Established in 1925, Deep Creek Lake in Western Maryland is the state’s biggest freshwater lake. It stretches over 3,900 acres, 12 miles, and over 65 miles of shoreline.
The four-season paradise allows you to hike to the mountains in spring, indulge in watersports during summer, watch the vibrant autumnal colors, as well as enjoy skiing and snowboarding in winter.
Excited to explore it?
Here’s a quick guide to planning your retreat at Deep Creek Lake—an experience you’ll find yourself seeking time and again.
When To Visit Deep Creek Lake
Deep Creek Lake has an elevation of 2,461 feet above sea level so it tends to be cooler than the surrounding metropolitan areas. You can either time your visit in summer or have shorter visits during fall, spring, and winter.
10 Incredible Things To Do at Deep Creek Lake MD
From ATV riding and backpacking to boating and swimming, there’s something for everyone in this breathtaking vacation destination. Plus, it’s within driving distance of many big cities, giving you even more opportunities to have fun!
Ready to explore? Here are our top recommendations you won’t want to miss.
1. Experience the Beauty and Power of Nature at Chase Waterfalls
The mountain park will delight you with some of the most breathtaking scenery you could lay your eyes on, with an easy but satisfying hiking trail leading to a crashing 53-foot waterfall (Muddy Creek Falls). Make sure to plan for a bit of mud!
Note that its campgrounds will be closed from September 3, 2024, to December 15, 2024, for paving and replacing culverts, so consider checking out Blackwater Falls State Park in the meantime.
2. Get a Whole-Body Exercise with Mountain Biking
Do you love cycling? Immerse yourself in the finest mountain biking experience at Deep Creek Lake State Park, Potomac-Garrett State Forest, and Wisp Resort to satiate your need for thrills, speed, and adventure.
3. Enjoy Quality Downtime with the Family
Reserve one of four picnic shelters at Deep Creek Lake State Park. It has everything you need for a lazy afternoon—a parking lot, electricity, a water spicket, a fireplace, three charcoal grills, and picnic tables.
Note that these are only available for reservations from May to September.
4. Get Out in Nature and Take a Hike
There are miles and miles of hiking trails near Deep Creek Lake where you can spend an entire afternoon in the great outdoors.
Take it easy with the 0.25 miles that Snakeroot Nature Trail offers, or dial up the challenge with a 3.9-mile pleasant loop of Meadow Mountain Trail. You can also follow the 17-mile Big Savage Mountain Trail to test your stamina.
5. Explore via a Kayak or Paddleboard
Enjoy the natural beauty of Maryland by renting a canoe or paddleboard at Wisp Resort. These watercraft are delivered and picked up from you for utmost convenience. You’ll love the glassy waters of Deep Creek Lake!
6. Go Fishing
Deep Creek Lake is considered a premier ice fishing destination. If you’re an avid angler or fishing enthusiast, you’ll find the collection of pike, chain pickerel, crappie, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and walleye at the Youghiogheny and Savage Rivers delightful.
Remember that you need a license to fish at the lake. You can get one online or buy one from the local vendors when you arrive.
7. Let Your Creativity Shine at a Pottery Class
Create a custom keepsake at Deep Creek Pottery Studio & Classes. Start with a lump of clay and infuse it with your personality to make it uniquely yours.
8. Show Off Your Boating Skills
There are 3,900 acres of water. What better way to explore its magnificence than by boating? You can bring your own boat, provided it’s 26 feet or shorter. Another option is to rent one from the Deep Creek Marina.
If you plan to man your own watercraft, you need to complete a half-day safety course for boaters to do so. An alternative is to let the experts at High Mountain Sports take the wheel.
9. Test Your Limits at Adventure Sports Center International
Adventure Sports Center International is located above the Wisp Ski Resort. Here, you can indulge in adrenaline-pumping water-based fun like surfing, whitewater rafting, and hiking. Make sure you’re familiar with the prescribed safety regulations as some activities can be more challenging for a beginner.
And yes, visit the parking lot to watch the gorgeous sunset. You can thank us later.
10. Visit Houses Built By Frank Lloyd Wright
Check out two extraordinary Usonian-style homes by American architect and designer Frank Lloyd Wright. Both are a short drive from Deep Creek Lake.
Guided tours to the serene Falling Water, a site on the UNESCO World Heritage List, will give you a peek into organic architecture and design philosophy. You can also visit the Kentuck Knob for cantilevered overhangs and great expanses of glass. Both effortlessly complement the beautiful landscape around them.
Deep Creek Lake Rentals: Stay and Play in the Best Properties in the Area
Looking for vacation rentals at gorgeous Deep Creek Lake?
You’ll find many options from lakefront vacation rentals that offer private access to Deep Creek Lake to Ski-In/Ski-Out rentals that are on the slope of the famed Wisp Resort.
We’ll cover two of our favorites to give you a head start:
Step Away From the Concrete Jungle With Deep Creek Lake Cabins
Choose from a collection of cozy cabins that range from 1 to 4 bedrooms. The rustic oasis will help you kick back and relax as you escape from the stress of city life.
Enjoy Creature Comforts in Deep Creek Lake Hotels
Any vacation involves quality shuteye at the end of a busy day. Fortunately, there are many hotels in the area that cater to various budgets.
Consider the pet-friendly Lakefront Lodge. It has amenities like mini-fridges, TVs, and microwaves. Meanwhile, Suites at Silver Tree offers beautiful mountain lake views and a premium lodging experience. For convenient access to the lake, the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Hazelton/Bruceton Mills is a great option.
Wine and Dine at Deep Creek Lake Restaurants
There are a variety of restaurants in the Deep Creek Lake area. Some are even accessible by boat! But our favorites have to be Ace’s Run Restaurant & Pub for their creamery cheese curds and blackened tuna tacos, Mountain State Brewing Company for cold beers and pub fare, and Brenda’s Pizzeria for pies made from scratch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How deep is Deep Creek Lake?
Deep Creek Lake has a maximum depth of 75 feet but the average depth of most areas is 25 feet.
How big is Deep Creek Lake?
Deep Creek Lake spans 3,900 acres and has 65 miles of shoreline.
Conclusion: A Perfect Destination for Every Season
Deep Creek Lake has something unique to offer during every season. The majesty of the surrounding mountains against the serenity of its glass-like lake has different shades of beauty throughout the year.
Seasonal activities like skiing, fishing, and kayaking let you experience its charm in myriad ways. The variety of lodging and dining options only makes it more interesting to visit. So, if you want to appreciate the natural splendor of the passing months, one of the best places to do so is Deep Creek Lake.
