Maryland Lakes

1. Greenbrier State Park

• Where is Greenbrier State Park located?
  • Greenbrier State Park is a popular park in the Appalachian Mountains, with a scenic 42-acre man-made lake.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Greenbrier State Park?
  • The lake has a small yet pleasant beach and is popular with swimmers, boaters, and fishermen.
  • There are numerous hiking trails through the park, and hikers can enjoy spotting many species of birds and wildlife on their day trip.
• What amenities are available at Greenbrier State Park?
  • The picnic area has tables, benches, and barbecues, as well as kids’ playgrounds.
  • Swimming is safe, and there is a lifeguard on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
• What fish are found in the lake at Greenbrier State Park?
  • The lake is well-stocked with largemouth bass, trout, and bluegill.
• Are boats allowed on the lake?
  • Electric boats and paddleboats are allowed on the lake.
• What hiking opportunities are there at Greenbrier State Park?
  • For those interested in hiking, the Appalachian Trail enters the park on Bartman's Hill.

21843 National Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713

2. Big Pool Lake

• Where is Fort Frederick State Park located?
  • Bordering the Potomac River, Fort Frederick State Park has a lot to offer visitors.
• What historical significance does Fort Frederick State Park have?
  • The 585-acre park features a very well-preserved stone fort that played an important role during the French and Indian War in 1758.
• What natural attractions are there at Fort Frederick State Park?
  • For those who prefer natural attractions, there is Big Pool Lake, a natural depression created and filled with water after the construction of the C&O Canal.
• Is boating allowed at Big Pool Lake?
  • The lake is great fun for boaters, as long as they do not use gas. There is a boat ramp, also used by kayakers and canoes.
• What types of fish are found in Big Pool Lake?
  • Fishermen love Big Pool Lake, which is known for largemouth bass, carp, bluegill, catfish, and many other fish species.
• What hiking trails are available at Fort Frederick State Park?
  • There are many hiking trails crossing the park or winding around the lake. One of the most popular is the 3-mile long Beaver Pond Trail, which passes by the wetlands.
• What wildlife can be seen at Fort Frederick State Park?
  • Hikers can spot birds, turtles, white-tailed deer, and many other animals.

11100 Fort Frederick Rd, Big Pool, MD 21711

3. Centennial Lake

• Where is Centennial Lake located?
  • Centennial Lake is a 54-acre scenic man-made reservoir located in the 325-acre Centennial Park near Columbia.
• How was Centennial Lake formed?
  • The lake formed as the result of damming the Little Patuxent River.
• What fish species are stocked in Centennial Lake?
  • To the delight of fishermen, in 1985 the Maryland Department of Natural Resources stocked Centennial Lake with largemouth bass, redear sunfish, and bluegill sunfish.
• What are the water conditions like at Centennial Lake?
  • The lake is normally clear except after storms, although there are algae blooms, which are caused by agricultural run-off.
  • Invasive submerged vegetation is another problem.
• What is the depth of Centennial Lake?
  • The lake is relatively shallow with an average depth of 10.2 feet and there are a few coves that are even shallower.
• What amenities are available at Centennial Lake?
  • The lake is surrounded by a paved trail, providing access to the lake and offering a lovely hiking path.
  • There is a boat ramp that is accessible from March to November.
• Are there any restricted areas at Centennial Lake?
  • The west end of the lake is a wildlife sanctuary and is off-limits to fishing.

10000 Md-108, Ellicott City, MD 21042

4. Deep Creek Lake

• Where is Deep Creek Lake located?
  • Deep Creek Lake is a 3,900-acre lake near Oakland, Maryland.
• How large is Deep Creek Lake?
  • It has 69 miles of shoreline and is the largest of Maryland’s inland bodies of water.
• How was Deep Creek Lake formed?
  • The lake is man-made and is the result of the construction of a hydroelectric project on Deep Creek that was completed in the 1920s.
• What is the significance of Deep Creek Lake in terms of wildlife?
  • The lake is part of Deep Creek Lake State Park and is home to a wide variety of freshwater fish and aquatic birds.
• What fish can be found in Deep Creek Lake?
  • It is a fisherman’s delight, with plenty of trout, bass, walleye, and yellow perch.
• Are motorized boats allowed on Deep Creek Lake?
  • There is a boat launch for motorized vessels.
• What amenities are available at Deep Creek Lake State Park?
  • About 1 mile of the lake shore is located within the park, and there is a nice, small beach and picnic areas.
• What other attractions are near Deep Creek Lake?
  • The Wisp Resort is also located nearby.

898 State Park Rd, Oakland, MD 21561

5. Youghiogheny River Lake

• Where is Youghiogheny River Lake located?
  • Youghiogheny River Lake is a man-made lake created by damming the Youghiogheny River near Confluence, Pennsylvania.
• What is the size and depth of Youghiogheny River Lake?
  • The lake spans the Mason-Dixon line between Maryland and Pennsylvania, with a maximum depth of 121 feet and an average depth of 54 feet.
• What is the landscape around Youghiogheny River Lake like?
  • The lake is surrounded by mountains and deep valleys and is a popular destination for outdoor activities.
• What activities can be enjoyed at Youghiogheny River Lake?
  • Youghiogheny River Lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, camping, hunting, and enjoying the outdoors.
• What type of fish can be found in Youghiogheny River Lake?
  • Backwater areas around the lake are full of fish, and anglers consider it a hotspot for smallmouth bass and walleye, while the waters around the dam are rich with trout.
• Is Youghiogheny River Lake popular with boaters?
  • The lake and the river are both very popular with boaters.
• Can kayakers and canoers enjoy Youghiogheny River Lake?
  • For about 20 miles from the dam, kayakers and canoers can enjoy clear waters and scenic banks.

