Holy cow!, 8-12 inches predicted to fall Saturday into Sunday morning! This will be enough for snowshoeing on Sunday and will return the forest for a very brief period to absolute scenic splendor! This is perhaps the last chance to snowshoe and see our beautiful back country area graced with gorgeous snow. $40 per person guide, equipment and hot coco, two hour easy adventure!
We are always offering fun guided winter hikes with hot coco until March 21st. Then we move into Spring Birding and Wildflower Tours! Our interpretive guided hikes allow plenty of time for picture taking and some casual learning about the ecology, plants, animals and local history. Nature walks such as tour at Swallow Falls are not about how fast and far can we go. They are more about fun learning, sort of tricky off trail hiking into wild places and really soaking in nature.
Swallow Falls Nature Tours go into seldom seen back country areas and see the Maryland’s highest waterfalls – Muddy Creek. We mostly avoid the heavily traveled park trails. This back country hiking does require some average balance and care if you have a bum knee.
We can also take you on adventures to other areas like the scenic and easy River Walk or unique Cranesville Swamp (level trail and boardwalk into a northern boreal bog). Spring wild flower and bird walks
Just give us a call to discuss you personal and group needs. Most regularly scheduled tours are Saturday and Sunday from 10am to Noon.
Photos from the winter hikes Saturday and Sunday February 26th & 27th
Season ended on a nice snowy note. But, when the snow finally went it went fast even in our north slope snow stash. The snow stash did give us two extra weeks of snowshoeing after Swallow Falls lost it, but the snowpack and base never got to a substantial depth. Most years it’s 12-20″ this year it topped at out 4-6″.
We are closed for snowshoeing but we are converting bookings to a winter hike. This adventure winter hiking tour still explores the scenic back country forests and visits the highest falls in Maryland, Muddy Creek.
Saturdays snowshoeing group is sticking with the tour and is full, but we do have space on Sunday at 10am. There is a chance for a snowy forest but not a very good chance for adequate snow to make snowshoeing practical.
Our ‘secret’ snow stashes maintain snow depth because of their unique exposure.
*Snow Stash Pocket: A local gem, off-the-beaten-path spot where the snow lies deep. Over the past 20 years offering snowshoeing trips we have discovered the local geographical locations where the exposure and topography combine to create mini micro climates. In our case, here in Garrett County we are adjacent to the Cranesville Sub Arctic Swamp where you will find a northern arboreal forest plant and annual community similar to the ecology found in far northern Canada. This is caused by a unique geography where the elevation and shape of the mountains creates an extra snowy and cold micro climate. This unique geography and extra cold temperatures is why these plants and animals stayed after the ice age.
We know several fantastic places where there are north facing slopes and protected areas where the snow drifts and lies extra deep. The back country of Swallow Falls is such a place. One 0f our other special areas will hold and maintain a snow pack for weeks after most of the snow has disappeared elsewhere. In fact you can sometimes drive there and see no snow anywhere until you come over the mountain. If we are reporting we are offering tours, we are, regardless if you can’s see ANY snow around you.
Today (2/12) the tour moved to our snow pocket on the north slope. Swallow Falls lost a lot of snow and has too many bare spots. Our north slope snow pocket on the other hand is holding a 5-14″ base.
Today’s tour was great and with cold weather and snow tonight and for the next few days potentially conditions will be very good. Get it while you can with us because it can disappear. We are hoping that we have enough to last to the end of the month. Cold nights will help hold the base even if we get warm days.
Our ‘secret’ snow stashes maintain snow depth because of their unique exposure.
*Snow Stash Pocket: A local gem, off-the-beaten-path spot where the snow lies deep. Over the past 20 years offering snowshoeing trips we have discovered the local geographical locations where the exposure and topography combine to create mini micro climates. In our case, here in Garrett County we are adjacent to the Cranesville Sub Arctic Swamp where you will find a northern arboreal forest plant and annual community similar to the ecology found in far northern Canada. This is caused by a unique geography where the elevation and shape of the mountains creates an extra snowy and cold micro climate. This unique geography and extra cold temperatures is why these plants and animals stayed after the ice age.
We know several fantastic places where there are north facing slopes and protected areas where the snow drifts and lies extra deep. The back country of Swallow Falls is such a place. One 0f our other special areas will hold and maintain a snow pack for weeks after most of the snow has disappeared elsewhere. In fact you can sometimes drive there and see no snow anywhere until you come over the mountain. If we are reporting we are offering tours, we are, regardless if you can’s see ANY snow around you.
Thaw is milder than expected with cold moving in quickly Saturday night. Sunday has space on the tour. Saturday is full. Sunday may see a nice coating of white fluff (1-3 inches) to beautify the forest.
NO MATTER WHAT YOU SEE – WE HAVE SNOW. We may be moving to our Snaggy Mountain Snow Pocket for next weekend. But, for now Swallow Falls is holding its snow in the backcountry. We will have snowshoeing tours for the next two weekends at least.
