New Germany State Park

New Germany State Park
Reservoir
Reservoir at New Germany State Park
New Germany State Park is located in Maryland
New Germany State Park
New Germany State Park
Location in Maryland
LocationGarrett County, Maryland, United States
Nearest townGrantsville, Maryland
Coordinates39°38′07″N 79°07′15″W / 39.63528°N 79.12083°W / 39.63528; -79.12083[1]
Area508 acres (206 ha)[2]
Elevation2,471 ft (753 m)[1]
Established1930s
Administered byMaryland Department of Natural Resources
DesignationMaryland state park
WebsiteOfficial website Edit this at Wikidata

New Germany State Park is a public recreation area covering 508 acres (206 ha) adjacent to the Savage River State Forest in Garrett County, Maryland. The state park is administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.[3]

History

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The park's lake was created when settlers John and Charles Swauger dammed Poplar Lick Run to create water power for the operation of a sawmill and grist mill. The lake was expanded to thirteen acres when the Civilian Conservation Corps replaced the original dam with a larger one. The CCC was active in the park from 1933 until 1942, maintaining forest roads, planting trees, and adding day-use facilities including bathhouse, gazebo, and picnic shelters. The CCC also built cabins for overnight stays and slopes that created the state's first ski resort. The CCC's recreation hall and officers quarters are still in use in the park.[4]

Activities and amenities

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The park's 13-acre (5.3 ha) lake offers fishing, swimming, and a boat launch for canoeing and non–gas-powered boating. The park's 10 miles (16 km) of trails are used for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. Other amenities include cabins, campsites, nature center, snack bar, and picnicking facilities. The lake is stocked with trout in the spring, and a trout stamp is required to possess trout. Nature programs and kayak rentals are offered in summer. Cross-country skis and snowshoes are available for rent in the winter.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b "New Germany Lake". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
  2. ^ "DNR Lands Acreage Report" (PDF). Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
  3. ^ a b "New Germany State Park". Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 10, 2016.
  4. ^ "The Civilian Conservation Corps Part II: A Maryland Perspective". Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved November 10, 2016.
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