Maryland Geocaching Society
Cache Across Maryland 2010
This is one
of ten caches placed for the 2010 Cache Across Maryland. Each
location was picked specifically to give you a taste of the state
and show you just a part of its beauty. By combining all ten,
you'll be able to see why Maryland is truly "America in Miniature".
We hope you enjoy them!
About
Deep Creek Lake
Deep Creek
Lake was impounded on Deep Creek in the 1920's and was filled by
1929. It was constructed to power a small-scale hydroelectric
plant, but later became a vacation destination with many amenities
for tourism. Deep Creek Lake still provides water to generate
electricity but is managed to maintain lake level for an array of
recreational opportunities including boating and fishing. Deep
Creek Lake State Park is located on the shore of the lake and
offers fishing piers, a swim area and beach, boat ramp, picnicking,
covered pavilions, and camping opportunities.
Deep Creek
Lake is the largest inland body of water in the state of Maryland.
It covers approximately 3,900 acres and has 69 miles of shoreline.
Like all lakes in Maryland, it is man-made. The lake is home to a
wide variety of freshwater fish and aquatic birds. Fishing is
extremely popular on the lake. Recreational boating in the
summertime is as well. Fish commonly caught by anglers include
largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, brown trout, rainbow trout, black
crappie, walleye, yellow perch, rock bass, bluegill, redear
sunfish, common carp, chain pickerel, northern pike and
shiners.
History of Deep
Creek Lake
Deep
Creek Lake State Park
Deep Creek
Lake Park became a reality in 1953, when the Maryland General
Assembly approved legislation authorizing its establishment and
provided funds for land acquisition. The park opened for public use
in 1959. Deep Creek Lake State Park has become a popular vacation
area in Maryland. The lake was purchased by the state of Maryland
in 2000 and is used for boating, water skiing, wake-boarding, and
fishing. In the park black bears are occasionally seen by
visitors.
Deep
Creek Lake Discovery Center
Deep Creek
Lake Discovery Center is the park's environmental center with
interpretive exhibits about the areas natural, cultural and local
history. Naturalists, rangers and volunteers give daily educational
programs about nature and the environment. Exhibits at the 6,000 sq
ft facility include local plants and wildlife, Deep Creek Lake and
its watershed, conservation issues and local coal and logging
industrial activities.
The center
is operated by the Maryland Department of Natural
Resources.
Deep Creek Lake Discovery
Center
The Brant
Coal Mine
While the
lake was being constructed, two local men operated a small coal
mine in what now is known as Deep Creek Lake State Park. The Brant
mine only operated for a short while, 1923 - 1926. The shaft was
only large enough that the men worked their 12 hour days on their
knees. The work was hard and the men died after only a few
years.
The cache
will take you to the site of the mine. The Brant Mine has been
reconstructed by the Maryland Forest, Park and Wildlife
Service.
The Brant
Mine
The cache is
located only a short distance from the mine.
Deep
Creek Lake State Park Maps
Deep Creek Lake State Park
Maps
You can park
at the boat ramp paring lot which is open year round. It is only a
short walk from there to the trailhead (most direct
route).
If the park
is open, you can park in Lot 3 and there is a trailhead across the
street that will take you to the Meadow Mountain Trail which will
add about a 1/2 mile hike to reach the Brant Mine Trail. The Brant
Mine Trail is a 1/2 mile loop.
Day Use
Service Charge: Memorial Day-Labor Day $3/person; Labor
Day-Memorial Day $3/vehicle. Out-of-state residents add $1 to all
day use service charges.
Be aware
this is a black bear area.
Dogs are
allowed on the hiking trails and in the campground; there is no
additional pet fee. Dogs may not be left unattended at any time,
and they must be leashed and cleaned up after. Dogs are not allowed
at the waterfront or day use areas.