Friday February 11th
Friday February 11th
Friday February 11th
Friday February 11th
Friday February 11th
Friday February 11th
Friday February 11th
Friday February 11th
Friday February 11th
Friday February 11th
Friday February 11th
Friday February 11th
Deep Creek Lake Ski Conditions at the Wisp are very good for downhill skiing. Cross country skiing trails in the State Parks are fading fast.
Keep in mind precautions protecting exposed flesh in sub zero weather. Wind chill chart.
Local Deep Creek Lake Weather Links – Maps and Forecast
Our ‘secret’ snow stashes maintain snow depth because of their unique exposure.
*Snow Stash Pocket: A local gem, off-the-beaten-path spot where the snow lies deep. Over the past 20 years offering snowshoeing trips we have discovered the local geographical locations where the exposure and topography combine to create mini micro climates. In our case, here in Garrett County we are adjacent to the Cranesville Sub Arctic Swamp where you will find a northern arboreal forest plant and annual community similar to the ecology found in far northern Canada. This is caused by a unique geography where the elevation and shape of the mountains creates an extra snowy and cold micro climate. This unique geography and extra cold temperatures is why these plants and animals stayed after the ice age.
We know several fantastic places where there are north facing slopes and protected areas where the snow drifts and lies extra deep. The back country of Swallow Falls is such a place. One 0f our other special areas will hold and maintain a snow pack for weeks after most of the snow has disappeared elsewhere. In fact you can sometimes drive there and see no snow anywhere until you come over the mountain. If we are reporting we are offering tours, we are, regardless if you can’s see ANY snow around you.
Temperatures in the Deep Creek Lake area are a little up and down but the base will be holding with more snow in the forecast. Snowshoeing tours on Fri-Sat-Sun have some space but are filling up. Isolated showers changing to snow will not impact the snow pack too much. Cold nights will keep things frozen. Saturday and Sunday tours look superb with fresh snow to grace the forest with white beauty. Call us about mid-week tours.
National Weather Service Forecast for Deep Creek Lake
February 10th Snowshoeing Tour
February 10th Snowshoeing Tour
February 10th Snowshoeing Tour
February 10th Snowshoeing Tour
February 10th Snowshoeing Tour
February 10th Snowshoeing Tour
Deep Creek Lake Ski Conditions at the Wisp and local State Parks are very good for downhill skiing and cross country skiing.
Keep in mind precautions protecting exposed flesh in sub zero weather. Wind chill chart.
Local Deep Creek Lake Weather Links – Maps and Forecast
Our ‘secret’ snow stashes maintain snow depth because of their unique exposure.
*Snow Stash Pocket: A local gem, off-the-beaten-path spot where the snow lies deep. Over the past 20 years offering snowshoeing trips we have discovered the local geographical locations where the exposure and topography combine to create mini micro climates. In our case, here in Garrett County we are adjacent to the Cranesville Sub Arctic Swamp where you will find a northern arboreal forest plant and annual community similar to the ecology found in far northern Canada. This is caused by a unique geography where the elevation and shape of the mountains creates an extra snowy and cold micro climate. This unique geography and extra cold temperatures is why these plants and animals stayed after the ice age.
We know several fantastic places where there are north facing slopes and protected areas where the snow drifts and lies extra deep. The back country of Swallow Falls is such a place. One 0f our other special areas will hold and maintain a snow pack for weeks after most of the snow has disappeared elsewhere. In fact you can sometimes drive there and see no snow anywhere until you come over the mountain. If we are reporting we are offering tours, we are, regardless if you can’s see ANY snow around you.
Today we are keeping it simple. Conditions on Saturday February 5th and Sunday the 6th were fantastic. The thaw came and went and it got cold. The base froze and we got 3-4 inches of fluffy snow. The forest and backcountry today was gorgeous! Tours and good conditions will continue as the weather forecast is more snow and cold. It just gets better and better.
The weather forecast for Deep Creek Lake for weekend of February 11th and 12th is looking excellent. Good probability of snow leading up to the weekend. Tours are available almost any day just call for information and to make reservations.
Nice looking Deep Creek Lake forecast for February 11th and 12th, 2022
The pictures from Saturday February 5th can speak for themselves.
Saturday February 5th Tours
Saturday February 5th Tours
Saturday February 5th Tours
Saturday February 5th Tours
Saturday February 5th Tours
Saturday February 5th Tours
Saturday February 5th Tours
Saturday February 5th Tours
Saturday February 5th Tours
Saturday February 5th Tours
Saturday February 5th Tours
Saturday February 5th Tours
All-Earth-Eco-Tours-snowshoe-fun
Saturday February 5th Tours
Saturday February 5th Tours
Saturday February 5th Tours
Saturday February 5th Tours
Saturday February 5th Tours
Saturday February 5th Tours
Saturday February 5th Tours
Saturday February 5th Tours
Saturday February 5th Tours
Saturday February 5th Tours
Saturday February 5th Tours
Deep Creek Lake Ski Conditions at the Wisp and local State Parks are very good for downhill skiing and cross country skiing.
Keep in mind precautions protecting exposed flesh in sub zero weather. Wind chill chart.
Local Deep Creek Lake Weather Links – Maps and Forecast
Our ‘secret’ snow stashes maintain snow depth because of their unique exposure.
