There are many types of water trails in Garrett County, MD, from easy paddles on Deep Creek Lake and Jennings Randolph Reservoir to class 5 whitewater on the Youghiogheny River. These descriptions are for general information only, please always wear your personal flotation device while on the water.
North Branch of the Potomac River
Description:
The North Branch of the Potomac is a whitewater rafting river for the entire family. Whitewater releases from Jennings Randolph Lake tumble down a continuous gradient of sand stone ledges and cobbles providing Class I, II and III rapids in close succession and are comprised of waves and rollers up to six feet high. Short spells of calm water permit bailing, relaxation and swimming. Trip length is 7 miles. The launching area is located in the Barnum Whitewater Area (BWA). Parking and restroom facilities are available at the launch site. The Mineral County Parks & Recreation Commission has instituted a $5.00 per person fee for all individuals entering the BWA on release dates.
Whitewater releases from Jennings Randolph Lake are scheduled in April and May. Water flows will reach whitewater levels by 10:00 a.m. Each release will be six hours in length, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Flow rates will vary from a minimum of 850 CFS to a maximum of 1000 CFS during a whitewater release. All releases dependent on an adequate supply of water in Jennings Randolph Lake. In times of heavy rainfall, unscheduled releases may become necessary and can result in extremely high flows above 1000 CFS.Camping facilities are available at Jennings Randolph Lake. In addition, accommodations may be found at several local motels or bed and breakfast inns.
Section: Barnum WV to Bloomington, MD
Difficulty: International Scale (ISRD) Class I, II, III
Length: ≈ 7 mi.
Put-In: Take MD 135 to Bloomington, turn South onto MD 46. At 5.9 miles, turn onto 46/2 across from Calvary Pentecostal Church. Follow road to Barnum Whitewater Area.
Take-Out: River-left at the Bloomington Wastewater Treatment Plant, before railroad trestle abutments. Short access road leads to MD 135.
Releases: A release schedule for this section of river can be found at www.nab-wc.usace.army.mil/nab/northBranch.
The North Branch of the Potomac is a whitewater rafting river for the entire family. Whitewater releases from Jennings Randolph Lake tumble down a continuous gradient of sand stone ledges and cobbles providing Class I, II and III rapids in close succession and are comprised of waves and rollers up to six feet high. Short spells of calm water permit bailing, relaxation and swimming. Trip length is 7 miles. The launching area is located in the Barnum Whitewater Area (BWA). Parking and restroom facilities are available at the launch site. The Mineral County Parks & Recreation Commission has instituted a $5.00 per person fee for all individuals entering the BWA on release dates.
Whitewater releases from Jennings Randolph Lake are scheduled in April and May. Water flows will reach whitewater levels by 10:00 a.m. Each release will be six hours in length, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Flow rates will vary from a minimum of 850 CFS to a maximum of 1000 CFS during a whitewater release. All releases dependent on an adequate supply of water in Jennings Randolph Lake. In times of heavy rainfall, unscheduled releases may become necessary and can result in extremely high flows above 1000 CFS.Camping facilities are available at Jennings Randolph Lake. In addition, accommodations may be found at several local motels or bed and breakfast inns.
Section: Barnum WV to Bloomington, MD
Difficulty: International Scale (ISRD) Class I, II, III
Length: ≈ 7 mi.
Put-In: Take MD 135 to Bloomington, turn South onto MD 46. At 5.9 miles, turn onto 46/2 across from Calvary Pentecostal Church. Follow road to Barnum Whitewater Area.
Take-Out: River-left at the Bloomington Wastewater Treatment Plant, before railroad trestle abutments. Short access road leads to MD 135.
Releases: A release schedule for this section of river can be found at www.nab-wc.usace.army.mil/nab/northBranch.
