SPRING
Everything begins to come alive again in the spring, awakening the outdoor beauty of Garrett County - what an ideal time to visit Deep Creek Lake. The wildflowers are in full bloom and the trees are beginning to bud. The boating activity on the lake is just beginning, the water temperatures are getting warmer, and the fishing opportunities are excellent.

Garrett County has become one of the premier destinations for the sport of fly- fishing. With miles of pure, cold mountain rivers, streams and lakes, this area offers diverse fishing opportunities.

Spring is a perfect time to explore the area's spectacular scenery. Horseback riding is a great way to relax and enjoy the mountain air. The sounds and smells of nature come alive on horseback. What better way to take in the wonders of the outdoors, while spending time with your family and friends.

If mountain biking is your pleasure, you will love the endless trails to discover in over 80,000 acres of public parks and open areas just waiting to be explored. You can trek through forest land, across streams, and over the flat terrain while taking in the breathtaking views of the county. The local bike shops can give excellent advice on conditions and locations for the best ride of your life!

In the early spring, the whole family will enjoy watching the maple syrup "Sap-To- Syrup" demonstrations. Learn how the trees are tapped, the sap is boiled, and maple syrup is made. There's nothing like fresh maple syrup over steaming hot pancakes in the morning. Locally made maple syrup products are available throughout the county.

Early April is the time to come out and hunt for Easter eggs. Herrington State Park hosts an Easter egg hunt with the Easter Bunny. Dozens of colored eggs are hidden and prizes are awarded for children of all ages. Come join in the fun!

Summer
Your appetite for excitement is sure to be satisfied in the summer months at Deep Creek Lake. Water activities lead the list for outdoor adventure and family fun. Whether you prefer swimming off your own private dock, water skiing, jet skiing, or sailing, you are sure to find the perfect activity. For those of you who just want to lounge by the waterside and soak up some sun, Deep Creek Lake offers breathtaking views of the water and the mountains.

Boating is one of the most popular water sports during the summer months. Whether you own your own boat or rent one while you are here, boating is the best way to see the lake. Sailing on the lake is exceptional with races held every weekend during the season. Water skiing, jet skiing, and swimming are also popular lake activities during the warm summer months.

For the scuba enthusiast, Deep Creek Lake offers many hidden treasures to explore. Foundations of old farms, an antique vehicle, and natural bubbling springs await your underwater exploration.

Whitewater rafting on one of the area's wild rivers offers a challenge to everyone, The Youghiogheny, Cheat, Potomac, New, and Gauley all have become some of the most challenging and exciting whitewater rivers in the eastern United States. Commercial outfitters offer family float trips, kayak touring, and rafting expeditions for adventures at all levels.

With more than 80,000 acres of public land, hiking and biking are great ways to explore the scenic countryside. The state parks have miles of marked trails for an afternoon of outdoor fun. Take a horse-drawn hayride through the parks while enjoying a picnic lunch with family or friends.

Deep Creek Lake is the ideal place to find the rest and rejuvenation your are looking for. Come spend your summer vacation and start making some unforgettable memories.

FALL
Fall is the perfect time to escape to the mountains and celebrate the glory of autumn. The mountains are bursting with their display of vibrant colors, and the air is clear and crisp. Come explore nature and view its breathtaking display of fall foliage in Deep Creek Lake and surrounding Garrett County.

One of the area's favorite attractions is the Annual Autumn Glory Festival. Held in downtown Oakland and the surrounding area, this fun-filled festival has something for everyone. Parades, crafts, antiques, food, fiddle and banjo contests, and much more provide great family fun!

Driving through the countryside, while enjoying its grand display of colors, is the perfect way to spend an Autumn day. You may find the treasure that you've been looking for browsing through the many antique and gift shops.

Another way to enjoy nature's abundance of Fall beauty is to hike or bike through the areas various state parks. The "Nature Tourism Program" offers guided tours for groups to learn more about the wonders of nature during the changing of the leaves, Horse-drawn hay rides and trail rides are available also. Pack a lunch and experience the colors, sounds, and smells of Fall.

With over 70,000 acres of public lands, hunting is a very popular sport in Garrett County. There is an abundance of land available to the public for deer hunting, turkey hunting, and small game hunting. The state parks and the area sporting goods stores can provide additional information regarding licenses and other hunting supplies.

WINTER

In the winter months at Deep Creek Lake, outdoor fun takes on a whole new meaning. Wisp Ski Resort offers some of the best downhill skiing and snowboarding around. Wisp mountain has a variety of terrain to suit any level of skier - from beginner to expert. With 23 trails covering 14 miles and a vertical drop of 610 feet, everyone will enjoy the wide range of skiing possibilities. The chair lift system includes two triple and three double lifts in addition to two rope tows. Over 90% of the trails are lit for night skiing. The extensive snowmaking capabilities are world renown, providing excellent skiing conditions throughout the winter months.

The beauty of the snow-covered trees and the crispness of the air give a magical feeling of a Winter Wonderland to the landscape. Cross-country skiing, hiking, and horse-drawn sleigh rides are the perfect way to enjoy nature's beauty in our State Parks. Miles of cleared trails meander through the woodlands of Swallow Falls, Herrington Manor, and Deep Creek Lake State Parks. Take in the serene sights and sounds of the outdoors while enjoying your favorite sport.

Garrett County offers the snowmobile enthusiast miles of marked trails to explore and ideal conditions for this popular winter sport. An outline of the regulations and maps are available through the State Parks, to guide you on your tour.

The frozen surface of Deep Creek Lake is speckled with ice fisherman and their shanties, once the waters are frozen. Excellent ice -fishing can be had at the same places that are successful in the spring, summer, and fall. Dedicated fishermen brave the cold for the perfect catch.

The "Annual Deep Creek Dunk" is fun for both the thrill seeker and the spectator. Dunkers take a quick dip in Deep Creek Lake to benefit the athletes of Special Olympics in Garrett and Allegany County. Coordinated by the Maryland State Police and local law enforcement, this is an invigorating way to show your support for these athletes.

Although outdoor activities prevail, some come to Deep Creek Lake for total relaxation during the winter months. Curl up by the fire with your favorite novel or movie, or watch the snow as it falls silently outside. You will find the rest and rejuvenation that only our fresh air and mountain beauty can provide.