Although Maryland is a coastal state with plenty of ocean waterfront, the state only has man-made lakes. Garrett County is home to the largest man-made lake in Maryland.

Deep Creek Lake, in Garrett County is 3,900 acres in size which makes it the largest freshwater lake in Maryland. It is about 13 miles long and has 69 miles of shoreline.

Deep Creek Lake was build on Deep Creek in the 1920’s and was filled by 1929. It was constructed by the Youhiogheny Hydroelectric Company to power a small scale hydroelectric plant.

Even before the lake existed, humans have utilized this land for thousands of years. In the 1700s, settlers arrived in the area, attracted by its abundant natural resources. The mountains remained mostly untouched until the turn of the century when logging operations began. Deep Creek Lake State Park is also home to the historic Brant coal mine, which provided coal for heating and blacksmithing.

Deep Creek Lake opened as a state park in the 1960s and has since become a major vacation destination in Garrett County, Maryland. The lake attracts thousands of visitors each year for boating, swimming, kayaking, hiking, biking, and camping. The park features approximately one mile of shoreline, providing access to swimming, boating, and fishing. While Deep Creek Lake is a significant draw, the park also boasts excellent hiking trails. The trails, which vary in difficulty from moderate to challenging, are currently being expanded. These trails are open to hikers, mountain bikers, cross-country skiers, and snowmobilers.

Today, Deep Creek Lake still provides water to generate electricity but has managed to maintain lake level for an array of recreational opportunities including recreational boating and fishing.

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