Meadow Mountain - Deep Creek Lake, Maryland
Meadow Mountain - Deep Creek Lake, Maryland
Meadow Mountain
Placed by Go Against the Flow
August 15, 2002
Nearest town: Deep Creek Lake, Maryland
Region: Garrett County, Western Maryland
Difficulty: A Choice of Moderate or Difficult
DIRECTIONS FROM BALTIMORE / WASHINGTON, DC (3.5 hours)
Take local routes / highways to get to I-70
I-70 West towards Cumberland, MD
At the split, merge left onto I-68
Take exit 14, MD Hwy 219 South ... about 17 miles
Go past Deep Creek Lake, MD
Left onto Glendale Road (Landmark: Arrowhead Market)
Just after the Glendale Bridge, turn left onto State Park Road
After the small bridge, turn right into Deep Creek Lake State Park
Park at the Visitors Center
DIRECTIONS FROM PITTSBURG (2.5 hours)
Take local routes / highways to get to Route 79
Route 79 South to Morgantown, West Virginia and Route 68
Follow Route 68 East
Take Exit 14, MD HWY 219 South about 17 miles
Go past Deep Creek Lake, MD
Left onto Glendale Road (Landmark: Arrowhead Market)
Just after the Glendale Bridge, turn left onto State Park Road
After the small bridge, turn right into Deep Creek Lake State Park
Park at the Visitors Center
PARK INFORMATION
Deep Creek Lake State Park lies just west of the Allegheny Front on a large plateau known as the Tablelands or Allegany Highlands. Its location at the southernmost end of Meadow Mountain places it west of the Eastern Continental Divide and within the Mississippi watershed. The park received its name from Deep Creek Lake, a hydroelectric project constructed on Deep Creek in the 1920s by the Youghiogheny Hydroelectric Company.
The park rests on the site of the historic Brant coal mine and home-site, where a restored mine entrance preserves a typical drift or adit mine. Over 95% of the park consists of a maturing northern hardwood forest, regenerating from the original stands of timber. Oaks and hickories now dominate the species. Forest wildlife includes species such as black bear, wild turkey, bobcat and white-tailed deer. Small mammals like the squirrel, chipmunk, raccoon, skunk and opossum also abound in the forest.
The Tablelands weather is quite unique for the region. Many winters bring over 200 inches of snow. The greening of leafing trees does not occur until mid-May. Summers are characterized by warm days and cool nights. Autumn comes alive with blasts of color in early to mid-October with clear, crisp days and cold nights.
Along the parks southern border rests Deep Creek Lake, Marylands largest in-land body of water. The boat launch facility at Deep Creek Lake State Park remains open most of the year, except when winter weather or ice conditions prohibit access. Residents and visitors often go sailing, boating, tubing and water-skiing. Fishing is generally good on the lake, with stocked trout, walleye, bass and yellow perch being the most abundant. The park also consists of a beached area, with lifeguards on duty in season.
NOW FOR THE CLUES
Walk to the entrance of the Meadow Mountain trails
This quest will earn you a stamp and an interesting tale
Trudge up the hill a ways until the first right
Its decision time: how should you travel this great height?
Look straight ahead to see whats in store
A climb for the sure-footed, extreme and hardcore
The Fire Tower Trail rises 500 feet
At the end of this climb you could feel very beat
To the right is a moderate, two-mile climb
Indian Turnip Trail is really a beautiful time
You might see chipmunks, squirrels and deer
There are also bird songs for the listening ear
If you choose Fire Tower: be warned, beware
Hike to the very top of this only if you dare
This steep hill may only last a half-mile
But you shouldnt go up it if you cant climb with style
If you choose Indian Turnip Trail, have lots of fun
Walk over boulders and bridge, but youre still not done
When you come to a T, turn left on the trail
Walk over railroad ties and watch for stray nails
For either path hiker, the next clue applies
For both trails lead to the same exact rise
Four paths diverge near a gray concrete slab
Stand at the southeast corner and your compass do grab
With compass reading north: go 65 paces at 138 degrees
This track should lead you to a solitary tree
Next, with north reading, go 15 paces at 85 degrees
Look for the stump that underneath has a breeze
In this special spot you will find a small box
This stamp depicts something that needs water and docks
Its there to remind you to enjoy your day
And so you wont forget to visit the lake during your stay
Please let us know if you enjoyed the hike as well as the condition of the letterbox.
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