Clear Spring MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Clear Spring, Maryland.
1. Blairs Valley Lake
SCENIC OUTDOOR RETREAT
Blairs Valley Lake offers a serene setting for fishing, picnicking, and enjoying the outdoors. The lake is surrounded by rolling hills and woodlands, making it a picturesque spot for nature lovers and families alike. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil ambiance and opportunities to spot local wildlife while spending time at this peaceful waterfront destination.
2. Clear Spring Park
COMMUNITY WATERFRONT SPACE
Clear Spring Park is a beloved destination for locals and visitors, providing open spaces near the water for recreation and relaxation. The park features walking trails and recreational facilities perfect for enjoying a day by the water. Its welcoming environment makes it a hub of community activity throughout the year for those seeking waterfront enjoyment.
3. Lockhouse 49
HISTORIC CANAL EXPERIENCE
Lockhouse 49, managed by the C&O Canal Trust, offers visitors a glimpse into the past along the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. The restored lockhouse sits alongside the canal waters, providing educational and recreational opportunities for history enthusiasts. Guests can explore the waterway that once served as a vital transportation route while enjoying the scenic riverfront setting.
4. Greenbrier State Park
MOUNTAIN LAKE RETREAT
Greenbrier State Park features a 42-acre man-made lake with a 1,000-foot sandy beach that draws visitors seeking swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking opportunities. The park offers boat rentals, fishing areas, and hiking trails that wind around the pristine lake and through the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. During summer months, the cool mountain waters provide a refreshing escape for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
5. Antietam Creek
HISTORIC WATERWAY RECREATION
Antietam Creek flows through historic Sharpsburg, offering numerous access points for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing enthusiasts. The creek's gentle waters pass near the famous Antietam National Battlefield, combining natural beauty with significant American history. Visitors can enjoy swimming in designated areas during summer months while appreciating the scenic and tranquil environment.
6. Fort Frederick State Park
LAKESIDE HISTORICAL SITE
Fort Frederick State Park encompasses a historic stone fort along with Big Pool Lake, providing both historical and recreational waterfront activities. The lake offers fishing, boating, and shoreline relaxation in a peaceful setting surrounded by wooded areas. Visitors can combine their love of history with waterfront enjoyment at this unique destination near Clear Spring.
7. Cunningham Falls State Park
CASCADING FALLS OASIS
Cunningham Falls State Park features Maryland's largest cascading waterfall along with a 43-acre lake with a sandy beach for swimming. The park's Hunting Creek Lake provides a popular summer destination with designated swimming areas, picnic facilities, and boat rentals. Nature lovers appreciate the combination of mountain scenery, waterfall views, and lake recreation available within this diverse park.
8. Deep Creek Lake
PREMIER MOUNTAIN LAKE DESTINATION
Deep Creek Lake is Maryland's largest freshwater lake, spanning 3,900 acres and offering year-round waterfront activities including swimming, boating, and fishing. The lake features multiple public beaches and access points, with Deep Creek Lake State Park providing a sandy swimming beach and boat launches. Visitors enjoy the clear mountain waters surrounded by scenic forests and vacation homes that create a resort-like atmosphere.
9. Swallow Falls State Park
NATURAL SWIMMING HOLES
Swallow Falls State Park showcases Maryland's highest free-falling waterfall alongside several natural swimming holes formed by the Youghiogheny River. The park's Muddy Creek Falls and smaller cascades create refreshing pools where visitors can cool off during summer months. Hikers can follow riverside trails to discover multiple swimming spots of varying depths nestled among ancient hemlock trees and rocky outcroppings.
10. Rocky Gap State Park
MOUNTAIN LAKE BEACH
Rocky Gap State Park features a 243-acre lake with a white sand beach nestled among the Appalachian Mountains. Lake Habeeb offers swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities with rental equipment available during the summer season. The beach area includes amenities such as picnic pavilions, playgrounds, and bathhouses that make it a complete waterfront destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.