🏡 20 Log Cabins, 53-Acre Lake, and Groomed Ski Trails — Western Maryland’s Four-Season Family Retreat — 365 acres with furnished cabins, sandy swimming beach, kayak/SUP rentals, fat-tire biking, cross-country skiing, and a 5.5-mile trail to Swallow Falls — Garrett County near Oakland
Herrington Manor State Park occupies a quiet hollow in Garrett County where a small dam across Herrington Creek created a 53-acre mountain lake that has been drawing families to western Maryland since the 1960s. Twenty furnished log cabins line the forested hillside above the water, their stone fireplaces and screened porches creating the kind of vacation experience that has been passed down through three generations of Maryland families — grandparents who came here in the 1970s now bring grandchildren to the same cabins. The park is small at 365 acres, but what it lacks in scale it makes up in character. The lake is quiet (no motorized boats), the swimming beach has real sand, the trails wind through pine and hardwood forest, and in winter the staff groom cross-country ski tracks that rival anything in the mid-Atlantic.
Located at 222 Herrington Lane, Oakland, MD 21550, the park sits within Garrett State Forest and is managed in conjunction with nearby Swallow Falls State Park — connected by a 5.5-mile hiking trail through the surrounding forest. Deep Creek Lake is 15 minutes east, New Germany State Park 20 minutes north, and Savage River State Forest wraps around the entire area with 55,000 acres of backcountry wilderness.
7 Best Things to Do at Herrington Manor
1. Stay in a Log Cabin Year-Round
The 20 furnished log cabins are Herrington Manor’s signature offering. Each cabin includes a full kitchen, bathroom, electric heat, and a stone fireplace. Unlike New Germany’s CCC cabins, Herrington’s cabins are slightly larger and more modern in layout while retaining rustic charm. Cabins #1–10 are pet-friendly. Cabins are available year-round and book up to a year in advance for peak weekends (fall foliage, holiday weeks, summer). Reserve through parkreservations.maryland.gov or call 1-888-432-CAMP. Bring your own linens, towels, soap, and food.
⚠️ 2026 Closure Notice: All 20 cabins are closed from May 1 through December 2, 2026 for paving and infrastructure improvements. Check the Maryland DNR website for updates before booking.
2. Swim and Paddle on Herrington Lake
The 53-acre Herrington Lake is a quiet mountain lake where motorized boats are prohibited — making it ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding without competing with jet skis and speedboats. A sandy swimming beach with roped swim area and seasonal lifeguards provides safe family swimming. The boathouse rents kayaks, canoes, and SUP boards during the warm season. The lake’s dark, tannin-stained water is clean mountain water fed by Herrington Creek. Fishing is permitted — the lake holds bass, bluegill, and stocked trout. For a busier lake with motorized boating, visit nearby Deep Creek Lake State Park.
3. Fat-Tire Bike the Trails
Herrington Manor offers fat-tire bike rentals year-round — a unique offering in Maryland’s state park system. The wide-tire bikes handle the park’s grass-covered and forest trails in all conditions: packed dirt in summer, fallen leaves in autumn, snow in winter. Approximately 12 miles of trails are accessible for fat-tire riding, ranging from flat lakeside paths to moderate forest loops. This is an excellent activity for families and casual riders who want a different perspective on the forest without the intensity of traditional mountain biking at Savage River’s Margraff Plantation trails.
4. Cross-Country Ski Groomed Trails
Along with New Germany State Park, Herrington Manor is one of Maryland’s premier cross-country skiing destinations. When natural snowfall permits, the park provides approximately 10 miles of track-set trails for classic skiing, plus snowshoeing routes. Equipment rentals (skis, boots, poles, snowshoes) are available on-site. Check the Maryland DNR Winter Sports/Ski Report or call 301-334-9180 before driving — conditions depend entirely on natural snowfall and can change rapidly at 2,500 feet elevation.
5. Hike to Swallow Falls
A 5.5-mile trail connects Herrington Manor directly to Swallow Falls State Park, passing through Garrett State Forest on a well-marked path. This point-to-point hike takes you from the quiet lake environment through dense forest to the 54-foot Muddy Creek Falls — the tallest free-falling waterfall in Maryland. The trail is moderate difficulty with some elevation changes. Plan for 2–3 hours one-way. You can arrange a shuttle or hike the full 11-mile round trip. In fall, the foliage along this trail is spectacular.
6. Play Tennis, Basketball, and Volleyball
Herrington Manor maintains tennis courts, a basketball court, and volleyball areas — amenities rarely found in forest-setting state parks. These facilities make the park especially appealing for family reunions, group retreats, and multi-generational vacations where different family members want different activities. The courts are first-come, first-served and free with park admission.
