Free Appalachian Plateau Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Appalachian Plateau with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Appalachian Plateau
Appalachian Plateau photo 2
Appalachian Plateau photo 3
All photos

Explore Maryland’s Appalachian Plateau for Deep Creek Lake, forested state parks, waterfalls, mountain history and four-season outdoor recreation.

Maryland’s Appalachian Plateau occupies the state’s far-western corner, chiefly within Garrett County, where the Allegheny Mountains form a high, forested landscape unlike the Chesapeake country farther east. Broad uplands, steep river valleys, cold streams and rounded ridges define the area. Oakland is the principal historic town, while Deep Creek Lake is the region’s main visitor centre and a base for exploring state parks, forests and rural communities. The plateau’s elevation also gives it a cooler climate, with snowy winters and pleasantly mild summers.
Read more about Appalachian Plateau
Deep Creek Lake is the best-known natural and recreational feature, although the reservoir is technically a man-made lake created in the 1920s. Its shoreline supports boating, paddling, fishing and lakeside accommodation, while Deep Creek Lake State Park protects forest, wetlands and public swimming areas. Elsewhere, Swallow Falls State Park follows the Youghiogheny River through hemlock woods and rocky ravines, with Muddy Creek Falls among Maryland’s most prominent waterfalls. Cathedral State Park preserves an exceptionally old stand of eastern hemlock, offering a quieter woodland experience.
The plateau is a region for outdoor travel rather than intensive urban sightseeing. Hiking, cycling, fly-fishing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding and scenic driving are central to its appeal. Garrett State Forest, Herrington Manor State Park and New Germany State Park provide trails and water-based recreation, while the Youghiogheny River valley introduces a wilder character of rushing water and wooded slopes. The highest ground around Backbone Mountain rewards visitors with long views across the Allegheny landscape, particularly in autumn when the forests change colour.
Human history remains visible in Oakland’s Victorian streets, former railway buildings and museums, as well as in Grantsville’s connection with the National Road. The region’s story includes Indigenous travel routes, westward settlement, transport across the mountains, timbering, coal mining and the arrival of the railway. Small communities and farms still shape the plateau, with local fairs, craft traditions and farmers’ markets complementing the outdoor attractions. Food is generally rustic and seasonal: country breakfasts, apple products, trout, locally produced meats and bakery goods are more characteristic than a specialised regional cuisine.
Distances are modest by national standards but roads are winding, and attractions are dispersed across wooded hills and valleys. A car is the most practical way to explore, especially outside Oakland and Deep Creek Lake. Visitors who allow time for short walks, scenic overlooks and small historic sites will find that the plateau’s character lies as much in its weathered landscapes and working communities as in its headline attractions.

Getting to and around Appalachian Plateau

How to get there

The Appalachian Plateau has no major commercial airport or intercity passenger-rail station within its Maryland portion. Most visitors drive to the area, commonly approaching Oakland and Deep Creek Lake via US 219 from the north or south, US 50 from the east, or Interstate 68 and US 40 near Grantsville. Pittsburgh International Airport and Morgantown Municipal Airport are outside Maryland and may be useful gateways by car; larger airports around Baltimore-Washington are farther away. Cumberland, outside the plateau, is the nearest significant rail-connected Maryland city.

Transportation

A private car is the most practical way to reach dispersed parks, lake access points, trailheads and small communities. Main roads are generally straightforward, but mountain routes can be narrow, winding and slower in snow or heavy rain. Local taxi and rideshare availability is limited outside the busiest Deep Creek Lake areas, and public transport is not designed for sightseeing across the plateau. Cycling is suitable on selected quiet roads and trails, while walking is the best way to experience individual parks, waterfalls and historic town centres.

Destinations in Appalachian Plateau

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Appalachian Plateau

The Appalachian Plateau’s attractions are concentrated in forests, waterways, historic transport routes and four-season recreation. Deep Creek Lake State Park provides public lake access, swimming, boating, fishing and woodland trails, while the surrounding reservoir supports private marinas and outdoor operators. Swallow Falls State Park follows a dramatic section of the Youghiogheny River, with waterfalls, hemlock forest and rocky walking routes. Cathedral State Park offers a more contemplative experience among very old eastern hemlocks, and Herrington Manor and New Germany state parks combine lakes, beaches, trails and winter activities. Garrett State Forest adds extensive backcountry scenery and opportunities for hiking, hunting and fishing where permitted. Around Oakland, railway museums and preserved historic buildings explain how the mountains were connected to wider markets. Grantsville and the Casselman River Bridge State Park interpret the National Road era, while local craft studios and rural farms provide a cultural counterpoint to outdoor pursuits. In winter, the higher terrain around Deep Creek Lake supports skiing and snowboarding, although conditions and facilities vary by season. The attraction landscape is therefore less about a single monumental site than about moving between water, woodland, mountain roads and communities shaped by transport and resource industries.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Appalachian Plateau

