Nearby State Parks

Note that prices may be out of date.

Backbone Farm (301) 344-5633

“Backbone Farm is operated by an owner of the now closed Meadow Mountain Ski Center that was located near New Germany State Park for 22 years. Beautiful nordic ski trails wind around a 525 acre organic farm that is nestled up against Backbone Mountain, Maryland's highest peak. (from their website)”

This place is brand new, and they’re having an Open House this weekend (Sat/Sun 9-4) with reduced rental prices, free trail usage, and food/drink. There’s also some sort of mysterious “Ski Hash” event Sunday at 2 (call for details). Their trails are tracked, but not groomed for skating. There’s unlimited backcountry skiing, you can sign up for backcountry ski tours ($10/hour), or take lessons ($10/hour/person with the potential for group rates). If anyone’s weekend is starting early, you might want to check out the Happy Hour ski on Friday from 3-6 ($5 rental with hot refreshments and a bonfire).

Rates: $12/day or $7/half day for skis; $6/hour or $12/day for snowshoes; $3 trail fee

Directions: 20 minute drive from Deep Creek > follow 219 S to Oakland, MD. Stay on 219 S (turn right at the Burger King). Follow 219 for 6 miles and turn left on Paul Friend Road, go 1 mile to Pleasant Valley Road, follow 1.25 miles to Lynndale and turn left. Follow .4 miles to Backbone Mt. Ski Center. Turn right at the brown wooden fence and cross the cattle guard at the entrance.


Herrington Manor State Park (301) 334-9180

10 miles of trails at the beginner/intermediate level, 5.5 mile trail between Swallow Falls and Herrington Manor (not groomed). Tracked trails. Open 8:30-4. There’s a really neat warming house with a big fire in the middle where you can get a snack.

Rates: $15/day or $13/half day for skis or snowshoes; $6/day or $3/half day for sleds (equipment may not be taken off park grounds)

Directions:219 S to Mayhew Inn Road (2 miles outside Deep Creek). Turn right on Mayhew Inn Road and go 4.5 miles to the end of the road. At stop sign turn left onto Oakland Sang Run Road. Travel 0.3 miles to first road on the right which will be Swallow Falls Road, turn right and go 1.3 miles to Swallow Falls Park or 4.5 miles further to Herrington Manor.


New Germany State Park (301) 895 5453

11 miles of groomed trails.

Rates (rentals through Spring Creek Outfitters at the park’s concession stand): $20/day or $15/ day or $35/2 day for skis; $15/day or $10/half day or $25/2 day for snowshoes

Directions: From Glendale turn left onto 495. As 495 starts to go up the hill, bear left onto New Germany Road, continue about 6 miles to the park.


Deep Creek Lake State Park (301) 387 4111

No groomed trails though some people have been skiing on the hiking trails and down by the waterfront so there may already be tracks cut in those places.

Rates (rentals through Deep Creek Outfitters 301 387 7067): $13.88+tax/day or $11.88+tax/half day or $25.58+tax/2 day for skis; $7/2 hour or $13/7 hour for snowshoes


Swallow Falls State Park (301) 387 6938

No skiing (other than the ungroomed trail from Herrington Manor).

Directions: see Herrington Manor directions


Pets in parks:

Herrington Manor, Swallow Falls, Deep Creek Lake, and Savage River all allow dogs on the hiking trails if they're on a leash. The state forests also allow them off trails. Potomac/Garrett allows them, and they don't even have to be on a leash (as long as they are under reasonable control). New Germany does not permit them.


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