7. Attend Seasonal Programs
The park hosts distinctive seasonal events including maple syrup demonstrations in spring (tapping trees, boiling sap) and apple butter making in fall — hands-on Appalachian heritage experiences that connect visitors to the region’s agricultural traditions. Summer ranger-led programs include guided hikes, campfire talks, and nature education. Check the park events calendar for current offerings.
Trail Guide
| Trail Name | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Loop Trail | 1.75 mi | Easy | Family lakeside walk, wildlife |
| Swallow Falls Connector | 5.5 mi OW | Moderate | Links to Muddy Creek Falls |
| Pine Trail | 2 mi | Easy | Pine groves, XC ski route |
| Hardwood Loop | 3 mi | Moderate | Mixed forest, fat-tire biking |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Crowds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | 40–65°F | Low | Maple syrup demos, wildflowers, fishing |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 65–82°F | High | Lake swimming, kayaking, cabin stays |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | 42–65°F | Moderate-High | Foliage, apple butter, Swallow Falls hike |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 18–38°F, snow | Moderate | XC skiing, fat-tire biking, cabin fireplaces |
💰 Trip Cost Estimator
| Expense | Day Trip | Weekend | Week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park Entrance | $3–$5 | $3–$5 | $3–$5 |
| Cabin Rental | — | $150–$220 | $450–$700 |
| Kayak/SUP Rental | $15–$30 | $30–$60 | — |
| Fat-Tire Bike Rental | $20–$35 | $40–$70 | — |
| XC Ski Rental | $15–$25 | $30–$50 | — |
| Total (Cabin Weekend) | $20–$70 | $185–$300 | $455–$710 |
⚠️ Safety Information
| Hazard | Risk Level | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| 🏗️ Cabin Closure (May–Dec 2026) | High | Call 301-334-9180, check DNR website |
| 🐻 Black Bears | Moderate | Secure food in cabins, close windows |
| ❄️ Winter Road Conditions | Moderate | AWD/4WD recommended Dec–Mar |
| 📵 Limited Cell Service | Moderate | Offline maps for Swallow Falls hike |
📸 Photography Guide: Best Shots at Herrington Manor
• Lake Reflections: The 53-acre lake produces perfect mirror reflections on calm mornings — shoot from the south shore before 8am with a polarizer dialed to maximize reflection.
• Cabin Exteriors: The log cabins nestled in pine forest are classic Appalachian Americana. Best in fall with colored leaves on the cabin roofs and smoke from the chimney.
• XC Ski Tracks: Fresh groomed tracks disappearing into snowy pine forest — strong leading-line composition. Morning sidelight raking across the snow texture.
• Swallow Falls Trail: The 5.5-mile connector passes through several photogenic stream crossings and forest openings. Mid-October for peak foliage color.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the cabins have linens and towels?
No. Bring your own sheets, blankets, pillows, towels, soap, and all food. The cabins provide a full kitchen (refrigerator, stove, microwave), electric heat, a stone fireplace, and a bathroom.
Are pets allowed in the cabins?
Yes — Cabins #1 through #10 are pet-friendly. Pets must be leashed on park grounds. Cabins #11–20 do not allow pets.
Can you swim at Herrington Manor?
Yes. A sandy swimming beach with seasonal lifeguards is open during the summer months. The 53-acre lake is clean mountain water. No motorized boats are permitted, making the swim area quiet and safe for families.
What is the 2026 cabin closure?
All 20 cabins are closed from May 1 through December 2, 2026 for extensive paving and infrastructure improvements. Day-use areas, trails, and the lake remain accessible. Check the Maryland DNR website for current updates and reopening schedule.
Can you rent fat-tire bikes at Herrington Manor?
Yes. Fat-tire bike rentals are available year-round — a unique offering in Maryland’s state park system. Approximately 12 miles of trails are suitable for fat-tire riding in all seasons.
How far is it to Swallow Falls from Herrington Manor?
5.5 miles by trail, about 5 minutes by car. A well-marked hiking trail connects the two parks directly through Garrett State Forest. The trail is moderate difficulty and takes 2–3 hours one-way. By car, Swallow Falls State Park is less than 5 miles away.
Is cross-country skiing available?
Yes, when natural snowfall permits. The park offers approximately 10 miles of track-set trails and equipment rentals (skis, boots, poles, snowshoes). Check the Maryland DNR Winter Sports/Ski Report or call 301-334-9180 for current conditions before making the trip.
How far in advance should I book a cabin?
Book 6–12 months in advance for peak weekends (fall foliage, holidays, summer). Midweek stays are generally easier to book 2–3 months out. The cabins have an extremely loyal following — many families rebook for the same week each year.
🏡 Ready to Visit Herrington Manor State Park?
From cozy log cabins with stone fireplaces to a quiet mountain lake and groomed cross-country ski trails, Herrington Manor offers four-season family recreation in the heart of Western Maryland. Book your cabin early and explore the connected network of Garrett County parks.
Park Location
Top Tours & Activities Near Pittsburgh
from $385
from $33
from $99