- Even before Deep Creek Lake, the county has been a tourist destination. Towns like Deer Park, Mountain Lake Park, and Loch Lynn Heights were popular resort towns in the late 1800’s/early 1900’s. In fact, President Grover Cleveland honeymooned in Deer Park in 1886.
- Garrett County was originally part of Allegany County, Maryland. It was not until 83 years later, in 1872, that it chartered as a new, separate county. It was also the last county to form in the state of Maryland.
- Garrett County is the second largest county in the state of Maryland. It has 662 square miles of beautiful, mountainous landscape.
- There are a total of 7 lakes in the county: Deep Creek Lake, Broadford Lake, Youghiogheny River Lake, Jennings Randolph Lake, Herrington Manor Lake, Savage River Reservoir, and New Germany Lake.
- The highest point in the state of Maryland is right here in Garrett County. The point is on Backbone Mountain, 3,360 feet above sea level.
- Deep Creek Lake is the largest inland body of water in the whole state! The lake covers over 3,900 acres and has 65 miles of shoreline.
Towns of Garrett County
Kitzmiller, Maryland
The town of Kitzmiller is located on the North Branch of the Potomac River. Back in the day, it was one of the largest producers and shippers of coal in the Garrett County/Allegany County region. Today, it has over 300 residents. It is known for its recreation activities such as fishing on the Potomac and nearby Jennings-Randolph Lake, strolling through its botanical garden, and biking on the river walk. For more information, please visit http://myweb.cebridge.net/townofkitzmiller/ or http://www.visitdeepcreek.com/pages/SouthernGarrettCounty.
Oakland, Maryland
Oakland, Maryland is the county seat of Garrett County. With over 2,000 residents, the town is small and charming yet offers all the amenities of a resort town. Many residents will notice that their lakefront Deep Creek Lake house address says Oakland. However, the heart of the town is 10 miles south of the Garrett County Highway 219 bridge. Designated as a “Main Street Community”, Oakland is filled with things to do. The town offers many parks, playgrounds, a 18-hole golf course, Broadford Lake (a 140 acre lake with a beach front), an outdoor farmers market, and more! When is the best time to visit Oakland? All the time! From the Autumn Glory Festival to the Little Yough Summer Music Fest to Winterfest, there is always something going on. For more information about Oakland, please visit http://www.oaklandmd.com/index.html.
Mountain Lake Park, Maryland
Located 8 miles south of Deep Creek Lake lies Mountain Lake Park, Maryland. Similar to other neighboring towns, Mountain Lake Park was a popular resort area from the late 1800’s to the 1940’s. A “Chautauqua” style town, Mountain Lake Park stressed the importance of education as well as recreation. Over the years, thousands of visitors have traveled through Mountain Lake Park, such as President William Howard Taft and Mark Twain.
Today, the town is filled with Victorian style homes representing the times gone by and over 2,000 residents. It is still a source of recreation, since it neighbors Broadford Lake. When is the best time to visit Mountain Lake Park? The Western Maryland Clay Court Tennis Championships in August! The town has been hosting this event for the past 94 years. For more information about Mountain Lake Park, please visit http://mtnlakepark.org/.
Loch Lynn Heights, Maryland
Located about 8 miles south of Deep Creek Lake is Loch Lynn Heights, Maryland. Once known for its resort industry, the town is now a family-oriented community that 550 residents call home.
From the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, The Loch Lynn Hotel brought in many travelers from the tri-state area. The luxurious hotel once boasted a huge ballroom, an indoor pool, bowling alleys, and a casino. However, the hotel burned down in 1918 and its casino closed its doors in the late 1980’s.
Today, Loch Lynn Heights offers many amenities for local families including multiple soccer and softball fields, a walking trail, and a boardwalk that runs along the wetlands. For more information, please visit http://www.visitdeepcreek.com/pages/SouthernGarrettCounty.
Grantsville, Maryland
Located in Northern Garrett County, is a small town by the name of Grantsville, Maryland. Grantsville is known for its rich history on the infamous National Road. The Casselman Bridge is one of the largest attractions in the small town. Built in 1813, it was the largest single span stone arch bridge at the time. Today, it is open for the public to wander around the grounds. Spruce Forest Artisan Village is located directly next to the old bridge. The village consists of old log homes, school buildings, and a church. The buildings are open to the public and filled with local artisan vendors.
Today, Grantsville is home to 800 residents. With its charming main street and local shops, it is a great place to spend a day with the family. When is the best time to visit Grantsville? The Grantsville Days celebration in June! For more information, please visit http://www.visitgrantsville.com/.
Friendsville, Maryland
Located about 10 miles north of Deep Creek Lake, Friendsville, Maryland is known for its rich history and adventurous outdoor sports. Home of the first settlement in Garrett County, the town now consists of 500 residents.
Friendsville residents have many sources of entertainment such as the Kendall Trail and the Friendsville Community Park. Just above the Yough Dam, the stretch of the Youghiogheny River in Friendsville is perfect for whitewater activities. When is the best time to visit Friendsville? The Friendsville Days summer celebration at the end of July! For more information, please visit http://www.friendsville-md.org/.
FUN FACT: Although the citizens of Friendsville are quite friendly, the town is actually named for John Friend Sr., one of the first settlers that bought the tract of land from Native Americans in 1765.
Deer Park, Maryland
Located about 5 miles south of Deep Creek Lake, Deer Park, Maryland is known for a historic resort hotel that once stood there. A small train town, Deer Park was a booming industry in the late 1800’s. The B & O Railroad dropped off many prestigious guests at the Deer Park Hotel for a fun, relaxing weekend in Mountain Maryland. In fact, President Grover Cleveland honeymooned here in 1886. The Deer Park Hotel is long gone, however, The Deer Park Inn Bed and Breakfast still offers an elegant French cuisine.
With a population just over 400 residents, Deer Park is once again ready for growth. With new sewer and water lines, the town is planning new construction projects and restoring historic buildings. For more information, please visit http://www.visitdeepcreek.com/pages/SouthernGarrettCounty.
FUN FACT: You know Deer Park Natural Spring Water? Yes, this is the same Deer Park! The popular bottled water comes from springs right here in Deer Park, Maryland.
Accident, Maryland
About 10 miles north of Deep Creek Lake, is Accident, Maryland. The tiny, picturesque town is home to about 330 residents. The town offers residents parks with features such as a fishing pond, pavilion, Little League field, and a walking trail. When is the best time to visit Accident? The Fourth of July Homecoming celebration! For more information, visit http://www.accidentmd.org/.
FUN FACT: Ever wonder how Accident got its name? Back in the late 1700’s, two Western Maryland settlers surveyed the land. By “accident” they chose the same piece of property, therefore the tract of land was named “Accident”.
