A CAMPER’S PARADISE With five national parks, 17 state parks, three state forests, and more lakefront land than you’ll find anywhere else in Maryland, Western Maryland features plenty of idyllic spots for you to pitch your tent. If glamping’s your thing, consider a weekend retreat to the Blue Moon Rising Cabins near Deep Creek Lake. Immerse yourself in the Appalachians with a few nights in a tent, cabin, or yurt at Rocky Gap State Park in Western Maryland. Hardcore campers get what they’re looking for in Big Run State Park (29 primitive sites) or Green Ridge State Forest (more than 100 primitive sites). Nature enthusiasts will love Potomac-Garrett State Forest, which offers trails with scenic overlooks along the North Branch of the Potomac River. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Williamsport will delight any child. And for a fairy-tale getaway, consider a stay in a cozy treehouse. Western Maryland is home to Ella’s Enchanted Treehouses on the edge of the Savage River State Forest and the Treehouse Camp at Maple Tree just outside of Burkittsville at the entrance to Gathland State Park. EVEN THE FESTIVALS ARE OUTDOORS Western Maryland is great for white-water paddling, hiking through the great outdoors, riding ATVs, and traveling atop snow covered trails. It is also where you will find some of the most eclectic and entertaining festivals in the country. Oakland’s Autumn Glory Festival is in October; the five-day fête combines the best of small-town celebrations with a truly epic display of fall color that has earned Oakland a reputation as the best fall foliage destination in the country. Deep Creek Lake hosts a bevy of festivals, including the Art and Wine Festival every September; Winter Fest in February; and Fire on the Mountain each Fourth of July. There’s also the Garrett County Gran Fondo—a big bike ride—in June, and the Deep Creek Dunk in February. Here’s guessing you know what that entails... Grantsville hosts the National Road Festival in May, and Hagerstown’s annual Alsatia Mummers’ Parade has been happening every October for nearly a century and truly makes everyone who attends feel like they’ve come home for a holiday. And in nearby Sharpsburg, you must witness the beauty of the Memorial Illumination. Set in the Antietam National Battlefield, more than 23,000 candles light up the December night, one for each soldier killed, wounded, or missing at the battle. And every summer in Cumberland, bluegrass great Del McCoury brings top players from around the world together for DelFest, a four-day festival that has quickly become the world’s premier bluegrass and roots festival. Del Yeah! Photos: (clockwise from top left) Green Ridge State Forest (Stephen Badger), Spruce Forest Artisans Village, Western Maryland Railroad (Visit Maryland) Green Ridge State Forest Antietam National Battlefield Memorial Illumination 64 / VISITMARYLAND.ORG
Maryland Official Visitors Guide 2022 Maryland Maryland Official Visitors Guide: Page 64
