Deep Creek Lake Area Info
Deep Creek Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Maryland. Located in the mountains of far western Maryland, this four-season destination attracts visitors year-round. From vacation rentals and hotels to houses for sale, you can find it all here.
History
Deep Creek Lake was built in 1925 for hydroelectric power. Construction began on November 1, 1923, and the earthen dam became operational on May 26, 1925. Located off Mayhew Inn Road crossing a tributary of the Youghiogheny River, the lake is fed by natural springs, offering clean, clear water.
Today, the lake features roughly 65 miles of shoreline, stretches nearly 12 miles in length, covers about 3,900 surface acres, and reaches a maximum depth of around 75 feet. Three bridges cross the water: the Garrett Highway Bridge, the Glendale Road Bridge, and the State Park Road Bridge. The original Garrett Highway and Glendale Road bridges were lowered into the lake to create fish habitat.
Area Info
Sitting at 2,492 feet above sea level, Deep Creek Lake changes beautifully with the seasons. In summer, the average water temperature is about 73°F, while in winter the lake averages roughly 18 inches of ice cover. Managed by Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources since 2000, the lake’s water releases help maintain levels throughout the year and influence whitewater conditions on the Youghiogheny River all the way to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Deep Creek area became Maryland’s only four-season ski destination in 1955 with the opening of Wisp Resort on Marsh Mountain, taking advantage of an average of about 100 inches of annual snowfall. Over the decades, the resort has expanded to include night skiing, snow tubing, a mountain coaster, a recirculating whitewater course (host of the 2014 World Canoe and Kayak Championships), and two championship 18-hole golf courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Deep Creek Lake?
In Western Maryland, within approximately 3 hours of Baltimore and Washington, D.C., and about 2.5 hours from Pittsburgh.
What is the elevation?
Approximately 2,462 feet above sea level.
What is the climate like during the year?
- Average summer temperature: 66.6°F
- Average winter temperature: 29.1°F
- Average yearly snowfall: 85.7 inches
What makes Deep Creek so special?
- The lake averages roughly 17 inches of winter ice cover.
- Maryland’s only downhill ski resort offers more than 130 acres of skiable terrain, 32 slopes, terrain park, and tubing park—plus a unique mountain coaster for year-round thrills.
- Garrett County sits west of the Eastern Continental Divide, so local waterways flow to the Gulf of Mexico, unlike most of Maryland which drains to the Atlantic.
- Cranesville Swamp, in the county’s western area, is a rare frost-pocket ecosystem that supports unique plants, animals, and seasonal birdlife.
Find My Deep Creek Rental
Ready to plan your getaway? Browse our full selection of Deep Creek Lake vacation rentals.
Contact Us
Railey Vacations5 Vacation Way
McHenry, MD 21541
Phone: (866) 544-3223
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
All information on this site is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.