Savage River
Description: The Savage is THE whitewater rocket ride! With an average gradient of 75 feet per mile (with sections exceeding 100 fpm) the action is fast and continuous. The Savage's overall difficulty rating below 800 cfs is Class III-IV. At 800 - 1,200 cfs it is Class IV. Above 1,200 cfs the Savage is the longest Class IV-V rapid in Maryland!! Due to the steep, narrow and unrelenting nature of this run paddlers should be: 1) Well insulated (water temp 46), 2) Adept at fast self-rescue and wave-crest scouting, and 3) In possession of paddling skills commensurate with water levels: below 800 cfs - intermediate to advanced, 800 - 1,200 cfs - advanced to expert, above 1,200 cfs - expert only. Description provided with permission by: American Whitewater (AW). Visit AW’s website at www.americanwhitewater.org, a nationwide source of river information.
Section: Savage River Dam to North Branch Potomac River, Bloomington, MD
Difficulty: International Scale (ISRD) Class III, IV (V)
Length: 4.4 mi.
Put-In: About 4 mi. on Savage River Road from its intersection with MD 135 at Bloomington, the typical put-in is just upstream, river right, of the concrete bridge across the Savage. There is a wide-open walk- down to the river at this point.
Take-Out: At the point where the Savage and North Branch Potomac rivers converge, paddlers can find a convenient Savage River, river right pull- over and scurry up a fairly steep bank. Paddling into and short up stream paddle on the NB Potomac, access is up a steep bank river left to the top of the hill. Be cautious as busy MD 135 is at the top of the bank.
Section: Savage River Dam to North Branch Potomac River, Bloomington, MD
Difficulty: International Scale (ISRD) Class III, IV (V)
Length: 4.4 mi.
Put-In: About 4 mi. on Savage River Road from its intersection with MD 135 at Bloomington, the typical put-in is just upstream, river right, of the concrete bridge across the Savage. There is a wide-open walk- down to the river at this point.
Take-Out: At the point where the Savage and North Branch Potomac rivers converge, paddlers can find a convenient Savage River, river right pull- over and scurry up a fairly steep bank. Paddling into and short up stream paddle on the NB Potomac, access is up a steep bank river left to the top of the hill. Be cautious as busy MD 135 is at the top of the bank.
Upper Youghiogheny River
Description: The Upper Yough (pronounced YOCK, like rock with a Y) is world renowned for continuous whitewater and an impressive average vertical drop of over 115 ft per mile for 5 miles. These characteristics create a river paddling adventure with nonstop intensity, exhilarating thrills, and adrenaline pumping action! Famous for its tight, technical passages and continuous rapids, the Upper Yough is an impressive section of river to raft or kayak.. "The Miracle Mile" of the Upper Yough river is a mile long section with a vertical drop of over 120 feet. This section of river was considered “unraftable” in the early stages of exploration. Description provided with permission by Precision Rafting. Visit their website at www.precisionrafting.com.
Note of Caution: This is a section of river for EXPERT whitewater kayakers and canoeists. Those non-experts interested in paddling this section of river can engage the services of one of several commercial rafting companies that serve this river.
Section: Sang Run to Friendsville
Difficulty: International Scale (ISRD) Class III-V
Length: 9.8 Miles
Put-In: River right downstream of the bridge across the Yough at Sang Run, MD. In this area, there is a parking lot and basic port-a-pot & changing area provided by Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Take-Out: Paddling under I-68 and a Friendsville in-town bridge, continue paddling past the confluence of Bear Creek on river-right. Soon thereafter, look for a public take-out on river-right, a part of the Friendsville Community Park.
Note of Caution: This is a section of river for EXPERT whitewater kayakers and canoeists. Those non-experts interested in paddling this section of river can engage the services of one of several commercial rafting companies that serve this river.
Section: Sang Run to Friendsville
Difficulty: International Scale (ISRD) Class III-V
Length: 9.8 Miles
Put-In: River right downstream of the bridge across the Yough at Sang Run, MD. In this area, there is a parking lot and basic port-a-pot & changing area provided by Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Take-Out: Paddling under I-68 and a Friendsville in-town bridge, continue paddling past the confluence of Bear Creek on river-right. Soon thereafter, look for a public take-out on river-right, a part of the Friendsville Community Park.
Deep Creek Lake
Description: Deep Creek Lake, Maryland's largest freshwater lake, is a popular destination for outdoor activities and vacation rentals. The lake offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including swimming, fishing, boating, and even skiing at Wisp Ski Resort during the winter. It's known for its scenic beauty, especially during the fall when the surrounding foliage provides a vibrant backdrop.
