Garrett County, Maryland, the state's westernmost county, centers on the Allegheny Mountains and Deep Creek Lake. Sparsely populated (47 people per square mile), it boasts open land and relatively high peaks--including the state’s highest, Hoye-Crest, a 3,360-ft. ridge along Backbone Mountain.
In Garrett County, the annual snowfall averages 72 inches. The county has only eight towns, with Mountain Lake Park being the largest (population 2,248).
Attractions
Garrett County contains more than 76,000 acres of parks, lakes and publicly accessible forestland. Popular activities include camping, hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, alpine and cross-county skiing, snowmobiling, hunting, ice fishing, fly fishing, whitewater canoeing, kayaking, rafting, boating, swimming, sailing and water skiing. At 54 feet, Muddy Creek Falls is the state’s highest free-falling waterfall.
Land Availability
Covering 3,900 acres, Deep Creek Lake has buildable property, but off-water areas have more. To give an idea of price range, eight wooded acres bordering Savage River State Forest were recently offered for $79,000; 1.33 acres with a view of Deep Creek Lake and a dock slip went for $184,500.
Log-Home Landscape
Mountain-style log homes are popular, mostly milled and typically with prominent picture windows to capture views. The rugged wooded terrain limits building access, and lots tend to be smaller, but demand is keen because the county draws from several nearby metro areas (Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Washington). Log-home companies from all over the country do business in the general vicinity, so you’ll find plenty of local dealers and experienced builders, as well as many different log species.