Garrett County, Maryland

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life, Garrett County is an ideal place to lose yourself in the wild. Nearly 20 percent of the county is state parkland, forests and wildlife management areas, featuring the most publicly-owned land in the Maryland. But the county isn’t without its luxuries, such as the outdoor playgrounds around Deep Creek Lake.

All-in-One Adventure

The recently-opened Adven-ture Sports Center International at Wisp Resort in McHenry operates the world’s only mountain-top artificial whitewater course. Pumps generate a flow of up to 250,000 gallons per minute and hydraulically-operated flaps tune the water to run from class II to class IV along the circular, one-third mile course. The center offers guided two-hour rafting trips, whitewater kayaking classes and single-person inflatable kayak instruction and rentals.

For a change of pace, try rock climbing on the area’s 60-ft-high cliffs or mountain bike on Wisp’s 3.5 miles of trails, which will be expanded to10 miles this summer. Wisp also rents mountain bikes and mountain boards for use on slope-side trails, including chair lift service to the summit. Want all some thrills with less effort? Check out Wisp’s new mountain coaster, which loops and twists its way down the slopes. See www.adventuresportscenter.com, www.wispresort.comand www.visitdeepcreek.com.

Hike or Bike

Check out Savage River State Forest for the county’s best cross-country mountain biking. Local riders have built a 7-mile loop packed with rock gardens, log crossing and tight twisty singletrack. Go to High Mountain Sports in Deep Creek for a trail map (www.highmountainsports.com). Head to Garrett State Forrest for hiking through 7,000 acres of forests, streams and valleys. The trail system offers more than 20 miles of options, including mountain bike routes for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders. Head to Swallow Falls and its 5.5-mile trail system to catch a glimpse of the 53-ft-tall Muddy Creek Falls—the highest waterfall in the state. See www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/garrett.asp.

Ultimate Out-and-Back

Crank out as many miles as you can handle along the area’s scenic rails-to-trails paths. Western Maryland’s 20.5-mile Allegheny Highlands Trail connects to the 184.5-mile C&O Canal Towpath, which runs between Cumberland, Md., to Georgetown. Western Maryland Adventures offers shuttle service as well as suggestions for accommodations (www.wmdadventures.com). See trail map at www.ahtmtrail.org.

Be a Savage

The SavageMan Triathlon (www.savagemantri.org), which is held on Sept. 21, combines swimming in Deep Creek Lake, running the scenic trails of Deep Creek State Park and cycling the steepest climb you’ll encounter in a road triathlon—the 31-percent grade Westernport Wall.

Ease into the experience by taking a couples-only four-day retreat hosted by The Sewickley Spa that includes prep rides, gourmet meals, wine tastings, accommodations and activities for non-riders (www.sewickleyspa.com).

Camping

For the most amenities, try Deep Creek Lake State Park, which has 112 campsites with access to heated restrooms and hot showers. For something more primitive, try Big Run State Park. See www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/wmaryland.html.

Hike or Bike

Check out Savage River State Forest for the county’s best cross-country mountain biking. Local riders have built a 7-mile loop packed with rock gardens, log crossing and tight twisty singletrack. Go to High Mountain Sports in Deep Creek for a trail map (www.highmountainsports.com). Head to Garrett State Forrest for hiking through 7,000 acres of forests, streams and valleys. The trail system offers more than 20 miles of options, including mountain bike routes for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders. Head to Swallow Falls and its 5.5-mile trail system to catch a glimpse of the 53-ft-tall Muddy Creek Falls—the highest waterfall in the state. See www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/garrett.asp.

Ultimate Out-and-Back

Crank out as many miles as you can handle along the area’s scenic rails-to-trails paths. Western Maryland’s 20.5-mile Allegheny Highlands Trail connects to the 184.5-mile C&O Canal Towpath, which runs between Cumberland, Md., to Georgetown. Western Maryland Adventures offers shuttle service as well as suggestions for accommodations (www.wmdadventures.com). See trail map at www.ahtmtrail.org.

Be a Savage

The SavageMan Triathlon (www.savagemantri.org), which is held on Sept. 21, combines swimming in Deep Creek Lake, running the scenic trails of Deep Creek State Park and cycling the steepest climb you’ll encounter in a road triathlon—the 31-percent grade Westernport Wall.

Ease into the experience by taking a couples-only four-day retreat hosted by The Sewickley Spa that includes prep rides, gourmet meals, wine tastings, accommodations and activities for non-riders (www.sewickleyspa.com).

Camping

For the most amenities, try Deep Creek Lake State Park, which has 112 campsites with access to heated restrooms and hot showers. For something more primitive, try Big Run State Park. See www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/wmaryland.html.