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Why Go Guided?

Carol Calhoun Hiking News, uncategorized

In this DIY world with information at your fingertips it’s a good time to talk about how taking a guided hiking tour adds to your travel experience.

It’s easy these days to find a local place like Swallow Falls and just wing it. But, when you go on a guided hiking tour, you get the local information from an actual human! You have an opportunity to have fun as you learn about the area, its natural history, plants, animals and ecology. You learn what to take on solo hikes, how to stay warm enough and hydrated enough and even how to build a fire sometimes too. Having the background information you get on a guided hiking tour makes your travel experience richer and gives you a better understanding of the environment around you.

We keep the kids safe and out of poison ivy and we always make extra efforts to connect with them and help them connect with nature. In winter, you can join us for Snowshoeing & Winter Hikes and in the spring, summer experience  Guided Hiking Tours for All Ages

Guided hiking tours Deep Creek lake

Another reason to go guided with us is because our local mountain guides share their love of Deep Creek Lake’s outdoor areas, and trails and are very familiar with the adventure scene.

When you choose to participate in a guided hiking tour, you get firsthand knowledge of what’s available for future visits.  Not just info about the best places for hiking, sightseeing and fun, but also good guidance on local sites and other businesses.

Things like where to eat, shop and other fun things to do.

What you especially get from a guide is years of experience without having the sometimes hit and miss process of self-discovery. You also get to experience some of the off-the-beaten-path hiking places that can miss the radar of the casual visitor. For instance, going guided on our kayak tours, can be the difference between seeing eagles at their haunts and perching areas or not even knowing where to look. Going guided is an excellent way to begin something new. We see past kayak tour guests out on the water all the time. We are always so happy to see them out exploring on their own. BUT, on some of our hiking tours, we may have to flash your memory to keep the special places secret.

Our guides teach you about things like medicinal plants and what our local bears are really all about. (Without the hype or misinformation).

Going on a guided hike can open you up to discovering areas you just aren’t comfortable exploring on your own and can bring interesting new insights to places you’ve been before.

Our goal is always to help folks move towards their own adventures, so our trips are full of easy, common-sense information and techniques for safe outdoor travel.

Our hikes can be customized too. If you want to learn more skills, we can teach some fire building or do a map and back country compass course. In winter, we bring hot chocolate to share. We usually take some family photos for you too!

We think you will really appreciate an adventure with us. Let’s get outside and explore together!

Deep Creek Snow Report

Carol Carol Hiking News, Snow Report, uncategorized
Deep-Creek-Snow-Report Beautiful, snow covered hemlock forest at Deep Creek Crede Calhoun photo

Deep Creek Snow Report. The weather this winter has been pretty gross. That is all.

We are reporting though, that the forest, as always, is stunningly beautiful. We do not expect enough snow for snowshoeing, and we are starting to think about spring. It’s a great time to book a Yoga to You experience. Deep Creek Lake -Yoga to You – All Earth Eco Tours Yoga to You (allearthtours.com)

They are predicting some snow though, so who knows, maybe the weather forecast will mean we get a miracle, real, snowstorm. Friendsville, MD weather forecast | MSN Weather

Think snow! And, start planning for summer too! Kids LOVE our Farm Camp that we do with our friends at Backbone Food Farm. Welcome to Farm Camp 2023 an organic Day Camp for Kids (backbonefarm.com)

Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County Highway Webcams

April 7th, Covid Policy Update

Carol Calhoun COVID 19, uncategorized

Hello everyone! The situation in Garrett County Covid is looking really good right now. Rates are the lowest we have seen. There are still variants out there looming but currently we are relaxing our Covid policy and NOT requiring masks on check in or during tours.

However, guests are more than welcome to protect themselves by masking if they prefer. We have been lucky and have not caught Covid and guides are fully vaccinated.

urrent Garrett County Covid
Current Garrett County Health Department Covid Satistics.

Snow – Hiking Report Report 2-25

Carol Calhoun Snow Report, uncategorized

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.

 

Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County Highway Webcams

snowshoeing
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.

 

Saturday Feb 12th Snowshoeing Report

Carol Calhoun Snow Report, uncategorized

We have snow! SUNDAYS TOUR HAS SPACE!!!!

  • Feb 12th Snowshoeing Tour

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.

We are open for SNOWSHOEING!!!!!

Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County Highway Webcams

snowshoeing
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.

Deep Creek Lake Weather – February 11th Snow Report

Carol Calhoun Snow Report, uncategorized

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

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

We are open for SNOWSHOEING!!!!!

Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County Highway Webcams

Here’s our how to dress for winter page that can help you decide what you need.

What is a snow stash?

snowshoeing
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.

 

 

February 5th Snowshoeing Report

Carol Calhoun Snow Report, uncategorized
February 5th Snowshoeing Report

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.

Weather forecast Deep Creek Lake
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

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

We are open for SNOWSHOEING!!!!!

Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County Highway Webcams

Here’s our how to dress for winter page that can help you decide what you need.

What is a snow stash?

snowshoeing
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.

January 31st Snow Report for Deep Creek Lake

Carol Calhoun Snow Report, uncategorized , , , , , ,
Snowshoeing Deep Creek Lake

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

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

We are open for SNOWSHOEING!!!!!

Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County Highway Webcams

Here’s our how to dress for winter page that can help you decide what you need.

What is a snow stash?

snowshoeing
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.

 

 

January 27th Snow Report for Deep Creek Lake

Carol Calhoun Snow Report, uncategorized
January 27th Snow Report for Deep Creek Lake

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.

Dress properly. Here’s our how to dress for winter page that can help you decide what you need.

Here are a few pictures from this week. Folks have been flipping out over the beauty!

  • Winter water falls scene in Maryland
    Tours 1/22-26

Keep in mind precautions protecting exposed flesh in sub zero weather. Wind chill chart.

Local Deep Creek Lake Weather Links – Maps and Forecast

We are open!!!!!

Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County Highway Webcams