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Maryland's Deep Creek Lake has watersports and mountains, fishing and hiking, keeping tadpoles and tree huggers happy, too.

Summer vacation again – the beach or the mountains? Hmmm – I can never decide, but what about both at the same time? Well, it is possible and I am not kidding. Within driving distance of many East Coast and Upper Midwest communities lies the under-discovered and relatively secluded Deep Creek Lake – a massive yet cozy vacation community nestled in the natural Appalachian Mountain heritage of Western Maryland.

Such a lake might seem out of place atop the Appalachian Ridge, and far below any region with natural lakes. But while no one was looking, an enterprising plan to build a dam across a mountain stream in the 60s resulted in what is now a premier natural resource destination.

Mountains & Seashore in a Small Package

A quick review of basic geography reveals that Maryland, known as “America in Miniature,” is so designated by its unique shape. It captures the Atlantic Ocean seashores of the East, Chesapeake Bay and Baltimore/Washington, DC regions in the middle, the semi-rural coastal plains of the South and the Appalachian continental divide to the West. The manmade, amoeba-shaped Deep Creek Lake of Maryland’s panhandle is a prime family retreat for many non-Maryland metropolitan areas as well such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia.

So next time the crowds and familiarity of overpriced seaside resorts get old, consider a western Maryland cottage rental, for the best of the beach and the best of the mountains in one experience. The vastness of this Deep Creek Lake is only exceeded by its Blue Ridge Mountain vistas. This destination is best described as seashore with fresh water and trees instead of sand and brine. Throw in perfectly cool nights to relieve the hot days, fewer crowds then elsewhere and lower costs, you may not ever see the ocean again.

While boating, fishing and water-skiing are the prominent activities, many are surprised to learn of the many non-water oriented adventures available as well. The secluded and rolling terrain offers all those outdoor things you may have been too busy to try back home – horseback riding, trout fishing, mountain biking, ATV riding, paintball, good old fashioned nature appreciation and hiking.