Experience the incredible beauty of Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County in the summer!
One of the most popular seasons at Deep Creek Lake is summer, and it’s easy to see why! With moderate to high temperatures and low humidity, the weather is a refreshing change for most traveling from cities. The relatively dry weather in the summer months means that everyone is spending as much time as possible outside. Luckily, there’s so much to do in our area during the summer, rain or shine!
Lake-Oriented Activities
It wouldn’t be a summer day without spending some time in the waters of Deep Creek Lake! Almost any time of day throughout the summer, boats can be seen gliding through the waters. One of the unique features of the Deep Creek Lake area is that several restaurants that border the lake offer docks specifically for drop-ins! Most boats are set up to tow, whether it be a tuber, a wakeboarding, a skier, or a wakesurfer! All of these sports are very popular on the lake.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing, non-power sort of lake sport, you’re in luck! The many coves of Deep Creek Lake provide quiet waters and diverse landscape, perfect for paddling! Kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding are all very popular water activities. The best time for these activities is generally in the early morning hours, as the waters are smooth and there’s less boat traffic.
Of course, in the heat of the summer, swimming is still one of the best ways to cool off and enjoy a relaxing day. Whether it’s jumping off the dock or sunning in a tube, the waters of Deep Creek Lake can cure any troubles. Fishing is also very popular at Deep Creek Lake and the neighboring rivers and streams. While you do need a license to fish, it’s relatively easy to get a license and find more information about where you can fish and what types of fish are in the various waterways.
Outdoor Activities
The mountainous terrain of Garrett County and Deep Creek Lake provide a wonderful setting for almost every outdoor activity you can think of. With several state parks very close to the lake, hiking and sightseeing are popular in our area. Swallow Falls State Park is home to Maryland’s tallest free-falling waterfall and is one of the most popular parks. Another favorite is Deep Creek Lake State Park, which has hiking and biking trails, plus the only public beach area for Deep Creek Lake.
Mountain biking and road biking are also very popular in our area. There are several designated areas perfect for mountain biking, like Fork Run Recreation Area and Wisp Resort. Information is available for most state parks and other public recreation areas to see if their trails are okay for biking. Road biking is also very popular in this area because of the diverse terrain and higher elevation. The Garrett County Gran Fondo and the Race Across America both take place in our area during the summer!
Wisp Resort has a great line-up of outdoor adventures available, too. They have zip-lining, the Mountain Coaster, Segway tours, challenge courses, hiking, and more!
Events and Annual Activities
The long days of summer generally mean plenty of outdoor events and activities taking place throughout the day. Many venues offer outdoor concerts, most of which are recurring through the summer. A summer farmers market takes place in nearby Oakland twice a week from spring to fall. There are several big events throughout the summer, like the Fire on the Mountain Fireworks Display, the Garrett County Agricultural Fair, Art in the Park, the Art and Wine Festival, and more! Summer is also home to several water-related events, like sailboat races and wakeboarding demonstrations.
Rainy Day Activities
Summer rainstorms are generally quick and cooling, but if they rain hangs around for a day, there is still a lot of fun to be had indoors! A trip to the local movie theater always proves to be a reoccurring favorite for visitors and locals! Garrett 8 Cinemas is unique to our area and plays a slideshow of old photos and local advertisements as you wait for your movie. Another great rainy day adventure is the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center, which is located directly beside Deep Creek Lake State Park. The Discovery Center is suited for all ages and has interactive exhibits, live animals, and tons of information about our local environment. The Deep Creek Lake area also has several arcades (that serve food, too!) that are perfect for families and spending rainy days enjoying your vacation. If retail therapy is more up your alley on a rainy day, there are plenty of options to fill your time! There are a few shops located in the Deep Creek Lake area, like the Tourist Trap, High Mountain Sports, and Bear Creek Traders. If you’re up for a short drive, downtown Oakland has several antique stores, among other shops. Oakland also has museums documenting the transformation of the area and Deep Creek Lake!
