Garrett County, Maryland

Garrett County Local Guide

Settling In Guide

Enjoy the Area

Find a new favorite walk, spend an afternoon with local history, or make room for an everyday stop. 14 places to get to know Garrett County.

14 local places
3 ways to explore

Time Outdoors

Parks, trails and places to pause

6 places
White waterfall drops over layered rock surrounded by trees in Swallow Falls State Park
Waterfall at Swallow Falls State Park, 2014Photo: Doug Kerr

Oakland Area Parks & Nature

Swallow Falls State Park

Follow the Canyon Trail to views of Muddy Creek Falls and the Youghiogheny River. The wooded route brings several waterfalls into one compact outing.

Before You Go Summer weekends and holidays require day use reservations. Seasonal pet restrictions apply to the day use area, including the Canyon Trail. Use the Maple Glade Road entrance.

Official Visitor Information
Snow borders the lake beneath evergreen trees at New Germany State Park
New Germany State Park’s lake in winter, 2018Photo: VitaleBaby

Grantsville Area Parks & Nature

New Germany State Park

Walk beside the lake or choose a trail through hemlock woods and stream valleys. Winter trail use changes with snow conditions.

Before You Go Water system work closes cabins, campsites and pavilions at varying times in 2026 and 2027. Confirm your intended facility is open and download maps before arriving, since there is no cell service.

Official Visitor Information

More to Explore4 More Places to Discover

  • Deep Creek Lake State Park

    Swanton Area Parks & Nature

    A public park gives access to lake recreation and forest trails.

    Explore the shore and marked trails, or plan a picnic beside the lake. The state park is a specific public access area, not permission to enter private shoreline property.

    Before You Go Check the current park map and seasonal facilities before visiting. Picnic shelters and overnight accommodations have separate reservations.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Herrington Manor State Park

    Oakland Area Parks & Nature

    A small lake and woodland trails offer a quieter mountain outing.

    Choose a picnic, a lakeside visit or a marked trail. The park also has cabins and winter recreation when conditions support it.

    Before You Go Do not rely on cell service. Trails beyond the park can enter Garrett State Forest, where hunting is permitted, so review your route and seasonal guidance.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Savage River State Forest

    Northeastern Garrett County Parks & Nature

    A large forest offers rugged trails and more remote recreation.

    Choose a mapped day hike through hardwood forest and stream valleys. Trails differ in terrain and permitted uses, so plan a route that matches your experience.

    Before You Go Some roads and campsites may remain closed after flooding. Contact headquarters for current conditions, and check hunting seasons and permitted trail uses.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Fork Run Recreation Area

    McHenry Area Parks & Nature

    A woodland trail network supports hiking and mountain biking.

    Use the county trail maps to choose a route through the Fork Run recreation area. The network offers an alternative to the larger state parks.

    Before You Go Pets must be leashed. Camping, fires, hunting and overnight parking stays are not permitted. Download the current trail map before setting out.

    Official Visitor Information
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History & Culture

Art, heritage and local stories

5 places
Red brick Oakland railroad station beside curving tracks
Oakland’s historic B&O station, 2011Photo: Ron Cogswell

Oakland History & Culture

Oakland B&O Museum

Explore station exhibits and preserved railway equipment, including a steam locomotive and caboose. The museum offers self guided visits and volunteer interpretation.

Before You Go Check current visiting arrangements and ask about access to individual pieces of equipment. This is a museum, not a scheduled passenger rail service.

Official Visitor Information

More to Explore4 More Places to Discover

  • Garrett County History Museum

    Oakland History & Culture

    Local objects and room settings reveal generations of county life.

    Explore exhibits on home life, local businesses, military history and the county’s development at the South Second Street museum.

    Before You Go Check the museum’s current schedule and arrange guided group visits in advance. The History Museum and Transportation Museum are separate buildings.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Sang Run State Park

    Sang Run History & Culture

    A preserved election house and homestead interpret a rural community.

    Walk the grounds around the historic Friends Store and restored Election House, then follow trails through meadows and beside the Youghiogheny River.

    Before You Go Historic building access is seasonal. Check with the park before expecting an indoor visit, and use the Sang Run Road address rather than its Deep Creek mailing address.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Drane House

    Accident History & Culture

    A restored log house preserves part of Accident’s early history.

    See the town owned house and its garden setting, associated with the Drane family and the enslaved people who lived and worked with them.

    Before You Go Use Cemetery Road off Garrett Highway. Contact the town about interior access rather than assuming the house is open for daily tours.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Garrett County Transportation Museum

    Oakland History & Culture

    Vehicles and exhibits connect transportation with the creation of Deep Creek Lake.

    The Liberty Street museum includes carriages, automobiles, firefighting artifacts and exhibits about the lake’s history.

    Before You Go The museum is closed for its winter season until May, with group visits available by request. Confirm arrangements before traveling.

    Official Visitor Information
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Libraries & Community

Everyday places to learn and connect

3 places

More to Explore3 More Places to Discover

  • Ruth Enlow Library Oakland Branch

    Oakland Libraries & Community

    The main library combines reading resources with tools for preserving memories.

    Browse collections or ask about the Memory Station for converting family recordings and photographs into digital files.

    Before You Go Contact staff about meeting room arrangements and Memory Station use. Bring the storage media required by the library.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Ruth Enlow Library Grantsville Branch

    Grantsville Libraries & Community

    A northern county branch offers reading and community meeting space.

    Visit the Parkview Drive library for collections, learning resources and local programs.

    Before You Go Meeting rooms must be scheduled through library staff and are subject to use policies. Check the branch calendar before attending a program.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Ruth Enlow Library Accident Branch

    Accident Libraries & Community

    A neighborhood library provides books and learning resources in northern Garrett County.

    Visit the South North Street branch for library collections and community learning opportunities.

    Before You Go Check the Accident branch’s own hours and program location. Do not assume that meeting rooms listed for Oakland or Grantsville are available here.

    Official Visitor Information
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Check the official websites for current access, reservations, fees and seasonal operations before visiting. Destination information reviewed .

General information to help you find the right starting point. Requirements, eligibility, service areas, and application processes can change. Confirm details with the office or provider serving your exact address. Official links open in a new tab. Found a broken link or a changed office? Contact LizyTylerCo and include “Garrett County Guide,” the link name, and what happened. Return to All Resources.