When you are planning a trip to Deep Creek Lake, one thing you definitely need to know all about is the weather!

Temperatures can range from the high 70′s on average in the month of July, to the mid 30′s as a high in the month of Jan.

Layers.  Always pack a sweater/sweatshirt and long pants, even in the Summer months (the lows are in the 50′s….brrrr)

Don’t forget the sunscreen, either way.

Here is your current 10 day forecast.  And, here are the monthly averages.

Believe it or not, but Deep Creek Lake is the largest inland body of water in the state of Maryland!  Not only is the lake deep, but it covers 3,900 acres and has 69 miles of shoreline, spanning 13 miles, which makes it perfect for boating and water skiing.  The lake itself splits itself into a ‘Y’ as it runs South from its most Northern point with the Eastern most point running the longest stretch.

Deep Creek Lake’s State Park is situated on its shoreline, which takes up only a mile of the lake’s shoreline, is beautifully preserved and is trash-free.  Not far from Deep Creek Lake also lies Swallow Falls State Park, which is home to the tallest free-falling waterfall in Maryland!

How High? How Low? How Big?
Average Elevation – 2300 feet above sea level
Elevation Range – 960 – 3,360 feet above sea level
Highest Point — 3,360 (Backbone Mountain, also Maryland’s highest point)
Area of lake at full pool – 3,900 acres
Average depth – 26 1/2 feet
Maximum depth – 72 feet

Its Pleasant In The Summer…
Average summer temperature – 66° F
Average Summer surface temperature – 73° F
Average Summer bottom temperature – 49° F
Average ice cover in midwinter – 18 inches

Brrrrr! Its Cold In The Winter!
Average winter temperature – 29.1° F
Average yearly precipitation – 47.6″
Average yearly snowfall – 116″
Average duration of freeze free period – 128 days

Deep Creek Lake Info
Garrett Co. Population (2000) – 29,846
Per Capita Personal Income (2002) — $23,686
County Seat – Oakland
Land area – 657 sq. miles
The lake covers almost 4,000 acres

Learn More About Deep Creek Lake:
Where Is Deep Creek Lake?
Deep Creek Lake History
ASCI White Water Rafting

If you live in the Northeastern Region of the U.S., you will be pleased to know that Deep Creek Lake is not far from your home.  However, if you live elsewhere, Deep Creek Lake, Maryland is just a mere hour from Pittsburgh, PA, a tad over three hours from Baltimore, MD, about 4-5 hours from Philadelphia, PA and and about four hours from Columbus, Ohio.

Approaching Deep Creek Lake, you will notice it is located just off of Interstate 68 on U.S. Route 219.

The Lake itself lies just west of the Allegheny Front on a large plateau known as the Tablelands or Allegany Highlands.  It’s location at the southernmost end of Meadow Mountain places it west of the Eastern Continental Divide and within the Mississippi River watershed.  Situated in the Western slopes of the Appalachian Mountains in Northeastern Maryland, Deep Creek Lake is minutes from the Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia borders.  Located in Garrett County, MD, Deep Creek Lake is located near Accident and Oakland, MD.

It’s quite simple, if you’re looking to get away from the city and wander into the country, Deep Creek Lake is in the middle of pure scenery!

More About Deep Creek Lake:

Deep Creek Lake History
Fun Facts About Deep Creek Lake
Explore White Water Rafting at ASCI
Deep Creek Lake State Park

Deep Creek Lake’s history goes back to 1923 when it was created for a dam to supply hydroelectric power for Garrett County, Maryland. The project was undertaken by The Pennsylvania Electric Company.

After two years building the massive man-made reservoir, the lake was soon finished in 1925 and was finally filled full of water by 1929. The lake and dam is a tributary of the Youghiogheny River, known for its great white water rapids, which holds expert conditions for kyaking and rafting. In 1968, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued Penelec (Pennsylvania Electric) a license for this hydroelectric project (was renewed in 1988).

Photo from: Deep Creek Lake Past and Present, by the Garrett County Historical Society.

Over the course of these years, leading up to 2000, Deep Creek Lake was finally purchased by the State of MD and is now known as a place for recreation and lesser for its hydroelectric output. The reservoir continues to supply a fresh habitat for fish, particularly trout, and is open for fishing throughout the year. The slopes surrounding the lake, particularly Wisp Mountain, have been transformed into skiing for the winter months.

Today, the lake’s beautiful qualities and size make it an attraction for visitors who come from all over to take pleasure in its surroundings, year-round accomodations and abundant outdoor activities.

Looking for more information?
Where Is Deep Creek Lake?
Fun Facts About Deep Creek Lake
ASCI (White Water Rafting)