- Distance
- 1.7 mi
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Climb
- 259 ft
- Descent
- 358 ft
- Hunting
- Partly a Hunting Area
Good For: Mountain Bike, E-bike, Hike, Trail Running
About This Trail
Local Note: Bluebird fall day! Trails are dry and awesome!
Ridden either direction, this trail makes for a difficult climb to nearly the highest point in the park. You will have to navigate through a few rock gardens, some of which have a couple tricky technical spots and few line choices. Ridden West to East, the climb is much less technical but there are a few very steep section. In this direction, the rock gardens are primarily encountered while descending. Newly completed in 2018. Blaze color is blue.
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 Thu, Oct 29, 10:03 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.
Plan Your Visit
- Trailhead
- 898 State Park Road, Swanton, MD 21561
- Fee
- Maryland State Park day-use fee: $3 (MD residents) / $5 (out-of-state). Per person Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day; per vehicle the rest of the year. The Discovery Center is free.
- Hours & Season
- Day use 8 a.m. to sunset; trails sunrise to sunset. From Dec. 15 to Mar. 15 the main gate is closed, so park at the Discovery Center.
- Restrooms
- At the Discovery Center and boat ramp, plus a waterless toilet at the Cherry Creek lot.
- Dogs
- Allowed on a leash on trails. Not on the swimming beach, docks or fishing piers.
- Hunting
- The park has a 551-acre hunting area, open Monday through Saturday only, and some trails cross it. Wear bright colors in season.
- Managed By
- Maryland Park Service · 301-387-5563
- Emergency
- Call 911. Nearest hospital: Garrett Regional Medical Center, 251 N. 4th Street, Oakland (301-533-4000). Duty ranger: 240-405-9827 (give your nearest lettered intersection).
Know Before You Go
- Trail intersections are lettered on the map. If you need help, call the duty ranger at 240-405-9827 and give your nearest letter.
- Lookout Trail is steep, rugged and rocky. Good shoes recommended.
- Bears live here. Keep food packed away (see BearWise.org).
- Stop at the free Discovery Center, with its raptor aviary, before or after your hike.
- 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.