6. Herrington Manor State Park

• Where is Herrington Manor State Park located?
  • Herrington Manor State Park is a 365-acre park located in Garrett State Forest.
• When was Herrington Manor State Park created?
  • It was created in 1964, and contains a 53-acre lake that was formed by damming Herrington Creek.
• What accommodations are available at Herrington Manor State Park?
  • Ten wooden cabins were added on a forested knoll above the lake and 20 more cabins have been added since.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Herrington Manor State Park?
  • Visitors to the park enjoy swimming, kayaking and canoeing on the lake, picnicking, hiking, and playing tennis and volleyball.
• Are motorized boats allowed on the lake at Herrington Manor State Park?
  • The lake has a boat ramp, but no gas-powered boats are allowed.
• Is there a lifeguard at Herrington Manor State Park?
  • There is a lifeguard on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
• What hiking opportunities are available at Herrington Manor State Park?
  • More than 12 miles of hiking trails run through the forest and around the lake.
• What is the address of Herrington Manor State Park?
  • 222 Herrington Ln, Oakland, MD 21550

7. Hunting Creek Lake

• Where is Cunningham Falls State Park located?
  • Cunningham Falls State Park is located in the scenic Catoctin Mountains, about 3 miles from Thurmont.
• What is the main attraction at Cunningham Falls State Park?
  • Most of the activities in the park revolve around lovely Hunting Creek Lake.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Cunningham Falls State Park?
  • Visitors enjoy swimming, fishing, and canoeing on the lake, and hiking through the park or on the lake banks.
• Are there accommodations for longer stays at Cunningham Falls State Park?
  • There are several campsites and cabins for longer stays.
• Is swimming allowed in Hunting Creek Lake?
  • Swimming is permitted in three areas of the lake, and there is a lifeguard on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
• What types of fish can be found in Hunting Creek Lake?
  • Fishermen come to the lake for bass, bluegill, crappie, sunfish, and catfish.
• Is there a fishing pier at Cunningham Falls State Park?
  • Yes, there is a fishing pier located next to the boat ramp just off Catoctin Hollow Road.
• What hiking opportunities are available at Cunningham Falls State Park?
  • Hiking through the park is fun, and the trails vary from easy to steep, rocky, and challenging.
• What is the address of Cunningham Falls State Park?
  • Hunting Creek Lake, Maryland 21788

8. Lake Artemesia

• Where is Lake Artemesia located?
  • Lake Artemesia is a 38-acre man-made lake in College Park and Berwyn Heights in the Lake Artemesia Natural Area, between Indian Run Creek and Paint Branch Creek.
• How was Lake Artemesia formed?
  • The lake was constructed as the result of the completion of the Washington Metro Green Line, which today runs alongside the lake.
• What is the landscape around Lake Artemesia like?
  • While the metro runs along one bank of the lake, the other bank is forested, and the Indian Run Creek runs through it.
• What fish species can be found in Lake Artemesia?
  • The lake is stocked with trout.
• What recreational activities are available at Lake Artemesia?
  • There is a popular 1.3-mile paved trail around the lake, used for walking, hiking, running, biking, and in-line skating.
• What is the environment like around the Lake Artemesia trail?
  • The trail is surrounded by shady trees, and the area is full of birds such as ibis, orioles, and finches.
• What trail system is Lake Artemesia a part of?
  • All trails near the park are part of the Anacostia Tributary Trail System.
• What is the address of Lake Artemesia?
  • Berwyn Rd And 55th Ave, Berwyn Heights, MD 20740

9. Lake Habeeb

• Where is Rocky Gap State Park located?
  • Rocky Gap State Park is a 3,000-acre public park located in Western Maryland’s Allegany County, surrounded by rugged mountains with the 243-acre Lake Habeeb at its heart.
• What is the source of water for Lake Habeeb?
  • The lake is supplied by the water of the Rocky Gap Run, as it runs through a mile-long gorge, past sheer cliffs and overlooks, surrounded by a hemlock forest, dense rhododendron bushes, and mountain laurel.
• What types of water activities are available at Lake Habeeb?
  • The lake is popular with boaters using electric motors, as well as kayakers and canoers.
• Is there a boat launch at Lake Habeeb?
  • There is a public boat ramp off Pleasant Valley Road.
• What fish species can be found in Lake Habeeb?
  • The lake is stocked with trout, panfish, catfish, and largemouth and smallmouth bass.
• What is the address of Rocky Gap State Park?
  • Cumberland, MD 21530

10. Lake Needwood

• Where is Lake Needwood located?
  • Lake Needwood is a 75-acre lake within Rock Creek Regional Park, just outside Rockville, Maryland.
• How deep is Lake Needwood?
  • The lake has an average depth of only 8 feet.
• How was Lake Needwood created?
  • The lake was created in 1965 along Rock Creek, when a dam was built on the creek to assist in flood control and stormwater run-off.
• What recreational activities are available at Lake Needwood?
  • Swimming is not allowed in the lake, but boating is very popular. There is a concession where visitors can rent kayaks or canoes or join a tour of the lake.
• What fish can be found in Lake Needwood?
  • The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and trout.
• What amenities are available around Lake Needwood?
  • The parkland around the lake offers picnic areas, a kids’ playground, an archery range, a snack bar, a golf course, and a network of hiking and biking trails.
• What is the Meadowside Nature Center?
  • The Meadowside Nature Center has a range of interesting exhibits, including an aviary with live birds such as owls, hawks, and an American bald eagle.

Don't Miss: After relaxing by the lake, spend an afternoon exploring everything Rockville has to offer.

15700 Needwood Lake Circle, Lake Needwood Boat House, Rockville, MD 20855