Top Things To Do In Spring In Deep Creek Lake, Maryland

Planning a trip to Deep Creek this spring? Grab your golf clubs, fishing poles and hiking shoes, because we are getting down to all things spring! These are the top things to do in spring in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland.

Deep Creek Weather in Spring

Spring in Deep Creek is the tale of two seasons–sometimes it still feels like winter and sometimes it feels like fall! However, it rarely feels like summer. The weather in Deep Creek does not turn warm on a regular basis until June. In fact, it is not unlikely to have snow flurries in early April!

Even in late spring, when the daytime temps can get into the upper 60s, the mornings are still pretty cold. If you are coming to Deep Creek in May, definitely plan to wear layers that you can remove throughout the day. Due to the prolonged cold temperatures, it takes the leaves longer to bloom on the trees in Deep Creek than in other parts of the state.

Deep Creek’s Shoulder Season

Spring is truly a shoulder season in Deep Creek. It is too warm for skiing and snow activities, but too cold for a lot of the lake activities. I love spring in Deep Creek because it isn’t as crowded as the other seasons. You won’t have to wait long for a table at a restaurant and you can get vacation rentals for a cheaper price than in peak season. Even though you won’t be able ski the slopes or swim in the lake, there are still a lot of fun things to do in Deep Creek in the spring.

Hiking in Deep Creek

Spring is a great time to explore the beautiful hiking trails in Garrett County. From trails that take you to the highest point in the state of Maryland, to trails that take you alongside rivers, lakes and waterfalls…Deep Creek has some of the best hiking in Western Maryland.

Some of my favorite hiking trails are the Meadow Mountain Trail Overlook, the Rock Maze, the Kendall Trail and my absolute favorite-Swallow Falls. Check out my article The Best Hiking Trails in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland for all of the fabulous hiking options in the area.

Golf in Deep Creek Lake

Spring is a great time for golf and Deep Creek Lake is home to 4 outstanding golf courses. Lodestone Golf Course is located on the top of Wisp Resort in McHenry, with partial lake views. Fantasy Valley is a 70 par course located at the base of Wisp Resort. Thousand Acres Golf Course is a beautiful lake-view course located in Swanton. Oakland Golf Club, located in Oakland, has an 18 hole course. All of the golf courses in the area offer instruction. Golf lovers will also love the new Bogey Club Golf Lounge indoor golf simulator, which opened in Spring of 2024!

Swallow Falls State Park

Swallow Falls State Park is home to four waterfalls, including Maryland’s tallest free-falling waterfall, Muddy Creek Falls. In the spring, the waterfalls are usually running high from the rain and/or snow melt, giving a unique view of the falls. You can view all four waterfalls by doing the easy Swallow Falls Canyon Trail.

White Water Rafting

Late spring is a great time for white water rafting, which is offered near Deep Creek Lake on both the Savage River and the Youghiogheny River, (Yawk-a-gainy) often abbreviated as the Yough (pronounced “yawk”). The Youghiogheny River offers various sections with varying levels of difficulty, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters.

The Upper Yough, known for its challenging Class IV and V rapids, is a favorite among experienced rafters seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures. Rafting trips on the Upper Yough typically require advanced skills and are guided by experienced outfitters.

The Middle Yough is more moderate, featuring Class I and II rapids, making it suitable for families and beginners. This section of the river is ideal for a more relaxed rafting experience, enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding wilderness.

The Lower Yough offers intermediate-level rapids, ranging from Class III to IV, providing an exciting yet manageable rafting experience for adventurous beginners and seasoned rafters alike.

Several outfitters in the area offer guided whitewater rafting trips on the Youghiogheny River and Savage River, providing equipment, instruction, and experienced guides to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for participants. Check these out below:

Precision Rafters

Wilderness Voyagers

Cheat River Outfitters

Fishing in Deep Creek Lake

Fishing is a popular spring activity. If you are in Deep Creek in early spring, you will likely have to fish from the shore as the docks don’t usually go in to the water until April at the earliest.

Fishing licenses are required for anyone over the age of 16. The licenses can be acquired online here, or at Deep Creek Lake State Park. Deep Creek Lake State Park is a great place to fish from the shore.

Check out these local fishing guide services:

Western Maryland Guide Service

Deep Creek Lake Family Fishing Guide

Rifle and Reel Adventures

Fishing Deep Creek Lake Guide Service

Check out my article Guide to Fishing In Deep Creek Lake for tips and more detailed information on fishing.

Mountain Biking

Several of the local State Parks have mountain biking trails. If you don’t have your own mountain bike, you can rent them at Herrington Manor State Park, as well as High Mountain Sports. Check out these State Parks mountain biking trails:

Herrington Manor State Park

New Germany State Park

Deep Creek Lake State Park

Horseback Riding

Circle R Ranch and Western Trails both offer guided horseback riding for all ages. Spring is a great time to go horseback riding in Deep Creek.

