three playgrounds
  • Four picnic shelters​
    • Birch Shelter
    • Hemlock Shelter
    • Oak Shelter
    • Tamarack Shelter
  • Trailhead parking for the Beckman Trail
  • Fishing access
  • Canoe / Kayak Launch located at the main beach parking lot.

Weddings and other Special Events

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Special events such as wedding ceremonies are often held within the park. While they are permitted, they must be scheduled in advance with the park office. To schedule your special event, please call 301-387-5563 or email our administrative specialist at anita.coddington@maryland.gov​.

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Things to keep in mind:

  • Day-use service charges apply to each guest, though we can arrange for payment consolidation
  • The park closes at sunset
  • Other visitors will likely be in the area
  • The park does not provide any tables, chairs or decorations
  • Flower petals are not permitted

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Picnic Shelters

 
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A covered pavilion at the park

​Deep Creek Lake State Park has four picnic shelters that are available to reserve from May to September. Each picnic shelter includes its own parking lot, a water spicket, electricity, a fireplace, picnic tables and three charcoal grills.

Reservations are required and can be made by visiting parkreservations.maryland.gov or calling 1-888-432-2267.

Tamarack

  • 75 person capacity
  • 27 parking spaces
  • 14 12 ft. picnic tables
  • Close to restroom

Birch

  • 75 person capacity
  • 19 parking spaces
  • 9 12 ft. picnic tables
  • Close to restroom

Hemlock

  • 75 person capacity
  • 19 parking spaces
  • 9 12-ft. picnic tables
  • Close to basketball court

Oak

  • 75 person capacity
  • Centrally located fireplace
  • 27 parking spaces
  • 14 12-ft. picnic tables
  • Close to basketball court
  • 100 yards to closest restroom

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Weddings and other Special Events

Special events such as wedding ceremonies are often held within the park. While they are permitted, they must be scheduled in advance with the park office. To schedule your special event, please call 301-387-5563 or email our administrative specialist at anita.coddington@maryland.gov​.

Things to keep in mind:

  • Day-use service charges apply to each guest, though we can arrange for payment consolidation
  • The park closes at sunset
  • Other visitors will likely be in the area
  • The park does not provide any tables, chairs or decorations
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Trail Information

 
Deep Creek Lake State Park ​

Trails and Trail Map


Deep Creek Lake State Park offers trails for everyone with varying lengths and difficulties. All trails are great for hiking, mountain biking and snowshoeing.

Additionally, Meadow Mountain Trail allows snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in winter. Snowmobile season ​starts December 15th and ends March 15th annually. Four inches of snow cover is required.

Pick up a trail map in the Ranger Station or the Discovery Center.

Deep Creek Lake State Park is one of Maryland’s many state parks that allow public hunting. Hiking and mountain biking trails traverse parts of the designated hunting area. Please be familiar with hunting seasons and remember to wear bright colors and be alert to all visitors recreating in this area.

The letters on the map represent intersectio​ns pertinent to navigation. If you ever feel uncomfortable continuing on the trail, please call the duty ranger at 240-405-9827 and give the ranger on duty your referenced letter.

Some sections of the trails may be under construction for maintenance. Please call the park office (301-387-5563) for more information.

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Discovery/Sensory Trail (1/5 mile) – Easy – Yellow Rope – Starting by the Discovery Center, explore nature via smell, sound and touch. This is a great stroll through the woods and lakeside.

Snakeroot Trail (1/4 mile) – Easy – Green blaze – Use the Meadow Mountain Trail to access this easy, short loop. Pick up a self-guided brochure in the Ranger Station before embarking on this interpretive nature trail. Use the panels to learn about the flora and fauna of Western Maryland.

​ Crosscut Trail (1 mile) - Moderate - Green blaze - Many Garrett County roads feature crosscuts, why not the trail system! This crosscut hews to the rockiest contours of the mountain. Combine with the upper/eastern leg of the Cherry Creek Loop (Yellow Blazes) for a short hike highlighting some of the park’s best rock outcrops. Can you find the fossil? Convenient parking is available at the Cherry Creek parking lot.

