The Deep Creek Lake area offers several waterways that are perfect for kayaking and rafting!
Get your blood pumping on a whitewater rafting tour or take a lazy kayak paddle through the glassy waters of Deep Creek Lake! Our area is fortunate to not only have several lakes but also world class rivers.
ASCI
Adventure Sports Center International, or ASCI for short, is a man-made river located at the top of Marsh Mountain. As the world’s only mountaintop man-made river, it’s definitely a must see!! The course allows for guided rafting tours and kayaking ventures at different difficulty levels. Being able to control the current and size of the rapids makes it perfect for all levels of adrenaline junkies. ASCI offers rafting, inflatable kayaks, standard kayaks, and private boating for those with experience and their own equipment.
Rivers
The Deep Creek Lake area has hosted two ICF Canoe/Slalom World Championships – one at ASCI in 2014, and one on the Savage River in 1989. It’s safe to say that our area has some awesome waterways! There are several companies that offer guided tours, like Precision Rafting Experience and All Earth Eco Tours, and offer both rafting and kayaking options. Precision Rafting offers float trips, easy whitewater trips, action whitewater trips, extreme whitewater trips, and kayak lessons and tours. Popular rivers for kayaking include the Youghiogheny River and Savage River. If you’re unfamiliar with the area’s rivers, it’s best to contact a tour company to make sure you have the best routes planned for your ability and skill level.
Lakes
As the largest freshwater lake in Maryland, Deep Creek is perfect for kayaking! Kayaking a great spring through fall activity because it doesn’t require you getting wet, which can be nice for the milder months when the lake temperature is still a little cool. There are several businesses around the lake that offer kayak and paddle rentals, some even deliver them right to your vacation rental! You can take a guided tour of the lake through Wisp Resort at their Deep Creek Lake State Park location! Other lakes you can kayak or canoe on include New Germany State Park’s lake, the lake at Herrington Manor, and Broadford Lake.
Nearby Locations
Located just 40 minutes from Deep Creek Lake is Ohiopyle! Wilderness Voyagers offers tours on the Savage River, Youghiogheny River, and the Cheat River – ranging from Class 2 all the way to Class 5!
Be sure to read up on current Maryland safety laws regarding kayaking on public lands! You can find the DNR’s current safety regulations here.