Deep Creek Lake is the Appalachian Plateau’s most recognisable geographical landmark, its broad reservoir occupying a mountain valley surrounded by wooded ridges and holiday communities. Backbone Mountain, including the high ground around Maryland’s western edge, represents the elevated character of the plateau and provides expansive views on clear days. The Youghiogheny River and its tributary valleys create the rocky scenery associated with Swallow Falls, where Muddy Creek Falls and old hemlock forest form a memorable natural setting. Cathedral State Park is significant for its surviving stand of mature eastern hemlocks, a living reminder of the forests that once covered much more of the uplands. The Casselman River Bridge near Grantsville is an important engineering landmark from the National Road era and one of the region’s clearest symbols of early overland travel. Oakland’s historic railway buildings and Victorian commercial streets reflect the later arrival of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, which connected the mountain communities to larger markets. Together, these places express the plateau’s defining themes: elevation, forests, rivers, transport and adaptation to a demanding landscape.

Show more landmarks

Explore Appalachian Plateau on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Appalachian Plateau

Dining on Maryland’s Appalachian Plateau reflects its rural setting and resort economy. Around Oakland and Deep Creek Lake, visitors find cafés, diners, family restaurants, pizzerias, pubs and more contemporary kitchens, with the greatest choice concentrated near the lake and larger settlements. Traditional American breakfasts, soups, fried or grilled dishes, sandwiches, trout and locally sourced meats are common, while farm stands and seasonal markets provide apples, maple products, preserves, vegetables and baked goods. Country inns and roadside restaurants offer a practical way to eat between parks and scenic drives, and lake-area restaurants may place greater emphasis on casual summer dining. The region does not have one single defining cuisine, but its food culture is shaped by Appalachian cooking, Maryland’s wider farm traditions and the demands of a four-season holiday destination. In autumn, apple products and harvest foods become especially prominent; during winter, hearty meals and warm drinks suit the climate. Visitors should expect rural opening patterns and plan ahead outside the main tourism areas.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Appalachian Plateau

Evening life is centred on traditional pubs, restaurants, breweries and relaxed resort venues rather than a large nightclub circuit. Deep Creek Lake has the broadest selection, with casual bars and dining rooms catering to summer visitors, boaters and winter sports guests; some venues also host live music or seasonal entertainment. Oakland provides a quieter small-town setting, while Grantsville and other plateau communities are oriented towards local restaurants, taverns and community events. Historic inns and country bars offer a more traditional atmosphere, but late-night options become limited away from the lake. Opening arrangements can change with the season, so visitors should check locally rather than assume that a venue operates late every night. In rural areas, an evening meal, a local drink, live music or a fire at an accommodation may be more characteristic than clubbing.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Appalachian Plateau

Evening life is centred on traditional pubs, restaurants, breweries and relaxed resort venues rather than a large nightclub circuit. Deep Creek Lake has the broadest selection, with casual bars and dining rooms catering to summer visitors, boaters and winter sports guests; some venues also host live music or seasonal entertainment. Oakland provides a quieter small-town setting, while Grantsville and other plateau communities are oriented towards local restaurants, taverns and community events. Historic inns and country bars offer a more traditional atmosphere, but late-night options become limited away from the lake. Opening arrangements can change with the season, so visitors should check locally rather than assume that a venue operates late every night. In rural areas, an evening meal, a local drink, live music or a fire at an accommodation may be more characteristic than clubbing.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Appalachian Plateau