Lookout Trail (1 ½ - 1 ¾ miles) – Moderate – Blue blaze – Built to challenge even the most skilled mountain bikers, the Lookout Trail also makes for a great moderate hike. This rugged, yet short, route includes rocky and steep terrain. Visitors must use the Beckman’s and/or Indian Turnip Trail to access this connecting trail.

Beckmans Trail (2 miles) – Easy – Red blaze – The park’s most popular trail ventures along the ridgeline with only a slight elevation gain. Beckman’s Trail is great for stretching your legs and learning some local history at the Brant Coal Mine, which visitors can find by following the posted signs. Trail users are recommended to begin at the day-use overflow parking lot and to follow the Meadow Mountain trail back to the point of origin once Beckman’s Trail ends.

Cherry Creek Loop​ (3 miles) - Moderate - Yellow blaze - The Cherry Creek Loop passes through multiple ecosystems from lake-level to near the top of Meadow Mountain. Travel through rhododendron and mountain laurel thickets and hop rock to rock. Convenient parking is located at the Cherry Creek parking lot. A waterless toilet facility is available in the parking lot.

Thayer Trace (3 miles) - Difficult - Purple blaze - Descend into Meadow Mountain and reascend on this connector trail between Deep Creek Lake State Park and Savage River State Forest. Follow the intricate rock work to the optional obstacles, whether they be manicured rock formations or dirt passages. Trail users may begin at the Ranger Station via the Indian Turnip Trail. Which path will you choose?

Indian Turnip Trail (4.5 miles) - Moderate - Orange blaze - This rocky trail has an elevation gain of nearly 600 feet before leveling out at the top of the ridge and descending again. In the spring, Jack-in-the-pulpit, also known as Indian Turnip, flowers along the route. Visitors must combine with sections of Meadow Mountain or Beckman’s Trail to return to the starting point. Convenient parking for the trail is located at the Ranger Station.

Meadow Mountain Trail (5.5 miles) – Moderate – White blaze - Aligned along a former roadbed, summer users experience wildflowers and songs of birds while winter brings opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Visitors must follow Indian Turnip trail to return to the starting point.

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Trail Map​



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Camping

 
Deep Creek Camproad ​

Check availability or make a reservation now.

The Meadow Mountain campground is open from April 15th to December 15th annually. 

Click here for Map of Camping Loops​

Features include:

  • 82 basic sites and 23 electric sites​
  • Two Mini Cabins - The mini cabins sleep six people and have electricity, heat, (no water) and beds. Users must provide their own linens. Pets are not permitted. Includes a picnic table, fire ring and wildlife box.
  • One Yurt - The yurt sleeps six people and has electricity, heat, (no water) and beds. Users must provide their own linens. Pets are not permitted. Includes a picnic table, fire ring, and wildlife box.
  • ​​Bear Den - A three sided Adirondack-style shelter with the open side facing out into the forest (Site 72). Includes a picnic table, fire ring, wildlife box, stone fire place and raised sleeping platform.
  • Delphia Brant is a pet-free loop
  • Heated bathhouses
  • Dump station
  • Freshwater fill up
  • Free boat trailer overnight parking registration
  • Overnight dock slip use
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Boat Ramp

 
Deep Creek Lake State Park Dock ​

The boat launch area at Deep Creek Lake State Park is open 24 hours a day weather permitting. Visitors may call the park’s headquarters (301-387-5563), the Discovery Center or the park duty ranger (240-405-9827) ahead of time to see if the boat ramp is open during the winter. ​Overnight slip use is available only to Deep Creek Lake State Park campers on a first come, first serve basis.

Visitors should be prepared to pay the launch ramp fee each time the ramp is used or display a valid lake use permit or Maryland State Park pass in the windshield.

