Visitor Guide
Garrett — Visitor Guide
Top attractions, trails, food and drink, history, seasonal activities, and everything you need to plan your visit to Garrett, Maryland.
🧭 About Garrett
Mountains, Lakes & Four-Season Adventure in Western Maryland
Garrett County sits high in Western Maryland's mountains, built around Deep Creek Lake — Maryland's largest freshwater lake — and surrounded by waterfalls, nearly 40 hiking trails, and eight small towns full of character. It's a genuine four-season destination: boating and jet skiing in summer, ski slopes at Wisp Resort in winter, and the 59th Annual Autumn Glory Festival lighting up the mountains every fall. All of it sits about three hours from Baltimore and DC, and just two from Pittsburgh.
⭐ Top Attractions
Deep Creek Lake
Maryland's largest freshwater lake and the centerpiece of the county, with boating, jet skiing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming.
Swallow Falls State Park
A state park home to Muddy Creek Falls and Tolliver Falls, with hiking trails through some of the county's most photographed scenery.
Wisp Resort
Garrett County's flagship winter destination, offering skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing.
Deep Creek Lake State Park
A state park with a lakeside beach, the summer hub for swimming and water recreation.
Oakland
The county seat and a cultural hub, home to the Oakland B&O Museum and the Garrett County Historical Society.
🥾 Trails & Outdoors
🍺 Food & Drink Trails
🏛️ History & Heritage
Oakland B&O Museum
A railroad and transportation museum in Oakland
Garrett County Historical Society
The county's historical society, focused on transportation and local heritage, in Oakland
Drane House
A historic home in Accident, Maryland
Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area
The county's designated heritage area, based at the McHenry visitor center
🗓️ Seasonal Guide
Spring 🌸
Hiking season begins across the county's nearly 40 trails as the mountains wake up for the year.
Summer ☀️
Deep Creek Lake hits peak season for boating, jet skiing, kayaking, and fishing, alongside Fire on the Mountain fireworks each July 4th.
Fall 🍂
The 59th Annual Autumn Glory Festival and the Deep Creek Lake Art, Wine & Spirits Festival headline the county's biggest season, with mountain foliage at its peak.
Winter ❄️
Wisp Resort opens for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing, and Circle R Ranch offers horse-drawn sleigh rides through the snow.
🏨 Places to Stay
Browse all accommodations →🗺️ Plan Your Visit
Source: Maryland Mountain Side — Official Allegany County Tourism