Nature takes center stage in Garrett County, Maryland’s westernmost county. Reaching an elevation of 3,360 feet, Backbone Mountain is the highest mountain in the state. Garrett’s natural environment – including lakes, forests, waterfalls, makes it a haven for outdoor recreational activity.

Wisp is Maryland’s only alpine ski resort. It offers year-round recreational options: winter sports -- skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing – as well as biking, fishing, kayaking and golf. Wisp overlooks Deep Creek Lake, Maryland’s largest freshwater lake. You’ll see boats of all sizes on the lake. Cabins and lodges are available to rent.

Spruce Forest Artisan Village, in Grantsville, is an arts and heritage center that celebrates the history and folklore of the Allegheny region. You’ll find resident artists working with mountain craft traditions – metal-smithing, blacksmithing, pottery, loom weaving, bird carving and stained glass.

Oakland, once a resort for notables, such as Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone and William Jennings Bryant, is home to the B&O Railroad Station and the Garrett County Historical Museum.

Garrett County was the last part of Maryland to be settled. In 1764, a group of mostly English, German and Irish settlers from Pennsylvania were the first to arrive. The county was established in 1872 and named for John Work Garrett, the B&O Railroad president – an indication of the railroad’s importance to the county.

Visit the Garrett County web site.