Swallow Falls State Park – Deep Creek Lake Blog

Deep Creek Lakes Top Spring Activities

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor — Betsy Spiker Holcomb, Deep Creek Lake’s Favorite

Deep Creek Lake’s Top Spring Activities

We are often asked what are Deep Creek Lake’s best spring activities. In a four-season resort like Deep Creek there is always plenty to do as you transition into each season. As we start getting closer to the end of the 2016 winter season it’s a great time to start planning next season’s family adventures. Springtime always has a special place in my heart personally because of the abundance of “new life” after a long winter of hibernation. You will not be disappointed with the diverse amount of activities we have here at Deep Creek to experience. Here are a few to get you started…

Fishing- Like fishing? Get up before the crack of dawn and get out on the lake with a pale full of golden shiners in some secluded little cove near the dam and get ready to wear out your wrist reeling in 14+ species of fish. All your favorites are here such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, black crappie, yellow perch, bluegill and many other species. Start your day enjoying the peaceful calm that Deep Creek offers every morning and fill up your cooler with lunch for the family.

Hiking–If you like to check-out from civilization and become one with nature then Deep Creek Lake is your home for great hiking adventures. With seven State parks, you will have no problem getting your fill of the green life. Mild temperatures, budding trees and blooming wildflowers make spring a great time to hike in the area. There is plenty of information online to get you started, so grab your family and get stepping!

The Spring Thaw at Swallow Falls- You can witness a really amazing spectacle here at Deep Creek Lake in the Spring time. The Spring thaw at Deep Creek lake is basically all the snow accumulation during the winter melting which swells the rivers and waterfalls. Take some time to research and check out this amazing event.

Golf – Deep Creek Lake is lucky enough to have the wonderful mountain course Lodestone near Wisp Resort. There’s also Thousand Acres Golf Course, Oakland Golf Club and Wisp Golf Course. You have a nice selection of different tiered golf courses for your enjoyment.

Canoeing/Kayaking Paddleboarding- Take an early morning sunrise canoe/kayak or paddleboard run around the lake and have the entire lake to yourself. If you have never been on the lake early in the morning you are missing out on one amazing experience.

The Spring Thaw at Swallow Falls State Park

I never get tired of promoting this special park here in Garrett County. The spring thaw at Swallow falls State Park can be epic if you catch it after a cold winter season. Imagine the amount of precipitation that we get here at Deep Creek Lake that remains suspended as snow. Some years, we have periodic warm-ups that etch away at the snow mass throughout the season. Some years, we have periodic warm-ups that etch away at the snow mass throughout the season. Some years, it stays cold for the entire winter which basically keeps the amount of precipitation on the ground increasing after each snowfall event. When the springtime blooms here with warm weather, we can see the rivers and creeks expand enormously when this buildup of snow starts to melt. When this massive amount of water starts pouring over our waterfalls in the area it can make you feel tiny with its thunderous power. Gravity becomes an astounding catalyst of force as the entire county releases flood gates of melting snow through vein after vein of branch creeks and streams until they explode into our river systems. The constant roar of the water echoes throughout the park and surrounding areas drowning out the subtle sounds of nature that you normally hear in the summer. Be warned that this power can be very dangerous and you should be advised to keep away from the water’s edge. One slip into the raging waters would certainly prove fatal. Thankfully, Swallow Falls State Park is laid out with very high and safe vantage points to enjoy the show safely. Dress in rain type gear because the park will be misty. Some days you can be transported back in time and wonder how it must have felt to live back when the things of the world weren’t so well defined. There had to have been an awesome range of emotions living in such a mystical rugged area of the country back in those days. I feel lucky to call this area my home. Put this on your list of things to share with your family and friends. You will not be disappointed. Continue reading The Spring Thaw at Swallow Falls State Park

Photo Gallery-Trio of Waterfalls-Swallow Falls

Winter activities have been superb over the second half of the 2016 season and we still have a way to go before spring kicks in. Leave the traffic and stress from work behind and come inhale and absorb the beautiful waterfalls at Swallow Falls State Park. Continue reading Photo Gallery-Trio of Waterfalls-Swallow Falls

Swallow Falls State in the Fall- Photo Gallery

Swallow Falls-Fall Spectacle

As you get into and beyond the third week in September you will find the leaves making their change at Swallow Falls State Park. This change signals the start of the fall foliage show that slowly blooms here in Garrett County over the next month. Continue reading Swallow Falls State in the Fall- Photo Gallery

2678 Mayhew Inn Road-Deep Creek Lake, MD-Lake Access

Tucked away in mature pines you will find this Lincoln Lodge. Located in Millhouse Manor with lake access is this 3 bedroom/1 bathroom home.

