Summertime is finally here! The weather has been beautiful and we have been appreciating everything Mountain Maryland and nearby West Virginia have to offer. If you are looking to get out into nature and spend sometime in water, check out our compiled list of local beaches, rivers, lakes, etc!
Allegany County
Rocky Gap State Park
Rocky Gap has three beautiful beaches along the shores of Lake Habeeb as well as a boat ramp for non-powered boats, kayaks, canoes, etc. For more information, click here.
Potomac River
The Potomac River is easily accessible in Allegany County for anyone looking to kayak, canoe, float, etc. Local businesses Wheelzup Adventures and Clyde’s River Guides and Outfitters. For more information on the public access areas, click here.
Garrett County
New Germany State Park
If you are looking for a small state park with a small lake and great hiking, check out New Germany State Park. The lake is suitable for kayaking (they rent kayaks there!) and swimming on the designated beach area. For more info, click here.
Deep Creek Lake
Garrett County is home to the largest lake in Maryland! Deep Creek Lake is great for boating and water sports. If you are looking to just take a dip, check out the beach located at Deep Creek State Park. For more information, click here.
Swallow Falls State Park
If you are looking for scenic hike and beautiful waterfalls, check out Swallow Falls State Park. This body of water can be dangerous to swim in depending on the water levels but is still a must-visit Mountain Maryland destination! For more info, click here.
Herrington Manor State Park
Herrington Manor State Park is located next to Swallow Falls State Park. Herrington Manor features a small lake appropriate for kayaking and canoeing with a designated beach area for swimming. For more info, click here.
Youghigheny River
The Upper Yough River is a very popular spot for kayaking and white-water rafting. The stretch between Sang Run and Friendsville is popular due to the water releases. Note- this part of the river is a class IV/V and kayakers and rafters should be experienced. This is not for beginners, though there are more accommodating sections for beginners in Pennsylvania. For more info, check out Precision Rafting here or Wilderness Voyageurs here.
Youghigheny River Lake
Another under-rated Western Maryland lake! The Yough River Lake is a large lake on the border of Maryland and Pennsylvania. Unlike Deep Creek Lake, Yough River Lake is not as developed or traveled. This is a great option for boating and water sports if Deep Creek Lake is too “touristy”. For more info, click here.
Savage River Reservoir
Savage River Reservoir is a great place to kayak or canoe. It is very scenic and one of the less visited body’s of water in Mountain Maryland. For more information, click here.
Mineral County
Jennings Randolph Lake
Jennings Randolph Lake is one of the most under-rated lakes in Western Maryland. It is large enough to accommodate speed boats and pontoons but it is much less traveled than Deep Creek Lake and Yough River Lake. It is located on the North Branch of the Potomac River and sits on the border of Mineral County, West Virginia and Garrett County, Maryland. For more information, click here.
North Branch of the Potomac
The North Branch of the Potomac can be accessed from Cumberland, Maryland and Wiley Ford, West Virginia. This is a great stretch of river to kayak. Accessibility to this section of the river is even easier now that Clyde’s River Guides and Outfitters is set up right in Wiley Ford on the North Branch. Click here for more information.
Hampshire County
South Branch of the Potomac
The South Branch of the Potomac is great for swimming, kayaking, canoeing and floating. There are several public access areas in Hampshire County. Click here for more info.
