Maryland's Largest Man-Made Lake is Found in This County

Photo byFoodie Travler

While Maryland is famous for its coastal beauty, Garrett County stands out for having the state's largest man-made lake. Deep Creek Lake, located in this scenic county, covers an impressive 3,900 acres, making it the largest freshwater lake in Maryland.

Deep Creek Lake stretches over 13 miles in length and features 69 miles of shoreline. Built in the 1920s by the Youghiogheny Hydroelectric Company, the lake was initially constructed to support a small hydroelectric plant and was filled by 1929. This transformation turned the area into a significant water resource.

Before the lake's creation, the land was used by humans for thousands of years. Settlers arrived in the 1700s, attracted by the region’s natural resources. Logging operations began at the turn of the century, marking the first major alteration of the landscape. The historic Brant coal mine, located in Deep Creek Lake State Park, is a reminder of the area's industrial past.

Al Preston, the park manager, noted, "We get a lot of tourists to fish, ski, and boat." The park’s public beach, picnic areas, and 24-hour accessible boat ramp are key attractions for visitors.

Facts:

• Unique Nature Center: The Discovery Center is the only full-service nature center in the Maryland State Park system.
• Accessible Boat Ramp: The boat ramp is open to the public 24 hours a day.
• Multi-use Trails: Trails are available for both hikers and bikers.
• Popular Beach: Nearly 300 people visit the beach area daily during the summer.
• Overnight Yurt Rental: A yurt is available for overnight stays.

Today, Deep Creek Lake is both a source of hydroelectric power and a major recreational destination. It draws thousands of visitors annually who enjoy boating, swimming, kayaking, hiking, biking, and camping. The park offers approximately one mile of shoreline, providing ample opportunities for water activities like swimming, boating, and fishing.

The state park is also home to a variety of hiking trails that range from moderate to challenging, currently being expanded. These trails are accessible to hikers, mountain bikers, cross-country skiers, and snowmobilers, offering year-round outdoor adventures.