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Where is Maryland located?
- Located between the Allegheny Mountains and the Eastern Shore, Maryland has more than 100 lakes perfect for a romantic getaway.
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Are the lakes in Maryland natural or man-made?
- All of them are man-made, intended as water reservoirs, with many being formed after the damming of a nearby river or creek.
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What is the largest lake in Maryland?
- The largest lake is the 4,000-acre Deep Creek Lake, but most are smaller.
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Can you swim in the lakes?
- Very few are swimming lakes with a beach, but all are well-stocked with fish.
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Are gas-powered boats allowed on the lakes?
- To preserve the cleanliness of the lakes and to ensure quiet relaxation, no gas-powered boats are allowed.
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What role do the lakes play in Maryland's parks?
- Many lakes are located in parks, providing a natural focus for recreation, adding to the beauty of the landscape, and offering a habitat for local wildlife.
Best Time to Visit Lakes in Maryland
- May to June – Mild weather perfect for fishing, kayaking, and early summer lake trips.
- June & July – Peak season for swimming, boating, and family-friendly lake fun.
- August – Warm waters and lively lakeside vibes, though some areas may get crowded.
- September to October – Cooler temps and fall colors create a peaceful, scenic lake experience.
- November to April – Quiet season ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and lakeside solitude.
Unique Lakes
⮕ Greenbrier State Park
Explore wooded trails and swim in the lake on a summer escape.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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What fish are found in the lake at Greenbrier State Park?
- The lake is well-stocked with largemouth bass, trout, and bluegill.
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Are boats allowed on the lake?
- Electric boats and paddleboats are allowed on the lake.
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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
⮕ Big Pool Lake
Paddle calm waters and look at scenic views during a peaceful trip.
© Courtesy of Michael Mihin - Fotolia.com
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Where is Fort Frederick State Park located?
- Bordering the Potomac River, Fort Frederick State Park has a lot to offer visitors.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Romantic Lakes
⮕ Centennial Lake
Walk along paved paths and admire reflections on an easy nature stroll.
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Where is Centennial Lake located?
- Centennial Lake is a 54-acre scenic man-made reservoir located in the 325-acre Centennial Park near Columbia.
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How was Centennial Lake formed?
- The lake formed as the result of damming the Little Patuxent River.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
⮕ Deep Creek Lake
Go boating or skiing and enjoy exciting activities all year.
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Where is Deep Creek Lake located?
- Deep Creek Lake is a 3,900-acre lake near Oakland, Maryland.
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How large is Deep Creek Lake?
- It has 69 miles of shoreline and is the largest of Maryland’s inland bodies of water.
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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.
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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.
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What fish can be found in Deep Creek Lake?
- It is a fisherman’s delight, with plenty of trout, bass, walleye, and yellow perch.
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Are motorized boats allowed on Deep Creek Lake?
- There is a boat launch for motorized vessels.
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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.
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What other attractions are near Deep Creek Lake?
- The Wisp Resort is also located nearby.
898 State Park Rd, Oakland, MD 21561
Lakes for Families
⮕ Youghiogheny River Lake
Fish the shoreline or kayak the waters on a weekend outdoor adventure.
© Courtesy of Kenneth Keifer - Fotolia.com
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Where is Youghiogheny River Lake located?
- Youghiogheny River Lake is a man-made lake created by damming the Youghiogheny River near Confluence, Pennsylvania.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Is Youghiogheny River Lake popular with boaters?
- The lake and the river are both very popular with boaters.
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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.
⮕ Herrington Manor State Park
Explore quiet forests and savor lake views in this retirement-friendly park.
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Where is Herrington Manor State Park located?
- Herrington Manor State Park is a 365-acre park located in Garrett State Forest.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Is there a lifeguard at Herrington Manor State Park?
- There is a lifeguard on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
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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.
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What is the address of Herrington Manor State Park?
- 222 Herrington Ln, Oakland, MD 21550
Lakes For Photographers
⮕ Hunting Creek Lake
Swim in clear water or relax lakeside on a family outing.
© Courtesy of Azaliya (Elya Vatel) - Fotolia.com
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Where is Cunningham Falls State Park located?
- Cunningham Falls State Park is located in the scenic Catoctin Mountains, about 3 miles from Thurmont.
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What is the main attraction at Cunningham Falls State Park?
- Most of the activities in the park revolve around lovely Hunting Creek Lake.
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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.
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Are there accommodations for longer stays at Cunningham Falls State Park?
- There are several campsites and cabins for longer stays.
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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.
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What types of fish can be found in Hunting Creek Lake?
- Fishermen come to the lake for bass, bluegill, crappie, sunfish, and catfish.
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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.
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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.
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What is the address of Cunningham Falls State Park?
- Hunting Creek Lake, Maryland 21788
⮕ Lake Artemesia
Walk along flower-lined trails and admire birds on this spring getaway.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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What fish species can be found in Lake Artemesia?
- The lake is stocked with trout.
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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.
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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.
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What trail system is Lake Artemesia a part of?
- All trails near the park are part of the Anacostia Tributary Trail System.
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What is the address of Lake Artemesia?
- Berwyn Rd And 55th Ave, Berwyn Heights, MD 20740
Lakes for Hikers
⮕ Lake Habeeb
Visit this mountain lake and enjoy sights of rugged natural beauty.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Is there a boat launch at Lake Habeeb?
- There is a public boat ramp off Pleasant Valley Road.
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What fish species can be found in Lake Habeeb?
- The lake is stocked with trout, panfish, catfish, and largemouth and smallmouth bass.
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What is the address of Rocky Gap State Park?
- Cumberland, MD 21530
⮕ Lake Needwood
Go for a paddle or bike around the shore on a quick break.
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Where is Lake Needwood located?
- Lake Needwood is a 75-acre lake within Rock Creek Regional Park, just outside Rockville, Maryland.
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How deep is Lake Needwood?
- The lake has an average depth of only 8 feet.
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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.
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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.
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What fish can be found in Lake Needwood?
- The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and trout.
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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.
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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
Map:
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