Use: Paddle boats, power boats, personal water craft, wind surfing and sailing.
Length: 69 miles of shoreline, including many picturesque coves.
Directions: Public access is available at Deep Creek Lake State Park at 2410 State Park Road, Swanton, MD. Phone at 301-387-5563. Website: https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/western/deepcreek.aspx.
Use: Paddle boats, power boats, personal water craft, wind surfing and sailing.
Length: 69 miles of shoreline, including many picturesque coves.
Directions: Public access is available at Deep Creek Lake State Park at 2410 State Park Road, Swanton, MD. Phone at 301-387-5563. Website: https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/western/deepcreek.aspx.
Herrington Manor Lake & State Park
Description: Herrington Manor was designated as a state park in 1964. The 365-acre park is located within Garrett State Forest. At the heart of this park is the 53-acre Herrington Lake. Come try the cross country ski and snowshoe rentals as conditions permit, as well as fat tire bike rentals year round.
Use: The park offers swimming, canoeing, kayaking, biking, picnicking, hiking, tennis, basketball, volleyball and 20 furnished log cabins for rental use year round. Interpretive programs are scheduled during the summer; and popular special events such as "apple butter boil" are held in the fall.
Directions: From Oakland MD, take West Liberty Street, past the B&O Railroad Museum and across the Youghiogheny River. West Liberty Street becomes Herrington Manor Road. Follow for approximately 3 miles. Well marked entrance to Herrington Manor State Park is on the left.
From Deep Creek Lake area, take US 219 South to Mayhew Inn Road on right. Turn left at intersection with Oakland-Sang Run Road. Follow short distance , turn right onto Swallow Falls Road. Cross over the Youghiogheny River at Swallow Falls, continue following Swallow Falls Road which becomes Herrington Manor Road. Well marked entrance to Herrington Manor State Park is on the right.
Use: The park offers swimming, canoeing, kayaking, biking, picnicking, hiking, tennis, basketball, volleyball and 20 furnished log cabins for rental use year round. Interpretive programs are scheduled during the summer; and popular special events such as "apple butter boil" are held in the fall.
Directions: From Oakland MD, take West Liberty Street, past the B&O Railroad Museum and across the Youghiogheny River. West Liberty Street becomes Herrington Manor Road. Follow for approximately 3 miles. Well marked entrance to Herrington Manor State Park is on the left.
From Deep Creek Lake area, take US 219 South to Mayhew Inn Road on right. Turn left at intersection with Oakland-Sang Run Road. Follow short distance , turn right onto Swallow Falls Road. Cross over the Youghiogheny River at Swallow Falls, continue following Swallow Falls Road which becomes Herrington Manor Road. Well marked entrance to Herrington Manor State Park is on the right.
Savage River Reservoir
Description: Big Run State Park sits at the northern end of the 360 Acre Savage River Reservoir, a popular spot for fishing and non-gasoline motorized boating.
Boating: There is a boat ramp between campsites 83 and 84 at Big Run State Park. Lake levels vary throughout the year, so be aware that you may have to carry your boat several feet. Only electric motors or non-motorized boats are permitted. Gasoline motors must be removed before launching your boat.
Fishing: Fishing is permitted year-round with a non-tidal fishing license. Fishermen may find walleye, large mouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, bluegill, catfish, suckers, and trout. There is a brief lake closure each spring when trout stocking begins. A trout stamp is required to possess trout.
No Swimming: Swimming is not permitted anywhere in the Savage River Reservoir.
Directions: Savage River Dam is approximately 4.5 miles north on Savage River Road from its intersection with MD 135 at Bloomington. Continue following Savage River Road along the reservoir to Big Run State Park. From I-68 West, take exit 22 to the round-about. Exit round-about to Chestnut Ridge Road. Follow Chestnut Ridge Road to left onto New Germany Road. Follow New Germany Road to a left onto Big Run Road. Follow Big Run Road to Big Run State Park.
Boating: There is a boat ramp between campsites 83 and 84 at Big Run State Park. Lake levels vary throughout the year, so be aware that you may have to carry your boat several feet. Only electric motors or non-motorized boats are permitted. Gasoline motors must be removed before launching your boat.
