Flatwater Paddle Trail
Flatwater paddling at Broadford Lake Park.
Flatwater PaddlingCalm Water, No Gas Motors- Difficulty
- Easy
- Lake Size
- 140 acres
- Motors
- Electric only
- Hunting
- No Hunting
Good For: Kayak, Canoe, Stand-Up Paddleboard
About This Trail
Trail system is at Broadford Lake Park, a Town of Oakland park located in Mountain Lake Park, MD.
Broadford Lake is a 140-acre lake where gas motors aren’t allowed (electric motors only), so it stays calm and quiet for flatwater paddling. Launch paddle craft at one of the two designated launch areas, and stay clear of the buoyed swimming beach.
No boat? The park rents john boats, canoes, kayaks and paddle boats in season, subject to staff availability: $5 an hour or $15 a day, cash only, first come, first served. The park is open sunrise to sunset from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, with a per-car daily entry fee in that season.
Trail Type & Etiquette
Hand-cut trail: drains well and rides fine with a little rain.
Leave a Track, Turn Back. If your tires or boots are leaving a track, pick another trail.
Updated Mon, Nov 9, 8:28 AM. These ratings come from DCAB riders who are out on these trails all week. They are rated for mountain biking, so hikers, runners and skiers can use them as a general guide. Conditions can change fast, and trails are rarely closed; use your judgment.
Photos & Video
Plan Your Visit
- Trailhead
- 123 Recreation Lane, Mountain Lake Park, MD 21550
- Fee
- Per-car daily entry fee from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (season passes available; seniors 65+ free with verification).
- Hours & Season
- Sunrise to sunset during the summer season.
- Hunting
- No hunting, except waterfowl hunting on Nov. 23–25, 2026.
- Managed By
- Town of Oakland · 301-334-2691
- Accessibility
- A 1-mile paved loop circles part of the lake.
- Emergency
- Call 911. Nearest hospital: Garrett Regional Medical Center, 251 N. 4th Street, Oakland (301-533-4000).
Know Before You Go
- Beginner-friendly: 3+ miles of beginner-to-intermediate singletrack, plus a 1-mile paved loop.
- Follow the arrows. Trail direction rotates, and hikers and bikers travel opposite directions.
- There are trailheads at both parking lots. Boats and pavilions are available to rent in summer.
- Leave No Trace. Pack out what you pack in, stay on the trail, and if you're leaving a track, turn back.
Make a Day of It
All DCAB Trails & ConditionsWhere to EatWhere to StayLocal WeatherUpcoming EventsAsk Garry
Visitor details checked by Deep Creek Times in October 2026. Fees and hours can change; confirm with the managing agency.