Shopping is modest in scale and closely tied to small towns, tourism and local production. Oakland has independent shops, galleries, antiques and practical services in and around its historic centre, while the Deep Creek Lake area has a larger selection of resort-oriented retailers, outdoor equipment, gifts and seasonal clothing. Grantsville is associated with National Road heritage and craft shopping, including studios and artisan outlets in the broader town area. Farmers’ markets, farm stands and seasonal events are useful places to look for maple syrup, apple products, jams, honey, baked goods and other foods from the surrounding countryside. Regional crafts may include woodwork, pottery, textiles, artwork and handmade decorations, although availability depends on the season and individual makers. Visitors should not expect a major luxury-shopping district; the appeal lies in locally produced goods, practical outdoor equipment, antiques and souvenirs connected with the plateau’s forests, farms and historic roads.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Appalachian Plateau, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Appalachian Plateau essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the US dollar (USD), as throughout Maryland and the United States. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted at accommodation, restaurants, visitor businesses and larger shops, particularly around Oakland and Deep Creek Lake. Carry some cash for rural farm stands, small events, unstaffed facilities and occasional parking or admission arrangements. ATMs are less frequent in remote districts, so obtaining cash before heading into the more sparsely settled forest areas is sensible.
Safety
The main visitor risks are environmental and transport-related rather than unusual regional hazards. Mountain roads can become icy, foggy or slippery, especially in winter, and drivers should allow for wildlife and limited visibility. On trails, wear suitable footwear and take care near waterfalls, cliffs, streams and changing weather. Boaters and swimmers should follow Deep Creek Lake regulations and use flotation equipment where appropriate. Ticks, sun exposure and dehydration are possible during warmer months, while winter visitors should check conditions before hiking or travelling.
Emergency Situations
Dial 911 for police, fire or ambulance services anywhere in the Maryland Appalachian Plateau. Give the dispatcher a precise location, since a trail name, park entrance, road number, lake access point or GPS position may be more useful than a postal address. For a non-emergency health concern, seek advice from local medical services or a pharmacy in a larger town. In the backcountry, keep your group together and avoid moving an injured person unnecessarily unless remaining in place creates immediate danger.
Do's and Don'ts
Follow posted rules in state parks and forests, stay on marked paths where requested, carry out litter and keep dogs controlled. Do not climb over safety barriers at waterfalls or approach fast water simply for a photograph. Respect private land, hunting notices and quiet residential communities around the lake. In local restaurants and cafés, tipping is customary for table service in line with wider US practice. When visiting churches, museums or historic buildings, observe their particular photography and conduct rules rather than assuming every space is informal.
Local Tips
Oakland is useful for historic buildings, local information and basic services, while Deep Creek Lake is the principal base for water sports and resort accommodation. Grantsville is especially relevant to National Road history and craft-oriented visits. Autumn colour can make roads and parks busy, and winter conditions may produce genuinely snowy travel rather than merely cold weather. Plan fuel, food and outdoor equipment before leaving the larger settlements, and look for locally made maple products, preserves, baked goods and crafts at seasonal markets and farm stands.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHowdy[Hao-dee]
GoodbyeSee y'all later[See y'all lay-ter]
YesYep[Yep]
NoNope[Nope]
Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem[Pleez/No prob-lum]
Thank youThank ya[Thank yah]
Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/Sorry 'bout that[Ex-cuse me/Sorry 'bout that]
How are you?How ya doin'?[How ya doin'?]
Fine. And you?I’m good. How 'bout you?[I'm good. How 'bout you?]
Do you speak English?Ya speakin' English?[Ya speakin' English?]
I don't understandI ain't gettin' it[I ain't gettin' it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu, please?[Can I see the menu, pleez?]
I don't eat meatI don't eat no meat[I don't eat no meat]
Cheers!Cheers![Cheers!]
I would like to pay, pleaseI’d like to settle up, please[I'd like to settle up, pleez]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![Help!]
Go away!Get away from here![Get away from here!]
Call the Police!Call the law![Call the law!]
Call a doctor!Call a doc![Call a doc!]
I'm lostI’m lost[I'm lost]
I'm illI’m feelin' sick[I'm feelin' sick]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I want to buy...[I want to buy...]
I'm just lookingJust lookin'[Just lookin']
How much is it?How much fer that?[How much fer that?]
That's too expensiveThat’s a bit too high[That’s a bit too high]
Can you lower the price?Can ya bring the price down?[Can ya bring the price down?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time is it?[What time is it?]
It's one o'clockIt’s one o'clock[It’s one o'clock]
Half past (10)Half past ten[Half past ten]
MorningMornin'[Mornin']
AfternoonAfternoon[Afternoon]
EveningEvenin'[Evenin']
YesterdayYesterday[Yesterday]
TodayToday[Today]
TomorrowTomorrow[Tomorrow]
1One[One]
2Two[Two]
3Three[Three]
4Four[Four]
5Five[Five]
6Six[Six]
7Seven[Seven]
8Eight[Eight]
9Nine[Nine]
10Ten[Ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's a/the...?[Where's a/the...?]
What's the address?What’s the address?[What’s the address?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya show me on the map?[Can ya show me on the map?]
When's the next (bus)?When’s the next bus?[When’s the next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to ....[A ticket to ....]

History of Appalachian Plateau

Indigenous Routes and the Allegheny Uplands

Long before European settlement, Indigenous peoples travelled through the Allegheny uplands using river valleys, ridge routes and established paths across what is now Garrett County. The region’s difficult terrain limited large-scale settlement but made passes and valleys important corridors between the Potomac watershed and the Ohio country. Later colonial routes followed some of these older lines of movement. Indigenous history is therefore part of the plateau’s geography even though relatively few large archaeological monuments remain visible to ordinary visitors.