Features at the ramp include:

  • Four vehicle capacity launch area
  • No overnight docking except for park campers
  • ADA accessible boat trailer parking
  • ADA accessible restrooms
  • Pump out station
  • One ADA accessible fishing pier​
  • Fishing access

Healthy Parks, Healthy People Ballfield

 
Healthy Parks, Healthy People Ball Field ​

The ball field is a large, open field where visitors can recreate by playing softball, football, soccer and ultimate frisbee, doing yoga or meditating in the serenity of nature.

This space is also used for our Healthy Parks, Healthy People program to get visitors involved and moving outdoors.​

"Healthy Parks Healthy People" is a program designed to encourage physical activity in the beautiful parks of western Maryland and Caroline County. Department staff encourage healthcare providers to give their patients a prescription to increase physical activity and take part in programs offered at nearby State parks. Partners also include local Health Departments.

Visitors will find grills nearby, making it a great area for birthday parties!

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Fishing

 
Fishing ​

​Fishing is a popular activity at Deep Creek Lake State Park. Anglers can fish from the shore and from the docks along the park shoreline. Fishing from the ranger docks adjacent to the Ranger Station and in the swim area (sandy beach) is not permitted.

Fishing licenses may be purchased online at https://dnr.maryland.gov/Pages/service_license.aspx or in the Ranger Station. Please recognize all fishing regulations and seasons.

Ice Dangers and Safety


Common fish species in Deep Creek Lake include:

  • Trout
  • Bass
  • Walleye
  • Yellow Perch
  • Northern Pike

ATTENTION: Anglers of Deep Creek Lake - Tagging Study

Keep an eye out for tagged pike as they venture out to Deep Creek Lake! Tagged pike will have a yellow tag along their dorsal fin with a phone number and 4-digit tag number. Look for signs around the lake.

Hunting

 
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Deep Creek Lake State Park is one of Maryland’s many state parks that allow public hunting. The 551-acre designated hunting area is marked with managed hunting area signs.

Hunters can park at the Ranger Station, on various pull offs on State Park Road, and at the Cherry Creek parking lot. Please recognize all hunting regulations​ and seasons. Remember to keep all weapons unloaded until you are within a designated hunting area. Hiking and mountain biking trails traverse parts of the hunting area. Be alert and respectful of trail users who are recreating in the area. Hunting licenses may be purchased at the Ranger Station.

Hunting Policy

  • General hunting permitted in 551-acre designated hunting area
  • No firearms hunting until October 15
  • Spring turkey hunting is permitted during listed seasons
  • Hunting permitted Monday-Saturday
  • Provisions for hunters with mobility impairments
  • Waterfowl hunting only at designated sites on Deep Creek Lake (reservations required)
  • Hunters may enter/remain on park property outside of the regular posted hours if they are engaged in legitimate, authorized hunting activity.

Hunting Area Map



Discovery Center

 
Discovery Center ​

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​​ Contact: 301-387-7067

The Deep Creek Discovery Center is an educational and interpretive center for people of all ages to enjoy and learn. Through hands-on exhibits that highlight the natural resources of Western Maryland, families can learn about the flora, fauna and cultural and historical heritage that have turned this former logging and coal mining region into a popular modern day vacation destination. Interpretive programs, consisting of evening campfire programs, and talks and hikes on the natural and cultural resources of the park, are led by a park naturalist and are available at various times throughout the year and by special request.

Amenities at the 6,000 square foot facility include an indoor classroom and conference area complete with audio visual technology, indoor animal displays, a mural depicting local fauna and flora, ADA accessible restrooms and the Nature Shop. In the Nature Shop you will find a variety of environmental and educational gifts including toys, souvenirs from the region and field guides and books with a natural resources theme. Outdoor amenities include an outdoor classroom, working aviary, insect hotel and the Discovery Sensory Trail. ​

Displays

Through hands-on displays, live animal programming, colorful artwork, photographs and artifacts, the facility's numerous natural resources exhibits provide a behind the scenes look into Deep Creek Lake and its watershed, and conservation issues facing the region today. History buffs will enjoy learning about the cultural and historical heritage of the region, including coal extraction from the former Old Brant Mine in an indoor replicated mine experience.

The Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center also features many aquariums with native fish and other aquatic species from the lake and river. The aviary features live birds of prey, including red-tailed hawks and owls. Numerous reptile and amphibian displays feature daily up-close encounters! While you are here check out our native plant gardens and monarch butterfly rearing tank, live underwater fish camera and discovery science stations.

​​Scales & Tales Aviary

Deep Creek Lake State Park’s Aviary is home to nine non-releasable birds of prey. Each of these birds were injured, rehabilitated and deemed non releasable before becoming an ambassador for the Scales & Tales program, which serves to educate people of all ages on native raptors throughout Maryland. By visiting the Aviary, visitors can view birds up close such as a turkey vulture, a great horned owl and even a golden eagle. ​

Hours

Please contact the park for hours of operation and special programs. Deep Creek Lake State Park is located at 898 State Park Road in Swanton, Maryland. For more information about the Deep Creek Discovery Center call 301-387-7067. Check out our volunteer website for program and workshop schedules at www.discoverycenterdcl.com.

Black Bear Country

 
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Black Bear at Savage River Reservoir ​

​Garrett, Allegany, Washington and Frederick Counties in Maryland are all home to black bears. Recreating in these counties presents the possibility that visitors may see a black bear while hiking, camping, picnicking, etc.

Department of Natural Resources staff work to minimize human and bear conflicts. For more information about recreating in Black Bear Country, visit the Living with Black Bears webpage or BearWise.org​.

Deep Creek Lake NRMA

Volunteer Opportunities

 
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Deep Creek Volunteers ​
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Message from the Park Manager

Thank you for considering volunteer service at Deep Creek Lake State Park. We have three unique public land projects, each with its own opportunities for service - Deep Creek Lake State Park, the Youghiogheny Scenic and Wild River Corridor and Sang Run State Park. Volunteers support and fund raise for interpretive programming, conduct several annual special events which add immensely to the visitor experiences offered by the park, or volunteer to open the fire tower on top of Meadow Mountain for visitors to learn about the challenges of being a forest fire lookout in the last century.​

They may assist with collecting data for water quality surveys in the lake or operate the community store in the Youghiogheny River Corridor. The Western Garrett County State Parks Volunteers, Inc. (WGCSPVI) is an active support group of caring volunteers. Your time and service do make a difference to the Maryland Park Service and to these very special public areas. I hope you are willing to join our group and work side by side with us soon.​

Volunteer Opportunities

The Western Garrett County State Parks Volunteers, Inc. (WGCSPVI) is the official vounteer organization. It is a non-profit group encompassing Deep Creek Lake State Park and others. The purpose of the organization is to assist park staff in operation of programs, work the desk when necessary, conduct special events, assist in trail maintenance, lead or assist with interpretive hikes, conduct fundraising for special projects, handle gardening tasks and MUCH more.

As you read the above, you may think to yourself that you have no interest in some of the activities. That is what is unique about volunteering – you get to say what you’d like to do or become involved with. There may be projects not even mentioned that you would enjoy. Consider becoming a volunteer and get involved. We welcome new members and need you! Volunteers are actually our park ambassadors. Why not become involved in something you believe in? Get in touch to learn about other perks available to our valued Volunteers.

Accomplishments

You may know of some of our events/programs, such as Art in the Park, Open House in December, Natural Egg Dyeing, Ramp Cook-off, Butterfly Tagging, and Fall Fest at Sang Run State Park. Remember, these are all volunteer-sponsored events.

