ACROSS THE GREAT DIVIDE Vast and varied, expansive and wild, Western Maryland is crossed by both the legendary Appalachian Trail, the world’s longest hiking-only footpath, and the rugged Eastern Continental Divide Trail Loop, which splits the region’s rolling mountain countryside. Western Maryland is dotted with seven peaks topping 3,000 feet including its tallest, Hoye-Crest (3,360 feet), Roman Nose Mountain (3,140 feet), and George Mountain (3,004 feet). Poor Big Savage Mountain. It may be a fan favorite, but at 2,982 feet, it comes up a little short. Hikers and bikers can choose trails ranging from friendly and fun rail trails to gnarly and burly singletracks crisscrossing the Continental Divide. Take in fantastic views of Big Savage Mountain, Meadow Mountain, and New Germany Lake. Those looking for a more level-footed path may want to check out the 28-mile Western Maryland Rail Trail or the Great Allegheny Passage, a hike-and-bike route that runs 150 miles from Cumberland to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with great options to stay along the way. Mountain Maryland is also home to Wisp Resort on the north end of Deep Creek Lake, a true four-season paradise with more than 30 alpine ski trails in winter, the thrilling Mountain Coaster to tear down the hill whether there is snow or not, zip lines, mountain biking, and the remarkable Adventure Sports Center International, the only man-made mountaintop white-water course in the world. Deep Creek Lake State Park @mrgsalazar GET OUT ON THE WATER Anybody out for summer fun will find it on Deep Creek Lake, which becomes one of the state’s most popular destinations during the hot months. Enjoy boating, fishing, and sunbathing, or hitch a couple of water skis onto the back of a motorboat and slalom around each bend. Anglers, golfers, and high rollers alike flock to Lake Habeeb in Rocky Gap State Park, home of great fishing and camping as well as Rocky Gap Casino. Big-time trout anglers also have great luck on the Savage and Casselman rivers. Look for largemouth bass and yellow perch on the Piney Reservoir, or drop a line in Blairs Valley Lake, which straddles the state line between Maryland and Pennsylvania and is home to a wide variety of game fish. Experience the region’s world-class white-water rafting, kayaking, and tubing opportunities, which range from Adventure Sports Center International’s man-made courses to natural (and legendary) options with great guides running the Upper Youghiogheny and Potomac rivers. Rocky Gap Casino Resort Find more things to do in Western Maryland online at: visitmaryland.org/regions-cities/western-maryland Photos: (clockwise from left) Youghiogheny River (Stephen Walker), Rocky Gap Casino Resort (Rocky Gap Casino Resort) WESTERN MARYLAND / 63
Maryland Official Visitors Guide 2022 Maryland Maryland Official Visitors Guide: Page 63