Beamed ceilings, oak cabinets, and a stone fireplace are featured on the main level. Wood floors are in all 3 bedrooms and a private balcony is located off of the largest bedroom.

A front deck with a built-in bench provides a great outdoor living space. And, the lake access area provides storage for a canoe or kayak and is just a short walk or drive from the home. Swallow Falls is also just 5 minutes from this property.

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Swallow Falls-Moonshadow Cafe-Halloween

Weekly updates by Betsy Spiker Holcomb of Taylor-Made Vacations and Sales, Deep Creek Lake. As you already know, I never get tired of singing the praises of Swallow Falls State Park. This weekend we did the loop hike and met some really fun visitors from Baltimore and Northern Virginia. Even after the damaging “Sandy” storm we still see a solid stand of ancient hemlock trees towering over the forest. For some visitors, it was their first glimpse of the awesome aura put off by these majestic trees that stand guard over the powerful Youghiogheny River. We finished our hike, as always, at the calming Tolliver Falls. The water is flowing at a slow and tranquil pace which makes the falls even more calming and was apparent by the group of people entranced by the sights and sounds of this special nook of the park.

Fall golfers…Be advised that the Oakland Country Club is having a late season special until the end of the month. Bring a foursome of golfers and play for $100.00 with a cart Monday-Thursday, $25 a head! Wow, you’d think we are still in the 80’s!

New restaurant alert! As you pass through the town of Accident on the way to Deep Creek Lake you will notice a re-opened cafe on the right across from the car dealership called The Moonshadow Café & Bar. The food is all local – from the meats, cheeses and vegetables. With less than a week under its belt, it has become the talk of the town so don’t miss giving it a try next visit. FYI, this Friday is a Halloween Party if you like to play dress up.

Speaking of Halloween parties, Deep Creek Lake has THE costume party at the lake!! Black Bear Tavern and Restaurant has long been the go-to place for the ghouls and goblin lovers as they pull in all the folks from in and out of town who like to get dressed up and dance the night away. If you have a will to be weird and fun, then make a special trip and take on your favorite Halloween character. Tell the owners Laura and Barry Clapsaddle hello.

Bob and I a few years back…Beauty and the Beast!

From the real estate front, the September market numbers are all up versus a year ago, as you will see on the attached report. We have two featured listings this week. First, is a quaint home in a lush, garden setting with a large, open main level and a 3-car garage and a Price Reduction http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-1032448.html. Also, we just listed a great lakefront home site on Stockslager Road with 135’ of waterfront and a Type A dock permit http://mrislistings.mris.com/DE.asp?ID=54711201519.

Now is a great time to look at real estate. With the fall season winding down and snow on the way (yes, this week!!) fewer of our homes are booked making it easy to show them with a moment’s notice. Enjoy your week!

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Summer Activities

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Summer Activities. It gets easier to be revved up for summer when you start seeing the boats filtering on the lake. Yesterday there was a mix of recreational tubers, fisherman, and marinas tuning up boats for their clients. Weather has warmed up to summer temps this week and you can tell folks are starting to gather into the lake. Last night I did my evening paddleboard between 7:30pm-9:00pm and saw some late evening fisherman and a few boats screaming by trying to ensure that their boats are running smoothly. I cruised past a family of at least a dozen who were throwing football and roasting smores around a fire pit near the water’s edge. I love summer!

Dusk paddle

In case you missed the USA Canoe/Kayak Whitewater Slalom Team Trails this weekend, here is a photo gallery on our Deep Creek Lake, Maryland Facebook page of some of the action. Remember this will determine who will be competing in next year’s ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships of 2014 between September 16-21, 2014. We had three Olympic medalists here competing this weekend. Look ahead in your calendar if you plan on visiting because this is no small event. Word is that lots of people will have to stay out of town because all rentals will be booked. This event will be the biggest event ever hosted here at the lake. The eyes of the world and Canoe/Kayak community will be focused on Deep Creek Lake for a week. Plan far in advance so you don’t miss it!

Intense competition

If you have not visited ASCI or tried to go whitewater rafting I highly recommend it! There are only a few re-circulating whitewater courses in the world and we are lucky to have the best here in our back yard.

Rafting trip at ASCI with my son and his girlfriend

This weekend we have the Tom Wallisch Rail Jam at Wisp Resort on Saturday, May 25^th. Registration is between 6pm-7pm with the competition starting soon thereafter. They say there is plenty of snow to hold this event and I hope you have a chance to go check out some of the skiers and snowboarders competing. The Tom Batcherlor Band will provide the music.

