Western Maryland's gently rolling mountains are part of the Appalachians, with Backbone Mountain (elevation 3,360 ft.) marking the eastern Continental Divide. Outdoor enthusiasts can find forests, mountain lakes, and miles of streams and rivers. White-water rafters come to meet the challenges of the Youghiogheny (pronounced "Yok-a-gain-ee"; those in the know just call it the "Yock"). Boaters flock to Garrett's seven lakes. Skiers head for the hills of Wisp Resort, and cross-country skiers glide along the state parks' trails. There are also plenty of opportunities for windsurfing, snowmobiling, fly-fishing, mountain biking, golf, hunting, hiking, and camping.
Of the 100,000 acres of protected wilderness in Western Maryland, 40,000 are part of Green Ridge State Forest, east of Cumberland, while 53,000 are in the Savage River State Forest, near Deep Creek Lake. The area is great for wildlife watching and fishing. Some species, notably hawks and black bears that were beginning to disappear from the landscape, are returning in force to the region's parks and forests. Though mining runoff once threatened Garrett County's waterways, the Casselman, North Branch Potomac, and Youghiogheny rivers now boast some of the best fly-fishing around.
In other parts of this guide, the sections on outdoor pursuits are organized by activities such as biking and camping. But in Western Maryland, you can do just about anything, anywhere. For more information, call the individual state parks for brochures and maps, or go online to www.dnr.maryland.gov. To reserve a campsite anywhere in Maryland, call tel. 888/432-2267.
