Deep Creek Lake Fall Foliage in Maryland 2025

Deep Creek Lake has been consistently ranked as the #1 spot to view fall foliage in the Free State. Western Maryland has been known for its abundance of deciduous trees, such as maples, oaks, and ashes, which color the region in bright shades of orange, crimson, and amber. Deep Creek Lake region is located in Garrett County, west of the Eastern Continental Divide and within the Mississippi River watershed. The peak leaf-peeping season is in October, but the trees start changing color in mid-September.

Hiking Trails

Imagine welcoming a new day while enjoying fog rising off the lake. The temperature is cool, and the surroundings feature a vivid palette of yellow, red, and orange colors. Isn't it the best time for a stroll through a picturesque forest? Thayerville Fire Tower is the most popular fall hike in Deep Creek Lake State Park. From the top, hikers can enjoy a dramatic view of Deep Creek Lake, surrounded by picturesque fall foliage. Another great idea is to stop by Swallow Falls State Park and Muddy Creek Falls, a crashing 53-foot cascade, which is the tallest free-falling waterfall in the state. To marvel at fall foliage from a higher elevation, take a trail to Hoye Crest on Backbone Mountain (3,360 feet). Maryland’s tallest point offers panoramic vistas of the fall colors. The trail can be accessed from Eglon, West Virginia, and takes about 1 hour 20 minutes to complete.

Autumn Glory Festival (October 9-13, 2024)

The annual Autumn Glory Festival in the town of Oakland is dedicated to celebrating the beauty of fall. The main attraction of the festival is the annual Autumn Glory Grand Feature Parade. In addition to plenty of entertainment, this family-friendly festival features a Fall Foliage Driving Tour, which highlights some of the area’s most stunning fall color spots. Autumn Glory is ranked as the #1 fall festival in America by MSN.