Hiking Near Deep Creek Lake
Mad Men Lake House in the mountains of Western Maryland is perfectly situated to enable outdoor enthusiasts to pursue hiking and mountain biking while enjoying the beauty of nature as nowhere else in the Mid-Atlantic. In the winter months, there’s not only downhill skiing at Wisp, but cross-country skiing, snow shoeing and even snowmobiling in the nearby state parks, which abound in trails that cater to all skill levels and ages.
Hiking and Biking and…
When you think about hiking around Deep Creek Lake the first spot on the list that will be recommended is surely Swallow Falls State Park! This mountain park contains some of Maryland’s most breathtaking scenery. The Youghiogheny River flows along the park’s borders, passing through shaded rocky gorges and creating rippling rapids. A 1 ½ mile easy hiking trail meanders through an old growth forest and passes by several beautiful waterfalls including Muddy Creek Falls, the highest waterfall in Maryland. A 5 ½ mile moderate trail takes you through the Garrett State Forest and connects this park with our next park:
Herrington Manor State Park: just 4 miles by car from Swallow Falls State Park, has 12 miles of hiking loops that feature beautiful views of Herrington Manor Lake. Trails can be biked as well as hiked, and fat tire bikes are available to rent all summer. Trail Maps are available for purchase at the Ranger Station.
The entrance of Deep Creek Lake State Park offers a mile long shore line with two swimming beaches and 20 miles of hiking/biking trails. These trails have varying lengths and difficulties so it can be enjoyed by many. Not only are the trails great for hiking and mountain biking, but in winter, various trails are open to snowshoeing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. A trail map can be picked up in the Ranger Station or the Discovery Center.
Even closer is Sang Run State Park with its Historic Friends Store, just four miles down Sang Run Road. A homestead, formerly known as Friends Delight, dates back to the early 1800’s. Hike, fish, picnic or just sit and relax along Sang Run and the Youghiogheny River. The easy Blue Bird trail is a little over a mile long and traverses agricultural farm fields highlighting large old trees, wildflower meadows and passes by a private family cemetery. During the summer months, nature programs such as hay rides, guided bird hikes and Dutch oven demonstrations are held. In the winter, the trails are open to snow shoeing and cross-country skiing.
About a half hour east is Big Run State Park, site of Monroe Run Hiking Trail, a scenic 4 ½ mile trail into the Savage River State Forest that follows an old logging road. It’s not a loop, so you either will have to backtrack or bring two cars, one to park at one end and the other to park at the other end.
Rounding out our collection of prime hiking near Mad Men Lake House is New Germany State Park which has ten miles of multi-use trails. The trails, which range from easy to difficult, wind their way through dense hemlock forest, colorful mixed hardwoods, towering pines, rhododendron-choked stream valleys and spruce plantation sites. Hiking, trail-running and biking are the most popular activities throughout the year, although wintertime activities also include cross-country skiing and show-shoeing.