About
Cherry Creek Loop Trail Parking & Trailhead is the Cherry Creek parking lot in Deep Creek Lake State Park, where the park's Cherry Creek Loop begins. The park's mailing address is 898 State Park Road, Swanton, and the loop is a good choice if you want a real climb close to the lake without a long drive.
On the Cherry Creek Loop
The loop is a moderate 3-mile trail marked with yellow blazes. Maryland DNR describes it as passing through several ecosystems as it climbs from lake level to near the top of Meadow Mountain, with stretches through rhododendron and mountain laurel thickets and some hopping from rock to rock, so sturdy shoes help. To change things up, you can pair the upper, eastern leg of the loop with the 1-mile, green-blazed Crosscut Trail for a shorter hike past some of the park's rock outcrops.
The park lists its trails for hiking, mountain biking and snowshoeing. Pets are allowed on park trails, though not on the swimming beach, docks or fishing piers.
Before You Go
- The Cherry Creek lot has a waterless toilet.
- The park allows public hunting in a signed, designated area that some hiking and biking trails cross, so check the hunting seasons and wear bright colors when hunting is underway.
- Some trail sections may close for maintenance; the park office can tell you what's open.
- If you feel uneasy on a trail, DNR asks you to call the duty ranger at (240) 405-9827 and give your location using the letter shown on the park trail map.
Deep Creek Lake State Park covers more than 1,800 acres at the southern end of Meadow Mountain, with beaches, picnic areas and the Discovery Center in other parts of the park, so the loop fits easily into a lake day. Download the DNR trail map before you head out.
Address
898 State Park Rd, Swanton, MD 21561