Garrett County is packed with mountain views, rushing waterfalls, scenic lakes, charming small towns, and unforgettable outdoor adventures, making it one of the best road trip destinations in Maryland.
Around every bend, you’ll find a new place to hike, paddle, explore local history, or enjoy incredible fall colors that stretch across the hills.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a full vacation, this road trip is filled with unique stops that show off the very best of western Maryland.
Get ready to discover hidden gems, breathtaking scenery, and memorable experiences that will have you wanting to stay just a little longer at every stop.
1. New Germany State Park
New Germany State Park is located in the forests of eastern Garrett County, about 10 minutes from Grantsville, and covers more than 480 acres with a beautiful 13 acre lake at its center.
You can swim at the sandy beach, rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats, cast a line for trout and bass, or hike one of the park’s scenic trails that wind through the forest and around the lake.
If you love hiking, explore sections of the 15-mile Meadow Mountain Trail, watch for white tailed deer and colorful warblers, or visit during fall when the maple and oak trees put on an incredible display of bright red, orange, and gold leaves.
The park also features cozy cabins, wooded campsites, skiing in the winter, and easy access to nearby Savage River State Forest for even more outdoor adventure.
2. Spruce Forest Artisan Village
Next, head to Spruce Forest Artisan Village in Grantsville, where a collection of restored historic log cabins houses local artists, craftspeople, and working studios.
You can watch blacksmiths shape hot metal, browse handmade pottery, jewelry, quilts, wood carvings, and stained glass, then chat with the artists about how each piece is created.
The village also includes the Historic Penn Alps Restaurant nearby, making it an easy place to stop for a meal before exploring more of Garrett County.
Keep an eye on the event calendar because seasonal festivals, live music, craft demonstrations, and hands-on workshops bring extra energy to the village and give you even more reasons to spend a few hours here.
3. Friendsville
From there, make your way to Friendsville, a small town along the Youghiogheny River that has become one of Maryland’s top spots for whitewater adventure and scenic mountain views near the Pennsylvania border.
You can book a guided rafting trip through the exciting Class IV and V rapids of the Upper Youghiogheny River, launch a kayak, cast a fishing line, or simply relax beside the water and watch paddlers race downstream.
The Kendall Trail also passes through town, giving you easy access to a scenic riverside trail for walking and biking with beautiful views of the Youghiogheny River.
Friendsville was founded in 1765, making it one of Garrett County’s oldest communities, and its welcoming downtown, local cafés, and easy access to outdoor recreation make it a fun stop before continuing your road trip.
4. Deep Creek Lake State Park
Next, head to Deep Creek Lake State Park on the eastern shore of Deep Creek Lake, Maryland’s largest freshwater lake, where over 1,800 acres of forest surround miles of shoreline.
Spend the day swimming from the sandy beach, renting kayaks, fishing for smallmouth bass and walleye, or hiking the 2-mile Beckmans Trail through hardwood forest filled with native wildflowers and towering trees.
Be sure to stop by the Discovery Center, where interactive exhibits, live animal displays, and seasonal naturalist programs teach you about local wildlife, black bears, birds of prey, and the lake’s unique ecosystem.
If you want even more adventure, bring a boat, enjoy a picnic with waterfront views, or visit in autumn when colorful leaves reflect across the 3,900 acre lake and create one of Garrett County’s most photographed scenes.
5. Swallow Falls State Park
Just a short drive from Deep Creek Lake, Swallow Falls State Park is home to some of Maryland’s most spectacular waterfalls, including the 53-foot Muddy Creek Falls, the tallest free falling waterfall in the state.
Follow the easy 1.25 mile Swallow Falls Canyon Trail to see Upper Swallow Falls, Lower Swallow Falls, and rushing rapids along the Youghiogheny River, with plenty of scenic spots for photos along the way.
The park is also famous for its towering eastern hemlock trees, some estimated to be more than 300 years old, creating one of the last old growth forest areas in western Maryland.
Pack a picnic, wade in the river during summer, or visit after heavy rain when the waterfalls thunder through the rocky gorge and put on an unforgettable show.
6. Herrington Manor State Park
If you’re not ready to leave the lake scenery behind, continue to Herrington Manor State Park, where a peaceful mountain lake is surrounded by 365 acres of forest just a short drive from Swallow Falls.
You can swim from the sandy beach, rent a kayak or canoe, fish for trout and bass, or hike one of the park’s 12 miles of trails, or take the 5.5-mile trail connecting Herrington Manor and Swallow Falls State Park.
The park also features cozy cabins and shaded picnic areas, making it a great place to slow down and spend a full day outdoors without the bigger crowds found at nearby destinations.
Visit during fall for brilliant displays of red, orange, and yellow leaves reflected across the calm water, or come in winter when cross country skiing and snow covered trails transform the park into a completely different experience.
7. Oakland
After exploring the parks, spend some time in Oakland, the county seat of Garrett County, where historic buildings, local shops, and museums line the walkable downtown.
Step inside the Garrett County Museum of Transportation to see vintage vehicles and learn about the area’s transportation history, then visit the nearby B&O Railroad Station Museum, a beautifully restored 1884 station listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
You can also browse bookstores, antique shops, and local boutiques along Second Street, or grab a bite at one of the downtown cafés.
If you’re visiting in October, don’t miss the famous Autumn Glory Festival, a five day celebration with colorful parades, craft vendors, live music, and spectacular fall foliage that draws thousands of people to Oakland every year.
8. Mountain Lake Park Historic District
Just a few minutes south of Oakland, the Mountain Lake Park Historic District takes you back to the late 1800s with tree lined streets, colorful Victorian homes, and one of Maryland’s best preserved Chautauqua communities.
Stroll past beautifully restored cottages, visit the Ticket Office Museum to learn about the town’s beginnings as a summer resort, and stop by the Assembly Hall, which still hosts concerts, festivals, and community events.
You can enjoy a picnic or catch one of the seasonal performances and craft fairs that keep this historic neighborhood buzzing throughout the year.
Many of its original buildings are still standing today, making it a fascinating stop if you enjoy architecture, local history, and discovering places that feel frozen in time.
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