My 5 favorite Deep Creek Lake spring activities celebrate this quieter season. It is a time of year that has a slower, more leisurely pace. You feel like you have the Deep Creek Lake area all to yourself. It is easy to enjoy outdoor recreation with friends and family.
Deep Creek Lake Spring Activities
Here are some of the highlights of a few favorite things to do during the spring months.
Fishing
Deep Creek Lake spring fishing starts as soon as the ice melts on the lake. McHenry Cove is a popular spot where you will often see lots of fisherman lining the banks.
Deep Creek Lake State Park is also a great spot for fishing. You can go to the fishing pier or fish from the shoreline (excluding the beach area). You can get your fishing license at the Discover Center or you can buy one online as well. This is definitely my pick for fishing if you are taking your little ones. If they fishing loses their attention, there are several different playgrounds to enjoy. Plus, the Disovery Center has lots of great environmental exhibits.
Common species of fish in Deep Creek Lake include: Trout, Bass, Walleye, Yellow Perch and Northern Pike.
Spring heralds the beginning of trout season too. Stocking generally takes place during the middle of March through late May. Numerous Garrett County locations are stocked including: Herrington Lake, Broadford Lake, Youghiogheny River, Casselman River and the Savage River Reservoir. There is no shortage of places to cast your line!
My fishing guide goes into more detail.
Monkey Business Adventure Park
Monkey Business Adventure Park kicks-off their season as soon as the weather will allow. This is usually late March or early April. It is an aerial obstacle course with ziplines that has amazing views of the lake. The kids in my family love it! There is something for big monkeys and little monkeys too. For the big course, kids must be 7 years old and weigh at least 50 lbs. The smaller course is suitable for ages 4-8. Experienced guides are on-hand to keep everyone on track.
Visit Local Small Towns
Spring is a ideal for taking time out to visit local small towns. Each one has its own charm and personality.
Downtown Oakland is a great place to spend a Saturday. Breakfast at Dottie’s Soda Fountain at Englander’s is a local tradition. You can check out lots of great antiques too. Other eateries include the Cornish Cafe and Tomanetti’s Pizza. Don’t miss the burgers and loaded tater tots at Alder Street Diner. It is a recent addition that is has fun retro decor with a 50’s theme. Shopping opportunities include Flipside Vinyl, Rudy’s and the Book Mark’et. I love browsing items made by local artists at the Gallery Shop. Run by the Garrett County Arts Council, there is everything from jewelry and photography to pottery and paintings. You can also get a taste of area history at one of the three museums: Garrett County Historical Society Museum, Garrett County Museum of Transportation and the Oakland B & O Railroad Museum.
Grantsville has lots to offer too! Penn Alps Restaurant is one of the most well-known places to dine. Their Sunday brunch buffet is the perfect respite if you are traveling I-68 East after a weekend at Deep Creek. Adjacent to Penn Alps, is the Spruce Forest Artisan Village. Resident artists typically start returning during the spring. It is a venue where artists showcase and sell their work. They can also interact with visitors and answer questions. High Country Creamery is also in Grantsville. They make a variety of cheeses and sell lots of other yummy treats.
Cozy Nights By an Outdoor Fire
Having an outdoor fire pit is an absolute must for any Deep Creek Lake home. Crisp spring evenings are best spent making s’mores and telling spooky stories around a crackling fire. For those of you who have never made s’mores, click here for instructions. Clear skies reveal twinkling stars, and I love showing my boys the different constellations.
Kayaking & Canoeing
Warmer temps mean it is time to break our your canoe or kayak. Without the busy summer boat traffic, you can easily paddle along the Deep Creek’s shoreline and explore coves. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you are sure to see anything from Bald Eagles to beavers. Other popular spots with abundant wildlife include Herrington Lake and the Savage River Reservoir.
Final Thoughts
No matter what you choose, spring is a great time to do some exploring. I love getting outside with my family to appreciate each of the beautiful seasons here in Garrett County.
