Must-Sees: Because it’s nestled in the mountains, Garrett County is a great place to go skiing and to relax by the fire at a ski resort. Wisp Resort in McHenry is one of the largest ski resorts in the area, offering not only skiing and snowboarding, but also golf, escape rooms and even a mountain coaster. Herrington Manor State Park is a popular spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, especially when Herrington Lake freezes during the winter.
Of course, there are plenty of things to do in the area all year round. Spruce Forest Artisan Village may be a bit out of the way, but it’s a truly unique place to visit. Local artists live and work there while preserving the village’s architecture and history. While it was devastated by a storm in 2020, the village has been largely rebuilt and is open to visitors.
Local Nature: Garrett County is directly in the Appalachian Mountain range, so nature is bountiful there. If you make the walk up to Hoye-Crest on Backbone Mountain, you’ll be at the highest elevation in Maryland. The mountain borders West Virginia and was the site of the state’s first fire tower, the Olson Observation Tower.
There are also several notable state parks in the county. Swallow Falls State Park is the site of Muddy Creek Falls, a stunning 53-foot waterfall. The Youghiogheny River flows through the park, and because it has such a strong current, it’s a common sight for whitewater rafting and kayaking — though it can be dangerous, so prospective paddlers should exercise caution.
There’s also Deep Creek Lake State Park, which is home to the largest manmade lake in the state. There are two swimming beaches and plenty of places to fish and go boating. Animal lovers can check out the Deep Creek Discovery Center and the Scales & Tales Aviary, which both have indoor animal exhibits.