Fishing: Fishing is permitted year-round with a non-tidal fishing license. Fishermen may find walleye, large mouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, bluegill, catfish, suckers, and trout. There is a brief lake closure each spring when trout stocking begins. A trout stamp is required to possess trout.
No Swimming: Swimming is not permitted anywhere in the Savage River Reservoir.
Directions: Savage River Dam is approximately 4.5 miles north on Savage River Road from its intersection with MD 135 at Bloomington. Continue following Savage River Road along the reservoir to Big Run State Park. From I-68 West, take exit 22 to the round-about. Exit round-about to Chestnut Ridge Road. Follow Chestnut Ridge Road to left onto New Germany Road. Follow New Germany Road to a left onto Big Run Road. Follow Big Run Road to Big Run State Park.
Jennings Randolph Lake
Description: Jennings Randolph Lake is located on the North Branch Potomac River in Garrett County, Maryland, and Mineral County, West Virginia. It is approximately 8 miles upstream of Bloomington, Maryland, and approximately 5 miles north of Elk Garden, West Virginia. Two boat launch facilities are provided.
The Howell Run Boat Launch (located off WV State Route 46) consists of a wide two-lane concrete ramp, with a floating dock for temporary loading and unloading of boats. The large paved parking area insures plenty of parking spaces and a comfort facility is available for the boater's convenience. Motorboats, sailboats, and other watercraft frequent the lake with water skiing and fishing being the most popular pastime. A comfort station is available at the launch facility. Both the comfort station and the launch ramp are lighted at night. There is no longer a fee to launch any type of boat at the Howell Run Boat Launch.
The Maryland Boat Launch is on Mt. Zion Road off Maryland state route 135 on Backbone Mountain. The launch includes a thirty-foot wide, 600-foot long concrete boat ramp with a floating pier system. The large paved parking area can accommodate fifty cars and trailers and a comfort facility is available for the boater's convenience. Motorboats, sailboats, and other watercraft frequent the lake with water skiing and fishing being the most popular pastime. Both the comfort station and the launch ramp are lighted at night. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at the Boat Launch. The area is managed by the MD Department of Natural Resources. For more information, call Herrington Manor State Park at (301) 334-9180.
Use: Jennings Randolph Lake provides opportunities for outdoor recreation including camping, fishing, swimming, hiking, boating, stand up paddle boarding, water skiing, kayaking, eagle watching and hunting spread over 4,500 acres of land and water.
Directions: Howell Picnic Area and nearby Shaw Beach is at the end of Mt. Zion Road, Swanton, MD 21561.
The Howell Run Boat Launch (located off WV State Route 46) consists of a wide two-lane concrete ramp, with a floating dock for temporary loading and unloading of boats. The large paved parking area insures plenty of parking spaces and a comfort facility is available for the boater's convenience. Motorboats, sailboats, and other watercraft frequent the lake with water skiing and fishing being the most popular pastime. A comfort station is available at the launch facility. Both the comfort station and the launch ramp are lighted at night. There is no longer a fee to launch any type of boat at the Howell Run Boat Launch.
The Maryland Boat Launch is on Mt. Zion Road off Maryland state route 135 on Backbone Mountain. The launch includes a thirty-foot wide, 600-foot long concrete boat ramp with a floating pier system. The large paved parking area can accommodate fifty cars and trailers and a comfort facility is available for the boater's convenience. Motorboats, sailboats, and other watercraft frequent the lake with water skiing and fishing being the most popular pastime. Both the comfort station and the launch ramp are lighted at night. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at the Boat Launch. The area is managed by the MD Department of Natural Resources. For more information, call Herrington Manor State Park at (301) 334-9180.
Use: Jennings Randolph Lake provides opportunities for outdoor recreation including camping, fishing, swimming, hiking, boating, stand up paddle boarding, water skiing, kayaking, eagle watching and hunting spread over 4,500 acres of land and water.
Directions: Howell Picnic Area and nearby Shaw Beach is at the end of Mt. Zion Road, Swanton, MD 21561.
