The new year is almost here! One tradition we love is First Day Hikes - whether you go with an organized group or head out on your own, Garrett County and Deep Creek Lake offer a gorgeous setting for your First Day adventure. Garrett County is home to 10 state parks, too, so there's plenty to explore if you've already visited the most popular parks.
Organized First Day Hikes - January 1, 2023
Deep Creek Lake State Park - Discovery Trail
Meet up at the Discovery Center at 11 AM for a fun .25 mile hike! This Ranger-led hike is an interpretive hike around the Discovery Center and is great for all ages. Leashed pets are welcome, but the ground is not suitable for strollers. Hot chocolate served after! Deep Creek Lake State Park & The Discovery Center are located on State Park Road in the central lake area.
More info > Discovery Center: 301-895-7067 or email deepcreek.statepark@maryland.gov
Deep Creek Lake State Park - Healthy Parks, Healthy People First Day Hike
Meet up at the Discovery Center at 10 AM for a 6 mile hike! This Ranger-led hike will take you up Meadow Mountain to the fire-tower and back down. Plan for at least 3 hours. Leashed pets are welcome, please dress appropriately for the weather. Deep Creek Lake State Park & The Discovery Center are located on State Park Road in the central lake area.
More info > Discovery Center: 301-895-7067 or email deepcreek.statepark@maryland.gov
Herrington Manor State Park - Red Trail
Head over to stunning Herrington Manor State Park for your first day hike! The self-guided tour will cover 1.6 miles of ground and is easy to moderate walking suitable for families and various ages but is not suitable for strollers. Leashed pets are welcome!
More info > Richard Hill, Park Naturalist - richard.hill1@maryland.gov
Herrington Manor State Park - Winter Nature Hike
Take a hike and learn about the forest on the red trail! The ranger-guided tour will cover 1.6 miles of ground and is easy to moderate walking suitable for families and various ages but is not suitable for strollers. Leashed pets are welcome!
More info > Richard Hill, Park Naturalist - richard.hill1@maryland.gov
New Germany State Park - Ranger-Led First Day Hike
One of Garrett County's best kept secrets - New Germany State Park! Meet up at the New Germany Lake House at 2 PM for a 4 mile hike! The guided tour will cover some of the area's history and showcase just a sample of the natural beauty found in this park. Dogs are welcomed on leases, but this hike is not stroller friendly. Warm up by the fire and with hot coco following the hike!
More info > New Germany State Park - 301-895-5453 or newgermany.statepark@maryland.gov
New Germany State Park - Little Naturalist First Day Hike
This ranger-led hike is geared towards children but great for all ages! Learn about native plants and animals that live in New Germany State Park on this easy 1 mile hike. Leased pets are welcome but the trail is not stroller friendly.
More info > New Germany State Park - 301-895-5453 or newgermany.statepark@maryland.gov
Swallow Falls State Park - Old Growth Appreciation Hike
This ranger-led hike will showcase the best of this beautiful state park! The hike will take place on the gravel trail and is stroller friendly. Leased pets are welcome!
More info > richard.hill1@maryland.gov
You can also venture out for your own First Day Hike! Check out beautiful Muddy Creek Falls at Swallow Falls State Park, walk to the Thayerville Firetower at Deep Creek Lake State Park, or delve deep into the forest at Herrington Manor and New Germany state parks. Each park can provide you with maps and more information about degrees of difficulty. Find a full list of state parks here. Garrett State Forest and Fork Run Recreation Area are also great places to explore for your First Day Hikes!
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