Fly Deep Creek

Fly Deep Creek offers helicopter tours over Deep Creek Lake from its own heliport on Route 219 in McHenry, near the water and Marsh Mountain. It's a quick way for first-time flyers and families to see the lake's 69 miles of shoreline and the surrounding Garrett County mountains from above.

The Tours

Flights are in Robinson R44 helicopters, single-engine aircraft with an enclosed cabin that seats a pilot and three passengers, flown by commercially rated pilots. The company lists six standard tours, and how much you see depends on how long you want to stay up. The DCL Experience, about ten minutes and 15 miles, takes in the Wisp area and the length of the lake, including the dam and spillway, Thayerville, the Route 219 and Glendale bridges, the yacht club and Deep Creek Lake State Park. Custom photo flights are also available within 25 miles of the heliport, and gift certificates can be bought at the front desk or by phone.

Before You Fly

• Passengers are weighed at check-in; each seat holds up to 300 pounds, with a 550-pound combined limit for two or three passengers.
• Children 2 and older need their own seat and seatbelt; under-2s can ride on an adult's lap within the seat limit.
• Rain, lightning, fog or high winds can ground flights, and the company will contact you about changes.
• Passengers with disabilities are encouraged to call ahead to talk through the flight.
• Walk-ins are welcome, weather permitting, and a credit card holds a booking.

The heliport itself is listed as a private-use FAA facility, so plan to meet your flight at the Fly Deep Creek front desk and check the website before you head over.

• Website