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Deep Creek Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Maryland. Located in the mountains of far western Maryland, this community attracts locals and visitors from all over. From vacation rentals and hotels to houses for sale, we have it all! Come experience your next best vacation at this four seasons destination!

History

Deep Creek Lake was built in 1925 by the Army Corps of Engineers for the purpose of generating hydro-electric power. Construction started on November 1, 1923 and finished two and a half years later in May 1925. The earthen dam became operational on May 26, 1925 and is located off Mayhew Inn Road crossing a tributary of the Youghiogheny River. The lake is fed by natural springs providing clean and clear water. There are 65 miles of shoreline, and it is nearly 12 miles in length. Overall, there is approximately 3,900 acres of water surface, and is 75 feet at the deepest point. Three bridges cross the water: the Garrett Highway Bridge, the Glendale Road Bridge, and the small State Park Road Bridge. The original Garrett Highway and Glendale Road bridges have since been replaced and were lowered into the lake to provide fish habitat.

Fall Drone of Deep Creek Lake

Area Info

Since Deep Creek Lake sits at 2,492 feet above sea level, the seasons play an important part of how the lake looks throughout the year. The average water temperature in the summer season is 73 degrees and is covered in an average of 18 inches of ice in the winter season. Throughout the year, there are water releases to maintain the level of the lake during all four seasons. The water is released down the Youghiogheny River and effects the whitewater conditions clear to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The State of Maryland purchased the lake in 2000 and now is currently managed by the Department of Natural Resources.

The Deep Creek Lake resort area became Maryland’s only four-season ski resort in 1955 when the Wisp Ski Resort was built atop Marsh Mountain taking advantage of the average 100 inches of snow that falls each winter. During the winter of 1966, snow was man-made for the first time at Wisp. A hotel and additional ski slopes and lights were added between 1971 to 1979. The popular Bear Claw Tubing Park was added in 2001 and the 1,300 foot uphill and 3,500 feet downhill mountain coaster that descends 350 vertical feet was added soon after. A man-made recirculating whitewater course was built in 2007 and hosted the 2014 World Canoe and Kayak Championships. The resort also boasts two championship 18-hole golf courses.

Winter at Deep Creek Lake
Summer Drone Of Deep Creek Lake Area

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Deep Creek Lake?

Located in the mountains of Western Maryland, Deep Creek Lake is located within 3 hours from Baltimore and D.C. and within 2.5 hours of Pittsburgh.

What is the Elevation?

2,462 feet above sea level

What is the climate like during the year?

Summer Temperature 66.6
 Winter Temperature 29.1 
 Yearly Snowfall (inches) 85.7

What makes Deep Creek so special?
  • We average 17 inches of ice cover on lake in winter!
  • Deep Creek hosts the only downhill ski resort in Maryland with over 132 acres of skiable terrain, 32 slopes, terrain park and tubing park. Don't forget the mountain coaster, the only of its kind in the mid-atlantic. They have one of the world's largest energy efficient snowmaking systems.
  • Home of the one of a kind recirculating white-water course atop of Marsh Mountain. Water gets pumped into the course at up to 600 cubic feet per second, flows down a 1/4 mile of rapids, and finally falls into the lower pond. A 270 foot conveyor belt carries rafters back up to the top for another journey down the course!
  • Garrett County is west of the Eastern Continental Divide, which means water in our county flows to the Gulf of Mexico where all other water sources in the state flows to the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Located in in the western part of the county is Cranesville Swamp. Nestled in a frost pocket, the swamp is home to a low area that collects moisture and cooler temperatures, making it one of the coolest and soggiest spots in Maryland and West Virginia. It provides an unique habitat for seasonal and year-round birds and rare species of plants and animals.