Not sure what direction to go this weekend? A few suggestions…

Go zip lining, ride the mountain coaster, or go for a dune buggy ride at Wisp Resort. Go hiking or rock climbing at Fork Run Recreational Area. Go get some hot wings and a crabcake from The Black Bear. Go visit the magnificent waterfalls at Swallow Falls State Park. Go rent a boat, canoe, kayak or paddleboard from Deep Creek Marina. Go try out Deep Creek Lake’s newest restaurant Aces Run. Go enjoy an eco tour with the family. Go fishing on DCL or the Yough River. Go play golf at the well received Lodestone Golf Club. Buy a home here at the lake!!! Call Betsy Holcomb 301-616-5022 http://deepcreeklakeproperty.com/meet-betsy/

Featured listing of the week: Check out this homesite on hole #13 at Lodestone. Lake and golf views! http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-440824.html

Sold Property in the last 30 days- http://mrislistings.mris.com/DE.asp?ID=52524358330

Have a safe & memorable family weekend!!

Hurricane Sandy Damage Update-Swallow Falls State Park

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes favorite Realtor

Hurricane Sandy Damage Update-Swallow Falls State Park .I took my sister and her husband down to Swallow Falls this weekend to show them the amazing beauty of this Garrett County gem. One thing that stood out was the destruction left behind following Hurricane Sandy and the amount of trees down was staggering to say the least. The county has done a fantastic job clearing the trails so you can access the hike from Muddy Creek Falls – Swallow Falls – Tolliver Falls and back to the parking lot. Some trees that are down are flipped over like rows of dominoes while other huge ancient Hemlock trees are literally twisted and ripped in half from the brute force of the wind and heavy snow. I spoke with park officials today who have informed me that 50% of the trees were lost due to Sandy, which is hard to believe until you hike the park where it becomes much more apparent. Crews have logged in a total of 3000 hours cleaning up the park and trails to ensure safe hiking but due to sensitive management areas they will leave downed trees where they lay. They will of course use whatever resources necessary to keep the trails clear.

One area that I feel benefited from this colossal storm was the overlook to Swallow Falls. You know the one…the one about a little over half way from Muddy Creek going upstream that you used to have to peer through thick underbrush to see the falls. No More. It is a wide open view slot now great for a relaxing break or photographs.

Don’t fret, you can still enjoy all that this popular park has to offer but there has been a slight change in scenery over the winter that will become familiar as time heals our memories.

Garrett County Waterfalls- Deep Creek Lake

Deep Creek Lake Waterfalls

Garrett County Waterfalls- Deep Creek Lake. Next time you are visiting Deep Creek Lake, be sure to visit Swallow Falls State Park and experience a trip back in time with three spectacular waterfalls. Only a short walk from the parking area is the breathtaking 53’ Muddy Creek Falls. It is the highest waterfall in the state ofMaryland and used to be a regular campsite for Harvey Firestone, Thomas Edison, and Henry Ford in the early twentieth century. The park has towering ancient Hemlock trees and trails that will take you to two more waterfalls that both have unique personalities.SwallowFalls exists because of a huge bottleneck in the mightyYoughioghenyRiver that increases the water flow causing it to explode over an enormous rock outcropping. This is a great place to bring the kids during the summer to let them slide on the rocks and swim in the refreshing river. LittleTolliverFalls is a short walk upstream and is a favorite of mine to photograph. It is tucked a few footsteps from theYoughRiver and has a very peaceful setting that can keep you mesmerized for hours with its soothing calm. Make sure you enjoy this beautiful part of our great country on your next visit to the lake. Like me, you will become a regular at returning to these special places over and over again, each time blowing you away like the first time you laid eyes on these national treasures.

River Kayaking the Youghiogheny River-Deep Creek Lake

River Kayaking the Youghiogheny River Deep Creek Lake

I was taking my weekly hike at Swallow Falls State Park this weekend trying to photograph the beautiful waterfalls when I stumbled upon a very exciting scene. I have always known that there is a put-in for kayaks by the bridge but never was there to see someone come through Swallow Falls. My experience with water sports revolves elusively around the ocean and the lake up to this point, so it really got my adrenaline flowing knowing these guys were going to bomb this violent waterfall on kayaks.

There were three guys paddling my way very casually without apprehension of the raging waters and dramatic elevation change ahead. The lead kayaker set his line for the center chute and paddled into its smooth channel at the top of the falls aggressive and calculated. His speed started racing with the bottleneck of the water flow as he was catapulted into the raging falls and for a moment was submerged by fierce white water. It wasn’t long before he accelerated out of the powerful rapids to the calm swirling pool below.

The other two guys came through with the same intensity as the first and they all casually glided down the Youghiogheny River until they vanished from my site. My love for Deep Creek Lake sports has already been long since established but now I have a fire burning in me to try my hand at river kayaking. I think it may be a wise decision for me to take baby steps far away from raging Swallow Falls!

Tag: Swallow Falls State Park