New Germany State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids New Germany State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Reservoir at New Germany State Park
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 New Germany State Park
Location in Maryland
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| Location | Garrett County, Maryland, United States |
| Nearest city | Frostburg, Maryland |
| Area | 483 acres (195 ha) |
| Elevation | 2,470 ft (750 m) |
| Designation | Maryland state park |
| Established | 1930s |
| Administrator | Maryland Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | New Germany State Park |
New Germany State Park is a cool outdoor spot in Garrett County, Maryland. It covers about 483 acres. The park is right next to Savage River State Forest. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources takes care of this state park. It's a great place for adventures and enjoying nature!
A Look Back: How the Park Began
Long ago, settlers named John and Charles Swauger built a dam here. They used the water from Poplar Lick Run to power their sawmill and grist mill. This created the park's first lake.
Later, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helped make the park even better. The CCC was a group of young men who worked on public lands during the 1930s. They built a bigger dam, which made the lake grow to 13 acres.
From 1933 to 1942, the CCC was very busy at the park. They took care of forest roads and planted many trees. They also built cool places for visitors to use. These included a bathhouse, a gazebo, and picnic shelters.
The CCC also built cabins where people could stay overnight. They even created slopes for skiing. This made New Germany State Park home to Maryland's very first ski resort! Some of the buildings the CCC made, like the recreation hall, are still used today.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
New Germany State Park has lots of activities for everyone! The park's 13-acre lake is a popular spot. You can go fishing, swimming, or launch a boat. Only boats without gas motors are allowed, like canoes.
The park has about 10 miles of trails. These trails are perfect for hiking and biking. In the winter, they are great for cross-country skiing.
You can also find cabins and campsites if you want to stay longer. There's a nature center to learn about local wildlife. A snack bar and picnic areas are also available.
In the spring, the lake is stocked with trout for fishing. If you want to keep trout, you might need a special fishing stamp. During summer, you can join nature programs or rent kayaks. In winter, you can rent cross-country skis and snowshoes to explore the snowy trails.
