Looking for the best spots to check out the Autumn colors of Garrett County – here are my picks for great overlooks (and they are great the rest of the year, too!)
Watch the video version Visit my online map Buy the Ultimate Adventure fold-up map
Here are the points I mention in the video (links take you to my online map centered on that overlook), plus a few more I forgot!
- High Rock Firetower – A moderate uphill hike of around 2 miles, opening up on an 180 degree view to the northwest over Savage River State Forest. Video trail tour on YouTube A riveting podcast on the death of Alexander Stevens details a mysterious and controversial murder here.
- Monroe Run Overlook – Pull off along New Germany Road, not quite accessible for all ability levels, but most should be able to walk down to the overlook over Monroe Run with a nice stone wall.
- Meadow Mountain Trail – A short low-to-moderate hike to an observation deck. Largely overlooks the same area as the Monroe Run Overlook, but higher.
- Hoye’s Crest (MD Highpoint) – A difficult but short hike to Maryland’s highest point. A nice viewscape cut to the east and a picnic table to enjoy a lunch at the top.
- Deep Creek Lake State Park Trails – A moderate hike to the top of Meadow Mountain with an observation deck where a couple of clear cuts used to overlook the main body of Deep Creek Lake. The view has largely grown in, however, but you can still get a few glimpses from there.
- Hoop Pole Ridge – Heading north on US-219, you can pull off before Sand Flat Rd and have a nice view of southern Deep Creek Lake
- Friendsville Rd – Heading south on MD-42 (Friendsville Rd), great open view to your right over the Youghiogheny Rover valley and beyond
- Maryland Welcome Center – Heading east on I-68 from the WV border, get off at the MD Welcome Center for a nice overlook of the Youghiogheny River Lake and mountains
- The Cove Overlook – heading south of US-219 from I-68, there is a pull-off overlook and rest area with a view of “The Cove”, a pleasant valley of farms, fields and forested hills
- St John’s Rock – On top of a rocky ridge of Big Savage Mountain, this area provides a view to the east over mountains and the town of Frostburg
Two overlooks I forgot to mention in the video:
- Potomac River overlook at Lostland Run – A bit of long drive down a dirt road and short hike to a scenic view over the Potomac River up the valley. Video trail tour on Youtube
- Jennings Randolph Lake – Nice view over the lake, looking into the mountains of West Virginia Video trail tour on Youtube
Where else do YOU like to check out the amazing views of Garrett County?