drive type state routes mix of and country country roads in roads forest and state areas highways mountain maryland 193 It’s a pleasant surprise that Maryland, so famous for its seashore and smooth sailing, also has a wild side characterized by rugged mountain trails and rushing river waters. miles from keysers ridge to cumberland f our seasons of outdoor pursuits — including hiking, skiing, fi shing and boating — are available for anyone wishing to explore the Western Maryland countryside, from its thick forests and rambling rivers to the state’s largest freshwater lake. Pockets of history also emerge amid small towns tucked into the mountains. Slipping south into McHenry, Wisp Resort o ers winter activities like skiing, snowboarding and tubing, while warmer weather brings golfi ng and tree-top zipline tours. Four-season fun is provided by mountain coaster rides. Further down the road, Deep Creek Lake State Park hugs a spring-fed lake with 65 miles of shoreline and o ers activities for all seasons, ranging from water skiing and boating to ice fi shing and six miles of winter sports trails. The Deep Creek Discovery Center has hands-on activities and naturalist-led programs. Visit Swallow Falls State Park to witness river waters rushing over the 53-foot Muddy Creek Falls, Maryland’s tallest free-falling waterfall. Down the road, Herrington Manor State Park o ers a serene lake environment. Log cabins within the park are available year-round, or you can make your way to quaint accommodations in the nationally recognized Main Street community of Oakland. Enjoy the antiques and boutique shopping, stop for a friendly lunch-counter meal and old-fashioned milkshake, and admire the Victorian architecture of one of the most distinguished historic train depots in the country. An annual Autumn Glory Festival, complete with a small-town parade, calls attention to the colorful fall foliage, and Oakland Winterfest celebrates the best of the snowy season. Keysers Ridge to Oakland INCLUDING I-68, MD 42 & US 219 Start at an elevation of 2,894 feet on Keysers Ridge, considered one of the most scenic peaks in Maryland, and choose between an easterly course into Grantsville — home of thousands of acres of state park and state forest land for your recreational pleasure — or head west toward Friendsville, where you can enjoy a winery tour and also get access to the scenic and wild Youghiogheny River. White-water rafting guides are based in the area. 8 | Oakland to Cumberland INCLUDING MD 135 & MD 36 At this point, the byway branches in three directions: one route enters the Allegheny Highlands, not only connecting to the C&O Canal Towpath and other trails, but also revealing natural environments commonly found in subarctic Canada; another path heads toward Kitzmiller and maryland scenic byways
MD Scenic Byways Digital Guide: Page 8
