Cross-Country Skiing Destination in Western Maryland’s Garrett County — 53-Acre Spring-Fed Lake With Swimming Beach and Boat Rentals, 10 Miles of Groomed Cross-Country Ski Trails Extending Into Garrett State Forest, Ski and Snowshoe Rentals at the Lakehouse When Conditions Permit, 20 Rental Cabins Available Year-Round in a Mountain Forest Setting, 5.5-Mile Trail Connecting to Swallow Falls State Park and Muddy Creek Falls, Hiking and Mountain Biking Through Appalachian Plateau Forest, Near Oakland Garrett County Deep Creek Lake Region Western Maryland
Herrington Manor State Park is a state park near Oakland, Garrett County, western Maryland, managed by Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The park features a 53-acre spring-fed lake (Herrington Lake) with a swimming beach and seasonal boat rentals, 10 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails extending into the adjoining Garrett State Forest — rated beginner to intermediate, ski and snowshoe rentals at the Lakehouse when snow conditions permit, 20 rental cabins available year-round in a mountain forest setting at 2,500+ feet elevation, a 5.5-mile trail connecting to neighboring Swallow Falls State Park and its famous Muddy Creek Falls, hiking and mountain biking through Appalachian Plateau mixed hardwood and conifer forest, fishing in the lake for bass and panfish, and a four-season mountain retreat in Maryland’s highest and coldest county.
The cross-country skiing is Herrington Manor’s signature activity — western Maryland’s high elevation and cold winters produce reliable snow conditions that are rare in the mid-Atlantic. The 10 miles of groomed trails through quiet forest feel more like New England than Maryland.
The connection to Swallow Falls is a major draw — the 5.5-mile trail links Herrington Manor to Maryland’s tallest waterfall (Muddy Creek Falls, 53 feet), creating a point-to-point hiking experience through some of the most pristine forest in the mid-Atlantic.
Things to Do
- XC skiing — 10 mi groomed trails
- Cabins — 20 year-round rentals
- Swimming — spring-fed lake beach
- Swallow Falls — 5.5-mi connector trail
- Hiking/biking — Appalachian forest
- Fishing — bass, panfish
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Oakland, Garrett County, MD |
| Lake | 53-acre spring-fed Herrington Lake |
| Skiing | 10 mi groomed XC trails |
| Cabins | 20 year-round rentals |
| Connector | 5.5 mi to Swallow Falls SP |
| Managed By | Maryland DNR |
| Coordinates | 39.4167° N, 79.4333° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Harrington Manor SP — in the Appalachian Plateau of Garrett County. The park’s mountain forest, meadows, and streams support black bears, wild turkeys, and white-tailed deer. Cross-country ski trails in winter.
Nearby Attractions
Oakland — nearby. Swallow Falls SP — 5 miles west. Deep Creek Lake — 10 miles south.
Does Herrington Manor have cross-country skiing?
Yes — Herrington Manor State Park near Oakland in western Maryland offers 10 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails extending into Garrett State Forest, with ski and snowshoe rentals at the Lakehouse when conditions permit. The park also features 20 year-round rental cabins, a 53-acre spring-fed lake with swimming beach, and a 5.5-mile trail connecting to Swallow Falls State Park. Located in Maryland’s highest county at 2,500+ feet elevation.
The rental cabins make Herrington Manor a year-round destination — whether for summer swimming, fall foliage on the Appalachian Plateau, winter skiing, or spring wildflowers, the cabins provide a comfortable base in a mountain forest setting.
Last updated: May 2026
More parks nearby: Swallow Falls State Park is a short drive away, while Swallows Falls State Park lies a short drive away.
Park Location
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