Lake Activities

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Fall at Deep Creek Lake

For many visitors to Deep Creek Lake, the fall offers a charm of its own. The pace and excitement of the summer has slowed, the countryside takes on a majestic display of blazing color, and there is a crispness in the morning air.

Both power boating and sailing continue to offer good times. What better way to view the fall foliage than by water! Some say that the fall is the best time for fishing. Early each morning, you'll find ardent fishermen in search of that one that got away.

Exploring the leaf bright trails by horseback is a relaxing but exciting way to spend an autumn day.

With 74,000 acres of state forests, hiking and mountain biking are other ways to view the bountiful deep creek lake fall scenery. State parks have guided hiking tours and fall color hayrides as well as many other activities. Local nature tourism vendors offer a variety of outdoor activities that include: overnight backpack trips, wild land hikes, family float trips, bonfires, etc. For more information on these and other activities visit www.dnr.state.md.us/outdooradventures.

Hunting, of course, has always been a popular sport in Garrett County. The state of Maryland maintains over 80,000 acres of public hunting lands. Deer hunting, turkey season and small game hunting are all available in the fall. Check out one of the local sporting stores for licenses and supplies.

A favorite event for all Deep Creek Lake visitors is the annual Autumn Glory Festival held in mid October in nearby Oakland. Three days are pumped full of such fun filled activities as Maryland State Banjo and Fiddle Championships, parades, Octoberfests, pancake breakfasts, arts and crafts, antiques, a wide variety of foods, and much, much more.

The area offers a number of wonderful gift shops as well as areas displaying artisans at work and their handcrafted wares. Spruce Forest Artisan Village in Grantsville schedules demonstrations by local artisans and displays a wonderful selection of gifts. Check for scheduled events.

Once you've experienced the beauty and serenity of fall which encompasses Deep Creek Lake, you'll return again and again on Maryland vacations to view Mother Nature's blazing display of color.