Maryland’s Western Expansion in the Eighteenth Century

Maryland’s western boundary was extended through colonial-era surveying and settlement, bringing the Allegheny uplands into the province’s political and economic orbit. European-American settlers established farms and small communities along the more accessible valleys during the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. The plateau’s thin soils, severe winters and rugged relief encouraged dispersed settlement rather than the dense plantation pattern associated with southern Maryland. Many later roads, town sites and land divisions developed from these early movements into the mountains.

The National Road and Mountain Commerce

The National Road, now broadly followed by US 40 through the Grantsville area, transformed overland travel across the mountains in the early nineteenth century. Inns, toll facilities, workshops and trading businesses served stagecoaches and freight traffic, linking Maryland with the developing interior of the United States. The Casselman River Bridge, built in 1814 near Grantsville, is a surviving reminder of this engineering and commercial era. The road helped connect isolated plateau communities to larger markets and encouraged the growth of towns along its route.

Railways, Timber and Coal

Railway construction reached the western Maryland mountains in the nineteenth century, giving Oakland and surrounding communities a stronger connection with Baltimore and national markets. Rail transport supported the movement of timber, agricultural goods and coal. Logging altered large stretches of the plateau’s forests, while coal extraction became important in Garrett County’s western mining districts. The railway also brought visitors seeking mountain air and summer scenery. Historic depots and railway buildings in Oakland preserve evidence of the period when transport reshaped the region’s economy.

Deep Creek Lake and the Age of Recreation

Deep Creek Lake was formed in the 1920s when Deep Creek was dammed for hydroelectric power. The resulting reservoir gradually became a centre for boating, fishing, holiday homes and wider mountain tourism. Its creation marked a shift from an economy based mainly on farming, timber and extractive industries towards one that also valued landscape and leisure. Today the lake is one of Maryland’s best-known inland recreation areas, while nearby state parks and forests reflect a parallel growth in public conservation.

Conservation and Four-Season Tourism

During the twentieth century, public ownership and conservation helped protect important examples of the plateau’s forests, rivers and wetlands. State parks such as Swallow Falls, Cathedral, Herrington Manor and New Germany preserve different aspects of the upland environment. Winter recreation later expanded the visitor economy, particularly around the higher terrain near Deep Creek Lake. Contemporary Garrett County combines outdoor tourism with farming, craft production and small-town life, while historic preservation keeps the National Road and railway legacies visible.

Appalachian Plateau in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Appalachian Plateau

The closest regions to Appalachian Plateau, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Maryland
More of the region

Explore more of Maryland

Discover Maryland, where coastal charm meets rich history and outdoor adventure. Experience the best of the East Coast in this small but diverse state.

Explore Maryland
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to the Appalachian Plateau

Discover Appalachian Plateau with our 100% free app! Uncover top attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences effortlessly.

  • Comprehensive information on attractions, landmarks, and restaurants
  • Rich set of details including images, maps, and local tips
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore the Appalachian Plateau like never before with Evendo, your all-in-one travel guide app. Discover attractions, book experiences, and enjoy local tips, all for free.

  • History and travel essentials of the Appalachian Plateau
  • User-friendly navigation with 'Near Me' feature
  • Curated local tips to experience destinations like a local
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Evendo, your ultimate travel guide to the mesmerizing Appalachian Plateau in Maryland. Discover the beauty of this breathtaking region through our comprehensive app, designed to enhance your travel experience. Whether you're captivated by the rugged landscapes, intrigued by historical landmarks, or eager to taste local cuisine, Evendo is your indispensable companion.

Embark on an adventure through the Appalachian Plateau with confidence, knowing you have instant access to detailed information about the region's most famous attractions such as the stunning Savage River State Forest and the iconic Backbone Mountain. Learn the history of these landmarks and enrich your journey with our curated local tips.

Savor the flavors of the region at renowned eateries like The Hen House Restaurant or the charming Casselman Inn Restaurant. Our app not only lets you discover these culinary gems but also provides you with contact details, maps, and insightful descriptions to make your dining experience unforgettable.

With Evendo, planning your trip is a breeze. Seamlessly book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences right within the app. Forget the hassle of navigating multiple platforms; Evendo consolidates everything you need in one place, so you can focus on making the most of your journey.

Let our 'Near Me' feature guide you to nearby attractions and experiences, ensuring you never miss a moment of exploration. Whether you're wandering through charming towns or hiking along picturesque trails, Evendo ensures you're connected with everything the Appalachian Plateau has to offer.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.