New Germany State Park

New Germany State Park
Maryland State Park
Country United States
State Maryland
County Garrett
Elevation 2,470 ft (752.9 m) [1]
Coordinates 39°37′58″N 79°07′21″W / 39.63278°N 79.12250°W / 39.63278; -79.12250Coordinates: 39°37′58″N 79°07′21″W / 39.63278°N 79.12250°W / 39.63278; -79.12250 [1]
Area 483 acres (195.5 ha) [2]
Developed 1930s
Management Maryland Department of Natural Resources
IUCN category V - Protected Landscape/Seascape
Nearest town Grantsville, Maryland
Location in Maryland
Website: New Germany State Park

New Germany State Park is a public recreation area covering 483 acres (195 ha) adjacent to Savage River State Forest in Garrett County, Maryland. The state park is administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.[3]

History

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

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. Nature programs and kayak rentals are offered in summer.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 "New Germany State Park Dam". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
  2. "Fiscal Year 2016 DNR Owned Lands Acreage" (PDF). Maryland Department of Natural Resources. July 29, 2016. Retrieved November 10, 2016.
  3. 1 2 "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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