Parks and Recreation Areas
In addition to Deep Creek Lake and Deep Creek Lake State Park, Garrett County is home to a number of other parks and recreation areas. Following are some local favorites.
Grantsville Park
Grantsville Park is located in, you guessed it, Grantsville, Maryland.
The park has a children’s playground, walking trail, basketball courts, pickleball courts, sand volleyball courts, tennis courts and a softball diamond. There are several pavilions that can be rented. And there is also a duck pond with fishing for age 16 and under and the visually impaired.
The park does have bathrooms.
In winter months, the park hosts a small ice skating rink.
It is located in downtown Grantsville, close to restaurants and shops. There is a library across from the park.
The park has active town patrol and crime watch.
Broadford Park
Broadford Park is in Mt. Lake Park, Maryland. The park surrounds Broadford Lake.
One of the largest draws to Broadford is the swimming area, but there are also several children’s playgrounds and a host of picnic tables with BBQ grills. There are numerous pavilions available for rent.
Fishing is permitted in the lake, and boat rentals are available during certain times. The park has some fantastic walking and biking trails that weave in and around the park. There are both basketball courts and volleyball courts.
The park also hosts an amphitheater, and there are bathrooms available. The park is dog friendly, but dogs must remain on a leash.
There is a minimal charge to enter the park which must be paid at the gate. Or, alternately, individuals can buy a yearly pass.
Herrington Manor State Park
Herrington Manor State Park is located outside of Oakland. They have a swimming area, playground areas, boat rentals, and a host of picnic areas with grills.
They also have a vast array of hiking trails, some of which double as cross-country ski trails in winter.
Bathrooms are available, and there is food available for purchase during the summer months and specific times. It also boasts a small gift shop.
Be prepared to pay a small fee to enter the park. The park is dog friendly.
Herrington Manor State Park, 222 Herrington Lane, Oakland, MD
New Germany State Park
New Germany State Park is located in Grantsville, Maryland. It features a lake and ten miles of walking trails.
There is a swimming area, boat rentals, and fishing is permitted. The park is dog friendly, but dogs must be leashed. There are picnic areas and pavilions can be rented. They also have a small Native Plant garden.
There is a nature center and at various times, there are programs presented at the center. Tent and Cabin areas are available for rent. There is a small fee to enter the park.
Be advised for your safety that there is no cell phone service in this park. There is an emergency phone outside the lake house.
New Germany State Park, 349 Headquarters Lane, Grantsville, MD. 301-895-5453.
The Garrett County CARC
CARC offers two indoor swimming pools and exercise equipment. Trainings and classes are available at various times.
There are rooms available for rent for birthday parties and other family gatherings.
You will need to pay a fee. Please refer to their website for fees and more information.
The CARC is located on the campus of Garrett College. 695 Mosser Road, McHenry, MD
Swallow Falls State Park
Swallow Falls State Park is known for its majestic 53-foot waterfall. Hiking trails loop along the Youghiogheny River providing a chance to enjoy seeing birds and wildlife and local flora.
There is a small picnic area and campsites and cabins are available for rent. There is a small vendor shack, which is open at specific times in summer months. Although there is swimming allowed in some parts of the river, be advised that this is a more dangerous swimming area, there are no lifeguards, and there have been drownings in the past.
Swallow Falls attracts many visitors, so bears are not generally an issue on frequented trails, however, be advised that there are black bears in the park, and you will need to follow safety rules if camping.
There is a small fee to enter the park. The park is dog friendly, but dogs must be leashed.
Swallow Falls State Park, 2470 Maple Glen Road, Oakland, MD. 301-387-6938
