Now that Summer is officially over, we’re all looking ahead to all that Autumn has to offer! While boaters will still typically enjoy the water through October, the water temperature will gradually continue to drop as the outside temperature stays consistently cooler. With the leaves changing to their brilliant hues and the temperatures dropping, we’re excited to get out into nature and enjoy this beautiful season!
- Hiking: While trekking through nature is a year-round activity, Autumn is probably the best season for it. Garrett County and Deep Creek Lake are continuously ranked as one of the best places to view fall foliage, and there’s no better way to get out and really experience it than hiking through the woods! Several of the local state parks offer hiking trails of all difficulties and varieties. The cooler temperatures of the season also make the physical aspect of hiking much more pleasant! Dressing in layers is definitely a key for fall, but it’s a welcomed change from the grueling summer heat. Some great spots to hike at are Swallow Falls State Park, Deep Creek Lake State Park and the Thayerville Fire Tower, Fork Run Recreation Area, and Herrington Manor State Park. Don't forget, Garrett County is also home to Maryland's Highest Point, Hoyes Crest!
- Biking: Another great way to get out and enjoy Fall is biking! Both road and mountain biking remain popular activities through the Fall season. Road biking usually ends after the first snow, which typically comes in mid to late October. Mountain biking is a local favorite, with several great locations and trails to bike on! Deep Creek Lake State Park and Fork Run Recreation Area are two great spots to take your mountain bike out and zip through the colorful forest. Check with any local parks to see if their trails permit bikes and for maps!
- Go to a Maze: Sometimes the best way to spend a nice Fall day is to get lost, literally! There are two great local mazes open during this time of year. The Cove Run Farms Corn Maze designs shapes into their corn field, which serve as different mazes! Located in Accident, just 15 minutes north of the lake, it’s an easy trip to a great experience. Another great local maze is the Rock Maze, located in Garrett State Forest. This natural-made labyrinth is a beautiful mixture of forest and rock. A stunning background in any season, it takes on an entire new life once the colors of Autumn have sent in. The Rock Maze is located towards the beginning of Snaggy Mountain Road.
- Explore Local Businesses: While there are pretty days aplenty during this season, it’s not unusual to have a chilly rain set in. On these days, when going outside isn’t the best plan, there are plenty of unique, local businesses to explore! Everything from Deep Creek Lake merchandise to handmade artisan crafts can be found at stores across the area. From the lake, most shops are under 10 minutes away from the central area, and downtown Oakland is only 20 minutes away, and houses several stores in their historic downtown section. For a full list of local shops, click here.
While some may not be ready to let go of sweet summertime, we’re excited for all things Autumn to begin. Get outside and enjoy this new season!
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