Special Projects

Thayerville Fire Tower- WGCSPVI, along with Maryland Forest Service, worked hard to obtain grants to restore the historic Thayerville Fire Tower in Deep Creek Lake State Park, installed in 1921. As a result of the restoration, volunteers learned about the history of firetowers and conduct guided, interpretive tours on specified days during nice weather. Have you climbed the 109 steps to the top of the Fire tower? Can’t you just imagine the spectacular view? Visit the website: www.discoverycenterdcl.com​​​

Explore Garrett County State Parks​

Driving Directions

 

​Driving Directions:
From Pittsburgh: Take I-79 south to I-68 east. Exit 4 (Route 219 South Deep Creek Lake). Continue on Route 219 South for 18 miles. Turn left onto Glendale Road. Continue on Glendale Road for one mile, crossing over the Glendale Bridge. Immediately after crossing the Glendale Bridge, turn left onto State Park Road. Continue on State Park Road for one mile until you see the information sign for the state park facilities.

From Washington, D.C.: Take 270 north to I-70 west to I-68 west. Exit 14A (Route 219 South Deep Creek Lake). Continue on Route 219 South for 18 miles. Turn left onto Glendale Road. Continue on Glendale Road for one mile, crossing over the Glendale Bridge. Immediately after crossing the Glendale Bridge, turn left onto State Park Road. Continue on State Park Road for one mile until you see the information sign for the state park facilities.

From Baltimore: Take I-70 west to I-68 west. Exit 14A (Route 219 South Deep Creek Lake). Continue on Route 219 South for 18 miles. Turn left onto Glendale Road. Continue on Glendale Road for one mile, crossing over the Glendale Bridge. Immediately after crossing the Glendale Bridge, turn left onto State Park Road. Continue on State Park Road for one mile until you see the information sign for the state park facilities.​

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Section2

Other Things to Check Out!


The Discovery Center

Contact: 301-387-7067

The Deep Creek Discovery Center is an educational and interpretive center for people of all ages to enjoy and learn. Through hands-on exhibits that highlight the natural resources of Western Maryland, families can learn about the flora, fauna and cultural and historical heritage that have turned this former logging and coal mining region into a popular modern day vacation destination. Interpretive programs, consisting of evening campfire programs, and talks and hikes on the natural and cultural resources of the park, are led by a park naturalist and are available at various times throughout the year and by special request.

Amenities at the 6,000 square foot facility include an indoor classroom and conference area complete with audio visual technology, indoor animal displays, a mural depicting local fauna and flora, ADA accessible restrooms and the Nature Shop. In the Nature Shop you will find a variety of environmental and educational gifts including toys, souvenirs from the region and field guides and books with a natural resources theme. Outdoor amenities include an outdoor classroom, working aviary, insect hotel and the Discovery Sensory Trail.

Learn More here!


Healthy Parks, Healthy People Ball Field

The ball field is a large, open field where visitors can recreate by playing softball, football, soccer and ultimate frisbee, doing yoga or meditating in the serenity of nature.

This space is also used for our Healthy Parks, Healthy People program to get visitors involved and moving outdoors.

Learn More here!

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Rocky trail at Deep Creek  

Trails and Trail Map

Deep Creek Lake State Park offers trails for everyone with varying lengths and difficulties. All trails are great for hiking, mountain biking and snowshoeing.

Additionally, Meadow Mountain Trail allows snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in winter. Snowmobile season ​starts December 15th and ends March 15th annually. Four inches of snow cover is required.

Pick up a trail map in the Ranger Station or the Discovery Center.

​Visit the Trails Page!

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View from outside the aviary with birds in their pens  
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Park Highlight

Scales & Tales Aviary
Deep Creek Lake State Park’s Aviary is home to nine non-releasable birds of prey. Each of these birds were injured, rehabilitated and deemed non releasable before becoming an ambassador for the Scales & Tales program, which serves to educate people of all ages on native raptors throughout Maryland. By visiting the Aviary, visitors can view birds up close such as a turkey vulture, a great horned owl and even a golden eagle.

Learn More Here!​

6​​​ Other State Park Locations Near​​ Deep Creek Lake​