Mountain Coaster at Wisp Resort

Take a ride through the trees on the Mountain Coaster at Wisp Resort. The Mountain Coaster is a lot of fun for all ages. Children between the ages of 3 and 8 can ride with an adult. The coaster cars have manual brakes that the rider controls, so you can go as fast or as slow as you are comfortable with. Check out this video from a rider’s POV on the mountain coaster.

ATVs at Western Trails

I did this with my kids a couple years ago, it was a lot of fun! Western Trails offers 60 minute ATV guided tours. This is great because it allows you the fun of driving without having to worry about where you should and should not go.

Monkey Business Ropes Course

The Monkey Business ropes course and zipline is another fun spring activity. There are 3 tier options for the ropes course, so for those with a fear of heights, the lowest tier is a good option.

Kayaking Tour on Savage River Reservoir

When the temperatures start to get warmer in late spring, kayaking is a popular activity in Deep Creek. All Earth Eco Tour offers a guided kayak tour on the Savage River Reservoir. Because it is a reservoir, there is no current, so it feels like you are kayaking on a lake. The water is perfectly still and the scenery is breathtaking, making for a serene and enjoyable kayaking experience. I did this kayak tour for the first time when my kids were 9, 12 and 14. My husband did a tandem kayak with my 9 year old, and my other two kids had their own kayaks and they loved it. I highly recommend this tour!

Deep Creek Lake State Park

Spend a spring day at Deep Creek Lake State Park. Start by exploring the animal habitats at the Discovery Center, then head to the Aviary to check out the owls and birds. Next, head to the beach area for a lakeside picnic. The beach will be closed for swimming until late spring, but spring is a great time to use the lakeside picnic tables and grills for a picnic. My kids like to bring a basketball to play at the lakeside court. There are also two playgrounds right by the lake, and a big grassy field which is perfect for kicking around a soccer ball or a spring game of spike ball!

FRISBEE GOLF AT WISP RESORT

Wisp resort offers two disc golf courses. The more family friendly 9 hole course is at the base of the mountain. There is an 18 hole course at the top of the mountain that includes a chair lift ride. Discs are available to rent or you can bring your own. Click here for more information on frisbee golf at Wisp.

Miniature Golf, Bumper Cars, Go Karts & Arcades

Spend the afternoon playing miniature golf or riding go-karts. Deep Creek Fun Zone and Funland offer miniature golf, bumper cars, go-karts and arcade games. Deep Creek Fun Zone also has bumper boats, laser tag and a ninja factory course. Funland has a rock climbing wall. Fun Unlimited is arcade games, and is BYOB.

Wine & Beer Tastings

Spring is a great time for wine & beer tastings. Visit Brewery and the Beast, Short Story Brewing, Mountain State Brewery and Vagabond Tap Room for IPL flights. The Wine Cellar at Deep Creek, Black Bear Wine & Words and Deep Creek Cellars all offer indoor wine tastings. Branch Bender Cidery’s tasting room is outside, but completely covered so you will stay dry if there is rain. Deep Creek Lake Charcuterie can make you a board to bring to your wine tasting!

If you don’t feel like venturing out, Deep Creek Wine Tastings brings the tasting right to you! Set up a wine tasting with them in your rental home.

Petting Zoos

Spring is a perfect season for interacting with animals at some of Deep Creek’s petting zoos. Alpaca Acres Farm, Wildom Farm, Yorkie Acres Farm and Schoolhouse Earth are great places to go!

Day Trip: Rock Climbing & Paintball

If you are up for a day trip, Cheat River Outfitters does guided rock climbing in Coopers Rock State Forest, beginning in April. No experience is necessary. Coopers Rock State Forest is about a 45 minute drive from Deep Creek. They also offer paintball.

Day Trip: Tracks and Yaks Rail Biking

Located just 45 minutes from Deep Creek in Frostburg, Maryland, rail biking at Tracks and Yaks is a fun day trip from Deep Creek in the spring. Ride the scenic rail bike or pair it with a train ride.

Day Trip: Flight 93 Memorial, Shanksville, PA

The 9/11 Flight 93 Memorial is only an hour drive from Deep Creek Lake. Click here for more information.

Day Trip: Laurel Caverns

Take a day trip to Laurel Caverns-Pennsylvania’s biggest cave. Laurel Caverns is only an hour drive from Deep Creek and features over four miles of cave passageways to explore.

Indoor Deep Creek Activities

Deep Creek has a plethora of fun indoor activities that are a great option in spring. Candyland, Wisp Escape Room, Simon Pearce Glass Blowing and Deep Creek Pottery are just a few. For a full list of all the indoor activities, check out my post Rainy Day Activities in Deep Creek Lake Maryland

Check out The Best Activities For Kids In Every Season at Deep Creek and The Best Restaurants in Deep Creek for more spring fun!