Deep Creek Lake & Garrett County, Maryland

Things to Do at Deep Creek Lake

Maryland's largest freshwater lake, ringed by state parks, waterfalls, ski slopes and small mountain towns. Here is how locals spend a day here, in every season.

Right Now

Fall at Deep Creek Lake

Unofficially September 22 through December 4

Autumn in Garrett County is magical: crisp air, vibrant foliage and a slower pace make it the perfect time to get away. Around Deep Creek Lake you can enjoy the Autumn Glory Festival, scenic drives, hiking trails, pumpkin patches, photography or a peaceful day on the lake.

1 Autumn Glory Festival Oakland's five-day celebration of fall color every October. 2026: October 7 to 11, with the Grand Feature Parade on Saturday, October 10 at 1 p.m. 2 Take a Foliage Drive or Hike Back roads, overlooks and state park trails at peak color. 3 Chase the Waterfalls Swallow Falls and Muddy Creek Falls framed in fall color. 4 Paddle the Quiet Lake Calm water and colorful shorelines after the summer crowds leave.

Happening This Week

Full Events Calendar
TueOct 20Town of Friendsville Fall Leaf Pick-UpTueOct 20Garrett County Public Schools Substitute Training8:00 am · Dennett Road Educational Complex, OaklandTueOct 202026-2027 School Year Learning Beyond the Classroom9:30 am · Grantsville Senior CenterTueOct 20Southern High Unified Flag Football – Home10:00 amTueOct 20Children’s Story Time10:30 am · Ruth Enlow Library – KitzmillerTueOct 20Story Time @ Oakland for Ages 6-36 months10:30 am · Oakland Ruth Enlow Library

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Explore by Interest

On the Water Waterfalls State Parks & Trails Snow & Ski
Eat & DrinkDining guide MenusDeepCreekDining.com Live MusicWho's playing MoviesNow showing ShoppingLocal shops Autumn GloryOctober festival

On the Water

Boating, Paddling & Swimming

At about 3,900 acres with 65 miles of shoreline, Deep Creek Lake is Maryland's largest freshwater lake. Rent a pontoon for the day, try a jet ski or guided tour, paddle a quiet cove at sunrise, or swim at the state park beach. The lake is busiest from late June through Labor Day; spring and fall are calm and beautiful.

Outdoors

State Parks, Trails & Waterfalls

Garrett County is mostly forest and state land. Hike to Muddy Creek Falls at Swallow Falls State Park, Maryland's highest free-falling waterfall; walk the lake trail at Herrington Manor; ski or snowshoe New Germany in winter; or find solitude in Garrett State Forest and along the Savage River.

Hunting Season Is OpenNow open in Garrett County: Deer Archery (through Oct. 21) · Small Game & Waterfowl. Wear blaze orange on trails, in state parks and in state forests, and keep pets visible.
See All Season Dates
Big Run State Park Swanton Situated at the mouth of the Savage River Reservoir, Big Run State Park is the perfect base camp from which to enjoy… Broadford Lake Trails Oakland Broadford Lake is known for being a great multi-species impoundment in the mountains of Western Maryland. Although… Casselman River Bridge State Park Grantsville Casselman River Bridge State Park is a 4-acre parcel popular for picnicking, fly fishing, and photography. It is on… Dans Mountain State Park Trails Lonaconing Perched high upon a 16-mile-long mountain in Lonaconing, Maryland, Dans Mountain State Park is the perfect place to… Deep Creek Lake Lions Club Park Accident The club manages the community park at 1249 Bumble Bee Road (next to the HART center and County solid waste disposal… Deep Creek Lake State Park Swanton Deep Creek Lake State Park is located in Western Maryland’s Garrett County. The park encompasses over 1,800 acres… Deep Creek Lake State Park Trails Swanton Deep Creek Lake State Park is located in Western Maryland’s Garrett County. The park encompasses over 1,800 acres… Garrett State Forest Trails Oakland The Potomac-Garrett State Forest, situated in southwestern Garrett County in Western Maryland, has the distinction of… Herrington Manor State Park Oakland The park allows weddings and special events on the beach and surrounding areas. Permits are not required, but guests… Herrington Manor State Park Trails Oakland Herrington Manor was designated as a state park in 1964. The 365-acre park, located within Garrett State Forest… New Germany State Park Grantsville New Germany State Park’s visitors frequentl​y call it a “best kept secret.” This mountain gem is nestled… New Germany State Park Trails Grantsville New Germany State Park’s visitors frequently call it a “best-kept secret.” This mountain gem is nestled between… Sang Run State Park McHenry Step back in time at Sang Run State Park and the Historic Friends Store. A homestead, formerly known as Friends… Swallow Falls State Park Oakland This mountain park is located nine miles north of Oakland, Maryland, and contains some of Maryland’s most… White Grass Touring Center Davis Fork Run Recreation Area McHenry Fork Run Recreation Area is a Garrett County park near Wisp in McHenry with just over 8 miles of hiking and mountain…

