Western Maryland Region
Majestic mountains covered by pristine forests mark this four-season resort paradise. Crystal clear streams gently cascade over ancient rock formations and lead to roaring rivers. The timeless solitude of historic miners’ villages and old mill towns takes you back to a time when America’s Western expansion flowed through these lands. Outdoor adventure beckons to you from everywhere. Whether you choose the fun of white water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, skiing, golfing, horse back riding … or take a train ride, browse festivals or fairs, or just relax at a peaceful campsite overlooking fertile valleys and forested slopes … you’ll never forget the wonders of the mountain side of Maryland!
Select a Western Maryland County to Explore
Allegany County
Welcome to Allegany County, the
Mountain Side of Maryland!
The natural beauty of this region is unparalleled.
Allegany County features 60,000 acres of wildlands, with one
out of every four acres being public land. Home to Dans
Mountain and Rocky Gap State Park, Green Ridge State Forest
(the largest contiguous forest in the state), and the
majestic Potomac River, it is no surprise that the beauty of
our region is a reason alone for exploration.
Outdoor recreation is endless.
Outdoor recreation enthusiasts, you will find your haven as
Allegany County has been recognized multiple years by Blue
Ridge Outdoors Magazine as a ‘Top Adventure Town.’ The C&O
Canal National Historical Park and the Great Allegheny
Passage, two internationally-known bike trails, connect
Pittsburgh, PA, to Washington, DC, with 70+ miles winding
through our mountains. And, our state parks and forest offer
recreational opportunities such as hiking, biking, water
sports, hunting, and primitive camping.
A vibrant and successful arts community.
Allegany County has gained a well-deserved reputation as a
regional arts destination with flourishing Arts and
Entertainment districts, a rich theatre base, and the
second-largest bluegrass festival in the country, DelFest,
which calls Allegany County home.
History and heritage lives here.
Enjoy three centuries of American history from George
Washington’s Headquarters to the start of the country’s
first federally-funded road, the National Road, and from
Maryland’s first certified heritage area, to the Western
Maryland Scenic Railroad, which by the way, is one of USA
Today’s “Top 10 Railroad Destinations in the Country!”
In addition, Allegany County accommodations can serve as
home base for exploring attractions and Mother Nature’s
beauty. A true getaway, this region boasts a handful of
charming and unique bed and breakfasts, a large selection of
chain hotels, beautifully set campgrounds, and a casino
resort - one of six casinos in the state.
Garrett County
Visit Garrett County and Deep Creek Lake, Maryland and see why it’s one of the Mid-Atlantic’s best vacation destinations! The area’s natural beauty and abundance of outdoor recreation make it the perfect spot for days full of activities or just relaxing.
Deep Creek Lake, the state’s largest freshwater lake.
Garrett County is home to the state’s largest freshwater lake, Deep Creek Lake, a popular attraction for vacationers in the spring, summer and fall. At 3,900 acres with 65 miles of shoreline, Deep Creek Lake offers a wide variety of water-based activities: boating, fishing, kayaking, jet skiing, wakeboarding, swimming and canoeing.
The state’s tallest free-falling waterfall.
Explore one of Garett County’s 8 state parks and 3 state forests – including Muddy Creek Falls, the state’s tallest free-falling waterfall at a crashing 53 feet, located at Swallow Falls State Park. Hike or bike over 40 area trails, shop the small towns to find the perfect antique or local memento or tackle the rapids while whitewater rafting on area rivers. Play a round of golf, visit one of the museums or historic sites or climb to Maryland’s highest point on Backbone Mountain.
Four seasons, including winter.
In the winter, Wisp Resort, Maryland’s only ski resort, offers skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. The area also offers cross country skiing, snowshoeing, horse-drawn sleigh rides and ice fishing.
Events galore.
There are plenty of events all year long from the July 4th Fire on the Mountain Fireworks Display and annual Art & Wine Festival to the Deep Creek Dunk held each February. The annual Autumn Glory Festival offers stunning fall foliage, parades, craft shows and more.
Garrett County is located less than a three-hour drive from the Washington, D.C. area and Baltimore, two hours from Pittsburgh, PA and four hours from Columbus and Cleveland, OH.