*Snow Stash Pocket: A local gem, off-the-beaten-path spot where the snow lies deep. Over the past 20 years offering snowshoeing trips we have discovered the local geographical locations where the exposure and topography combine to create mini micro climates. In our case, here in Garrett County we are adjacent to the Cranesville Sub Arctic Swamp where you will find a northern arboreal forest plant and annual community similar to the ecology found in far northern Canada. This is caused by a unique geography where the elevation and shape of the mountains creates an extra snowy and cold micro climate. This unique geography and extra cold temperatures is why these plants and animals stayed after the ice age.
We know several fantastic places where there are north facing slopes and protected areas where the snow drifts and lies extra deep. The back country of Swallow Falls is such a place. One 0f our other special areas will hold and maintain a snow pack for weeks after most of the snow has disappeared elsewhere. In fact you can sometimes drive there and see no snow anywhere until you come over the mountain. If we are reporting we are offering tours, we are, regardless if you can’s see ANY snow around you.
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 3RD UPDATE: Brief thaw moves in accompanied by a little wet weather. Temps are remaining cool so snow loss will occur but not enough to affect this weekends snowshoeing tours. On Friday February 4th we have a Special Weekday Tour and we have space. The next weather update will be posted Friday night after we check it out in person. Weather is predicted to change to snow on Friday, snow and then get cold for the weekend. This will firm up the base and dust the forest with a nice fresh coating of beauty. Saturday tours are full. Sunday still has space.
Jan 31st Snow Report: Winter continues! More frigid temps and snowfall has left us with a great solid base and snow pack of about 6-12 inches with 10-12 inches of fresher snow on top. This is making for excellent snowshoeing conditions. The forecast predicts cold weather with a day or two of mixed precipitation. The base is comprised of several snowfalls so it will have some durability if a thaw moves through and it rains some. Cold weather trend will likely keep the base and there is snow in forecast. As we all know around here the 32 +/- degree temperatures where it could rain or snow often times brings snow.
The first weekend of February 2022 looks very good with cold and snow moving in Friday to grace the forest with some additional fresh fluff after a brief thaw. At this point we anticipate staying at Swallow Falls. But never fear! – regardless at this point we have our snow stash waiting on the north slope 15 minutes from Swallow Falls. We are VERY CONFIDENT we will be able offer tours through the end of February.
January 29th-30th weekend
January 29th-30th weekend
January 29th-30th weekend
January 29th-30th weekend
Frosty fun at 8 degrees!
January 29th-30th weekend
January 29th-30th weekend
January 29th-30th weekend
Wow the beauty!
January 29th-30th weekend
Lost World
January 29th-30th weekend
January 29th-30th weekend
January 29th-30th weekend
January 29th-30th weekend
January 29th-30th weekend
January 29th-30th weekend
January 29th-30th weekend
January 29th-30th weekend
January 29th-30th weekend
January 29th-30th weekend
Old growth forest
Deep Creek Lake Ski Conditions at the Wisp and local State Parks are very good for downhill skiing and cross country skiing.
Keep in mind precautions protecting exposed flesh in sub zero weather. Wind chill chart.
Local Deep Creek Lake Weather Links – Maps and Forecast
Snow pockets maintain snow depth because of their unique exposure.
*Snow Stash Pocket: A local gem, off-the-beaten-path spot where the snow lies deep. Over the past 20 years offering snowshoeing trips we have discovered the local geographical locations where the exposure and topography combine to create mini micro climates. I our case, here in Garrett County we are adjacent to the Cranesville Sub Arctic Swamp where you will find a northern arboreal forest plant and annual community similar to the ecology found in far northern Canada. This is caused by a unique geography where the elevation and shape of the mountains creates an extra snowy and cold micro climate. This unique geography and extra cold temperatures is why these plants and animals stayed after the ice age.
We know several fantastic places where there are north facing slopes and protected areas where the snow drifts and lies extra deep. The back country of Swallow Falls is such a place. One 0f our other special areas will hold and maintain a snow pack for weeks after most of the snow has disappeared elsewhere. In fact you can sometimes drive there and see no snow anywhere until you come over the mountain. If we are reporting we are offering tours, we are, regardless if you can’s see ANY snow around where you are staying.
Winter weather is continuing! Good snowpack of 6-10 inches with 4-6 inches of fluffy powder on top is making for superb conditions! The weekend of January 29-30th will be cold to frigid and new snow predicted for Friday night will leave the forest again draped in fresh snow. Different weather models are out there and there is a very slight chance we will get a substantial snow bomb. Tours are booking up fast with such great conditions.
Temperatures have dropped again and heading down down down to 1 degree Friday morning. Then temps will moderate for the weekend with mid 20’s highs and teens lows. Next week cold weather and more snow. We are in great shape for tours! The slight thaw and then refreeze has solidified the base of about 6-8 inches and will make a great bottom layer for more snow on top.
Longer term forecasts suggest cold winter weather will continue for the 30 days! Book your snowshoeing tours early we only take about 12-15 guests per day.