Family & Outdoor Fun

Attractions, Adventures & Things for Kids

Ski slopes and snow tubing, Wisp's Mountain Coaster (temporarily closed), watersports, pottery painting, movies, golf, guided outdoor events and more, from the businesses that keep Deep Creek fun all year.

Wisp Resort McHenry Tucked away in the mountains of Western Maryland, lies Wisp Resort, Maryland's only 4-season ski, golf, and… The Shoppes at The Fort McHenry Deep Creek Experiences. Perched above Deep Creek Lake with incredible lake and Wisp Resort views, The Shoppes at the… Honi-Honi Bar Oakland Play Out Loud

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Plan Your Trip

Where to StayHotels, cabins, B&Bs and vacation rentals WeatherLocal forecast and conditions WebcamsThe lake and the roads, live Local Info & MapsGetting around Garrett County Events CalendarEverything happening this month Daily NotesThe morning rundown, every day
Not sure where to start? Ask Garry. Our local guide answers questions about dinner spots, trails and what's on today. Chat with Garry

Deep Creek Lake FAQ

What is there to do at Deep Creek Lake?

Deep Creek Lake is a four-season destination. In summer people come for boating, swimming, paddling and live music; in fall for the Autumn Glory Festival, foliage drives and waterfall hikes; in winter for skiing, snowboarding and tubing at Wisp Resort plus cross-country skiing and sledding in the state parks; and in spring for full waterfalls, fishing and quiet trails. Nearby state parks include Swallow Falls, Herrington Manor, New Germany, Deep Creek Lake and Big Run.

How big is Deep Creek Lake?

Deep Creek Lake is Maryland's largest freshwater lake: about 3,900 acres with 65 miles of shoreline, up to 75 feet deep (about 25 feet on average). It was created in the 1920s for hydroelectric power and is now owned by the State of Maryland.

Is there a public beach at Deep Creek Lake?

Yes. Deep Creek Lake State Park has a swimming beach, a public boat launch, and kayak and paddleboard rentals.

Where can I rent a boat at Deep Creek Lake?

Marinas and watersports outfitters around the lake rent pontoons, ski boats, jet skis and paddle craft; see the On the Water section of this guide for local rental and marina businesses. Deep Creek Lake State Park also rents kayaks and paddleboards.

When is the Autumn Glory Festival?

Autumn Glory is held in Oakland, Maryland every October at peak fall color. In 2026 it runs October 7 to 11, with the Grand Feature Parade on Saturday, October 10 at 1 p.m. in downtown Oakland.

When is the best time to visit Deep Creek Lake?

There is no bad season. Summer (late June to Labor Day) is busiest on the lake. Late September through mid-October brings fall color and Autumn Glory. December through March is snow season at Wisp and in the state parks. Spring is the quietest time and the best for waterfalls.