Maryland’s New Germany State Park is often referred to as Maryland’s “best kept secret,” according to the Department of Natural Resources. Known for its diverse forests and multi-use trails, the park stays open during the winter months, providing a winter wonderland mystique. Our idea of the perfect weekend getaway here is full of exciting activities that will take you skiing the trails, ice fishing, relaxing in the warmth, and more. For a perfect weekend getaway, head to New Germany State Park where the snowy forest is waiting!
About 25 minutes down the road from New Germany State Park sits High Mountain Sports in Oakland, Maryland. Before venturing out into the snowy depths of the park, make sure you have everything you might need to succeed. Stock up on warm clothes, jackets, ski equipment, North Faces… you name it, they’ve got it.
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New Germany State Park has some fishing at New Germany Lake, but it is nothing compared to the almost 4,000-acre Deep Creek Lake. Throughout the winter, there is a lot of activity that goes on as ice fishing is a very popular sport. Make sure you have proper permits before dropping a line for smallmouth & largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, chain pickerel, catfish, and other species.
Next, you’ll need to find yourself some accommodations. At the park, there are 12 cabins you can choose from, all providing you with a warm and cozy environment. You can reserve one ahead of time on the official park website or stop in and see if you can scrounge one up for yourself.
The park offers over 10 miles of multi-use trails, so there are plenty of routes to take if you’re looking for a hike. You won’t want to forget a camera; the views off the trails are straight out of a story book. With varying levels of difficulty, there is a trail for everyone. Be mindful that skiers are the priority of the groomed tracks, so check out the trail map and plot out your hiking adventure!
Every year, the park staff makes sure the ski trails are properly groomed, making the snowy terrain ideal for veteran and new skiers alike. Choose between the flat, open area for beginners of winding trails for those with more experience. New Germany State Park’s 455 acres are yours to explore!
Open only during the winter months, the on-site warming hut at the lake house “provides a place for winter enthusiasts to relax after a day of playing in the snow,” according to their website. You can refuel at the snack bar, shop for souvenirs and other gifts, check out trail maps, and rent cross country skis or snowshoes.
With everything that Wisp Resort has to offer, it would be a missed opportunity if you didn’t check it out. One of their main attractions is their Mountain Coaster which is a 1,300-foot track where you’ll be “twisting, turning, dipping and rolling for 3,500 feet downhill over 350 vertical feet on the eastern side of Wisp Mountain.”
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The Garrett County Historical Society Museum in Oakland, Maryland offers self-guided and tour services. Either way, you’ll learn about the over 200-year history of Garrett County through its exhibits and artifacts.
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The Alley is a wholesome entertainment spot perfect for visitors of any age. Enjoy bowling, an arcade, pool tables, shuffleboard, pizza, drinks, and more. Get in a few games, try your luck at pool, and let loose at the arcade before heading out for dinner.
When the dinner craving hits, there’s no better place to fix that than Tomanetti’s Pizzeria and Italian Eatery. Oakland’s favorite Italian restaurant offers classic fare, a plethora of different pizza options, bruschetta, calzones, strombolis. There are also other American favorites like wings, mac and cheese, Philly cheese steaks and more. Come fill up on some of Oakland’s best grub around!
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