In the world of clean, crisp mountain air, pure water, lush landscapes and four-season recreational fun, Deep Creek Lake in western Maryland takes center stage. The natural serenity of the area contrasts comfortably with the exhilaration of winter and summer sports. From fishing to boating to skiing to biking--or just plain relaxing--it's all right here at Deep Creek Lake.

Deep Creek Lake is close to major population areas. Here are some examples:

From Pittsburgh, PA.............................................106 miles
From Philadelphia, PA..........................................300 miles
From Washington, DC..........................................180 miles
From Baltimore, MD.............................................200 miles
From Richmond, VA............................................244 miles
From Winchester, VA...........................................100 miles
From Wilmington, DE............................................271 miles
From Cleveland, OH..............................................225 miles
From Charleston, WV............................................214 miles

The Area Described

Deep Creek Lake consists of 3,900 acres of water surface when at full pool. Elevation is 2,462 feet.Average depth is 26.5 feet. Summer surface temperature of water is 73 degrees. Ice cover in mid-winter: approximately 18 inches. Climate: Average yearly precipitation 47.3 inches. Average yearly snowfall 82 inches. Average summer temperature 65.9 degrees. Average winter temperature 28 degrees.

Recreation

Recreational options abound at Deep Creek Lake. It's Maryland's largest freshwater lake and offers boating, swimming and sailing. The Wisp, Maryland's only alpine ski resort, is on the shores of Deep Creek Lake and offers year-round resort and conference facilities including an 18-hole championship golf course, as well as 23 trails (over 80 acres) for skiers of all abilities. Some 90,000 acres of state forests provide camping, hiking, backpacking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Other activities include hunting, ice fishing, water skiing, golf, tennis, whitewater canoeing, kayaking, and rafting. Annual events include Winterfest, Autumn Glory Festival, Scottish Highland Festival and the County Fair. This information is taken from the Garrett County & Deep Creek Lake Vacation Guide. For more information, check the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Web Site. www.deepcreeklake.org