OAKLAND, Md. — It’s a big lake, largest in Maryland. It sprawls with fingers of water scooting off in at least two major directions.
Deep Creek Lake just celebrated its 90th year created as a hydroelectric project in 1925. The generator still works but today the lake is centerpiece of a bustling tourism industry although wilderness remains everywhere. It has virgin hemlock stands — the only ones in the state. Savage River State Forest land to the east of the lake area adds 54,000 more wilderness acres. And it’s all scarcely 90 minutes from the Eastern Panhandle.
We began our getaway visit with a plunge into wilderness, searching out the four waterfalls in Swallow Falls State Park located not on the lake but on the Youghiogheny River along with other forest areas. Unfortunately, it’s been a dry end-of-summer and only the highest of the four — Muddy Falls at 53 feet — was rushing in a spectacular fashion over the rocks. We wrestled with inadequate signage and maps to visit three of the four falls, and once we’d figured out how it all fit together, helped guide other hikers we met along the trails. Impressive boulders fill the various streams. The park was once a legendary pioneer hunting area and the virgin hemlock and white pine forests that we walked through to find the falls were magical.
Swallow Falls is easily identifiable by Swallow Rock, a marvelously weathered pillar standing adjacent to the falls. We bypassed Lower Falls, warned away by fellow hikers but did make the trek to Tolliver Falls, barely a ripple over rocks in this season.
The Hogan administration has proposed rules that would prohibit the gas-drilling technique known as fracking within 2,000 feet of a private drinking water well, require steel casings around gas bores to a depth of 100 feet, and require energy companies to replace any water supply that is contaminated by the practice.
The Maryland Department of the Environment submitted the measures Monday to a legislative committee that reviews regulations, a year before a state ban on fracking ends.
The plan was unveiled five days ahead of the Oct. 1 deadline set by lawmakers for the rules to be formally adopted. Department of the Environment officials now expect the approval process to finish by the end of the year instead.
Secretary Ben Grumbles said the rules “will be the most stringent and protective environmental shale regulations in the country.”
The Appalachian Regional Commission has approved a $500,000 grant to the Garrett County Commission for water infrastructure at Keyser’s Ridge Business Park.Commissioners requested funding to construct the plant and associated infrastructure that will serve the business park and surrounding community. The plant will be constructed on Puzzley Run.
The project will leverage private investment, create jobs, improve the local community and provide 14 businesses and 22 households with improved access to water infrastructure, officials said. Construction of the plant will lessen the burden being placed on the existing Grantsville water treatment plant, which is operating with a negative production capacity.
In addition to ARC funds, state sources will provide $800,000, bringing the total project funding to $1.3 million.
Front row 5BR 5.5BA chalet in Highline, boasting HUGE views of Deep Creek Lake and surrounding mountains!
Walking distance to ski slopes!
Highline Drive
This home is packed full of features you will love: multiple stone fireplaces & living areas, mud-room, gourmet kitchen, game room, screened porch, spacious decking & hot tub.
Must see!
This is a Taylor-Made rental- Mountain Rendezvous! For a 3-D tour and more, click here.
Things are changing in Maryland! Next year, Gov. Hogan will be requiring all public schools to begin classes AFTER Labor Day.
Why?
Maryland is filled with tourism opportunities, such as Deep Creek Lake and Ocean City. By extending the start of school, this allows people to vacation more therefore helping the local economy.
Enjoy the beauty of the fall season in the mountains as Maryland celebrates the 49th anniversary of Autumn Glory with two large parades, concerts, band competitions, art exhibits, antique and craft shows and much more from October 12 – 16, 2016 in Garrett County, Maryland. The 49th Annual Autumn Glory Festival is sponsored by Garrett Regional Medical Center, a proud affiliate of WVU Medicine.
Known for scenic Deep Creek Lake and Maryland’s only ski resort, Wisp Resort, Garrett County is also home to the annual Autumn Glory Festival, a five-day celebration of autumn that celebrates the beauty of the local fall foliage. From Wednesday through Sunday, the area offers a wide variety of things to do indoors or outdoors.
Take in the breathtaking views of our spectacular Fall Foliage by driving or biking one, or both, of the county’s 2016 Autumn Glory Fall Foliage Tours. The first tour is a scenic route which includes Fort Alice Walking Trail, Noonan and Noonan, LLC, Historic Mountain Lake Park (Ticket Office), Broadford Lake Park, Ledo Pizza, Pasta & Pub and Maryland Scenic Byways. The Extended Fall Foliage Heritage Tour includes Historic National Road, Casselman Inn, Casselman River Bridge State Park, Spruce Forest Artisan Village, Mt. Aetna Trail, Barn Quilts and Maryland Scenic Byways. Head to visitdeepcreek.com or the Visitors Center in McHenry to pick up the full map and directions.
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Autumn Glory Kickoff Dinner featuring live musical entertainment and recognition of the annual Autumn Glory Golden Ambassador will kick off the festival on Wednesday, October 12 at Wisp Resort in McHenry.
Thursday features the Oktoberfest dinner and concert by the Oom-Pah band and a fireman’s parade. The week continues with historic area tours, antique and craft shows, fine arts exhibits, farmers’ market, 5-K walk, musical concerts, dogsled events, a quilt show, corn maze, art glass exhibits, outdoor adventures, quilt shows, food and drink specials, live entertainment, comedy basketball game, pumpkin chucking contest, horseback trail rides, shopping specials and a wide variety of other activities.
The Official Maryland State Banjo & Mandolin Championships, Friday at 7 p.m., features banjo and mandolin contestants of all ages competing for top honors.
Saturday, October 15, offers musical entertainment at the Front Page Stage, on Second Street near the Post Office and on the Box Car at the train station. The Grand Feature Parade begins at 1 p.m. Clowns, floats, bands, and plenty of sidewalk vendors increase the festival atmosphere. That day also will feature the Western Maryland Tournament of Bands at 6 p.m. with high school field show competition, as well as the Maryland State Fiddle Championship at 7 p.m.
Antique and Craft shows continue Sunday, joined by the Autumn Glory Festival Car Show, the Great Pumpkin Race & Festival on the rapids at Adventure Sports Center International and a no-hands Sundae eating contest at Lakeside Creamery.
