Winter Adventures: Skiing, Snowboarding, and Cozy Cabins in Maryland
About two hours northwest of Baltimore, Wisp Resort in Garrett County stands as Maryland’s premier destination for skiing and snowboarding. Nestled within the Allegheny Mountains near the town of McHenry, Wisp offers over 30 trails varying from gentle beginner slopes to challenging black diamonds, all served by 11 lifts. The resort’s summit reaches 3,115 feet, providing scenic views of Deep Creek Lake and the surrounding forested ridges. Snowmaking capabilities ensure a reliable winter sports season, typically from December through March, making it one of the best places in Maryland for carving fresh tracks. Beyond skiing, visitors enjoy snow tubing and cozy mountain lodges that truly capture the alpine vibe within the state’s highest elevations.
Just a short drive east of Wisp, Deep Creek Lake offers a charming contrast to the snowy slopes. This popular vacation spot, about three hours from Washington, D.C., transforms into a winter wonderland when the lake freezes over and the surrounding hills don a frosty coat. While the lake itself is famous for boating and fishing in warmer months, winter visitors can explore the surrounding trails like the Herrington Manor State Park’s Pine Grove Trail. This relatively easy 1.5-mile loop winds through hardwood forests dusted with snow, ideal for snowshoeing or peaceful winter hikes. Herrington Manor’s frozen waterfall and quiet woodland setting provide a serene escape from more crowded ski resorts, especially in the crisp morning hours when the sunlight filters softly through frosted branches.
In Western Maryland’s Allegany County, the Dan’s Mountain State Park near Frostburg invites outdoor adventurers to discover its less crowded snowshoeing and cross-country skiing paths. Just over two hours west of Baltimore, the park’s 1,100-foot summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, particularly stunning under a blanket of fresh snow. The park’s backcountry trails, including the challenging Dan’s Mountain Trail, let visitors immerse themselves in dense forest and spot winter wildlife tracks. Its peaceful, off-the-beaten-path character makes it a unique winter retreat compared to Maryland’s more developed ski areas, perfect for those seeking solitude and scenic beauty after a fresh snowfall.
For a different kind of winter adventure, downtown Frederick, located about 45 minutes west of Baltimore, brings cozy charm and history together. After frosty days on the slopes or trails, visitors can warm up in one of the city’s historic inns or bed-and-breakfasts housed in beautifully preserved 18th-century buildings. Frederick’s cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture create an inviting atmosphere for winter strolls. The city also offers access to the nearby Catoctin Mountains, where Cunningham Falls State Park features a frozen waterfall in winter, a striking sight just a 20-minute drive from downtown. This blend of historic ambiance and natural beauty makes Frederick a delightful base for winter travelers looking to combine outdoor activity with cultural exploration.
On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the town of Chestertown, about an hour east of Baltimore along the Chester River, offers a quieter, coastal winter experience. While snowfall is less consistent here, the cold months provide calm, crisp days perfect for exploring its quaint historic district with colonial-era buildings and waterfront views. Nearby, the Sassafras Natural Resources Management Area offers wooded trails that can be enjoyed with snowshoes or winter boots, showcasing the region’s diverse birdlife and marsh ecosystems under stark winter skies. Chestertown’s cozy inns and local eateries serve up hearty Maryland fare, like crab cakes and oyster stews, giving visitors a warm welcome after a brisk outdoor adventure.
Back near the state’s urban heart, Patapsco Valley State Park, stretching just 20 minutes southwest of Baltimore, transforms in winter into a rugged playground for hikers and snowshoers. The park covers over 16,000 acres along the Patapsco River, with trails like the Avalon and Grist Mill loops offering moderate to challenging terrain through chilled forests and past frozen waterfalls. The valley’s steep cliffs and rocky outcroppings create dramatic winter landscapes, especially after a snowfall, providing excellent photo opportunities. Patapsco Valley’s proximity to Baltimore makes it a convenient day trip for city dwellers craving an immersive winter nature experience without a long drive.
In the southern part of the state, Green Ridge State Forest near Hancock, roughly two and a half hours west of Baltimore, offers some of Maryland’s most rugged backcountry winter experiences. With more than 46,000 acres of forested mountains and ridgelines, it’s ideal for adventurous cross-country skiers and snowshoers who want to escape the crowds. The forest’s trails, such as the Tuscarora Trail segment that crosses the park, provide challenging routes alongside frozen streams and panoramic ridge-top vistas. The remoteness and wildness of Green Ridge make it stand apart from more developed winter resorts, especially appealing to those seeking solitude and deep connection with Maryland’s Appalachian landscapes during the colder months.
For lodging that complements Maryland’s winter outdoor activities, the historic town of Berkley Springs, just across the border in West Virginia but only about 90 minutes from Baltimore, is often paired with Maryland itineraries. While technically outside Maryland, many visitors combine a trip to Wisp or Deep Creek Lake with an overnight stay here. The town’s charming cabins and inns, some dating back to the 18th century, offer fireplaces and rustic comforts that feel quintessentially Appalachian. Visitors can soak in the mineral springs or enjoy nearby trails in Cacapon State Park, which glisten with frost and snow in winter. Berkley Springs embodies the cozy cabin experience that Maryland’s mountain regions inspire, providing a perfect complement to active winter days spent skiing or hiking just minutes from Maryland’s border.
Together, these spots highlight Maryland’s surprisingly diverse winter landscape. From the ski slopes of Garrett County to the quiet trails of the Eastern Shore, visitors can find invigorating snow sports and intimate, historic places to relax and recharge. Whether carving down Wisp’s groomed runs or sipping hot cider in Frederick’s welcoming inns, Maryland embraces winter with a distinct blend of natural beauty and small-town warmth that invites travelers to explore and linger.