Deep Creek Lake State Park hike/letterboxing (PQ)

Our final quest for the weekend was far up int he NW corner of Maryland at Deep Creek Lake State Park. We found this park to be surprisingly beautiful, the hike was the best of the weekend, and we definitely want to come here again!The most exciting part was hiking up to the old mine. We'd definitely like to do more hikes like this if we can. It reminded me a little of our hiking back in Colorado, where mines are very common (and lots of times not even blocked off!)

Can you see the deer tracks?

This was another letterboxing quest, with some historical value as well. After a stop at the nature center, we followed the white and red trails up to our destinations based on a series of clues contained in each letterbox.  The clues directed us to the Brant Family Homestead and then to the Brant Family Mine where the family mined coal. The entire hike was lush, green & rocky. There was a bit of a climb, some areas of the trail were moderately steep, but do-able for our 4 year old.

The Brant Family Mine

coal cart

And although well-traveled, we felt as if this trail wasnt so. We didn't see any large wildlife, we could tell it was more prevalent in this less-populated area of the state. We found deer tracks and also learned about the black bear population that is growing and moving eastward.  We would have loved to explore more than just the red and white trails, but in the essence of time (a 4 hour car-ride to get home for work on Monday), we stuck to hiking to the homestead and mine. We certainly want to come back to this park if we can somehow find the time before PCS season!

letterbox

Stamping

Another letterbox containing a clue

Beautiful MD near the WV/PA border

Our PQ Passport stamp

And for our memories, the original PQ post:

Discover the Brant Family by Letterboxing!

Introduction To Quest

This year’s quest takes you from the Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park onto the trails of Meadow Mountain and back in time to the 1920’s. Teams will discover clues along the way that help you unlock the history of the Brant family at Deep Creek Lake State Park. This quest will challenge your treasure hunting and clue deciphering skills as a family. Be part of the international letterboxing movement along the way.

Quest Information

Teams may use their own notebooks or print out the Park Quest page from the link on this web page or they may obtain one from the Discovery Center. The quest begins at the Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park and should take teams about 1 ½ to 2 hours to complete.

The Discovery Center is open between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. every day during the summer, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday Labor Day to Memorial Day and is free for all visitors. Please return from your Quest by 4:30 pm. The Discovery Center is located at 969 State Park Road, Swanton, MD 21561. Call             (301) 387-7067 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            (301) 387-7067      end_of_the_skype_highlighting       for more information about Park Quest or the Discovery Center.

Print the Brant Mine Worksheet here

Park Information

Deep Creek Lake State Park lies just west of the Allegheny Front on a large plateau known as the Tablelands or Allegany Highlands. Its location at the southernmost end of Meadow Mountain places it west of the Eastern Continental Divide and within the Mississippi River watershed. It gets its name from Deep Creek Lake, a hydroelectric project constructed on Deep Creek in the 1925 by the Youghiogheny Hydroelectric Company. Man has been associated with the use of this land for thousands of years.

Early nomadic hunters and gatherers, followed by Native American hunters, roamed through the mountains of Garrett County but have left little record of their presence. Beginning in the 1700's, early settlers to the region eked a subsistence existence based on the utilization of the area's abundant natural resources. The mountains remained relatively untouched until the turn of the century when massive logging operations began stripping the land of the virgin Red Spruce, Hemlock, White Pine, and Yellow Birch forests.

The park is the site of the historic Brant coal mine and home site, where a restored mine entrance preserves a typical drift or adit mine. The mine was worked for several years by the Brant family and supplied bituminous coal for heating and blacksmithing in the local community. Deep Creek Lake State Park was established in 1959 and all of the land surrounding and under the lake, previously owned by the Pennsylvania Electric Company (Penelec), was purchased by the State of Maryland in 2000 establishing a buffer strip around the lake.

New Germany State Park camp/hike/Tree identification (PQ)

Since all of our quests were a 3-4 hour drive from home this weekend, we did our quest and camped out at New Germany State Park. The camping here was so/so. We stayed in the Hemlock loop, which is pet friendly. But we found the sites to be a little too close together (at least in this loop), but it was clean and quiet.  There was a lake & camp-store nearby, and you could buy $5 bundles of firewood from the camp host in the center of the loop which was convenient. If we had our choice to camp up near this area of NW Maryland again, we would without a doubt camp up near Deep Creek Lake State Park (click here for info regarding this PQ that we also completed this weekend.) Although there were some large cabins that held big group gatherings here. It certainly looks like a good place for a family reunion!

Colt enjoying New Germany

unidentified caterpillar

Our park quest here consisted of a hike/walk near the lake area where we were required to identify several trees based on their characteristics. We identified 8 trees in all consisting pines and hardwoods. At each stop, we were given an information sheet containing the history, use, & factual information about that particular tree. We then used a tree identification guide to determine the name. At the end, we had to solve a final puzzle phrase using certain letters from the trees that we had identified in order to get our PQ stamp.

New Germany Lake

PQ tree identification station

The walk itself was easy. We trekked about 2 miles, and our 2 year old did it entirely on foot. We saw a lot of insects here, but very little wildlife. The area around the lake was very populated with swimmers & boaters.

Below is our PQ passport stamp:

And for our memories, the original PQ

If A Tree Falls In The Forest

Introduction To Quest

This quest allows teams to explore the natural features of New Germany State Park, specifically to learn about one of our most precious natural resources—trees!

Quest Information

The quest begins at the Nature Center, where teams may obtain their “Park Quest Pack” containing the items that are used to complete their exploration. Teams should use the provided information in the pack to help them find their stations along the way. A numbered wooden post will mark the stations. Each stop along the way features interesting and educational information.

There are options (not required) at the completion of the quest. Teams may choose to do a bonus at the end, or they may do a “tree cookie craft.” To receive verification of the completed quest, teams must show the worksheet to the snack bar attendant who will stamp their passport.

Don’t forget the usual hiking supplies, such as water, bug repellant, and sunscreen.

Teams may print the worksheet off the website, or they may pick one up at the Nature Center, Ranger Station, or Snack Bar.

Print the New Germany State Park Quest Worksheet here.

Quest times are available daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The best mode of transportation for this Quest is walking. Strollers can be used if they are the jogging-type with large wheels.

Park information

New Germany State Park’s visitors frequently call it a “best kept secret.” This mountain gem is nestled between the 2,900 ft. Big Savage Mountain to the east and the eastern Continental Divide along Meadow Mountain to the west. Named by early settlers due to its resemblance to their homeland, New Germany has diverse forests with ten miles of multi-use trails and a small lake suitable for fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating. This park is ideal for families and individuals looking to “unplug” from a tech-reliant society and escape from the busy pace of life in cities and suburbs.

New Germany State Park is within Savage River State Forest, the largest state forest in Maryland, with over 54,000 acres. New Germany’s 400 acres are comprised of various ecosystems, including a man-made lake, natural swamp, and a native brook trout stream. The woodlands of the park are primarily mixed hardwood and coniferous forest, which consists of oak, hickory, maple, as well as stands of mature eastern hemlock, and plantations of 70+ year-old spruce, pine, and fir.

The New Germany Snack Bar, located in the Lake House, is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The Snack Bar is the perfect resting spot after a fun day of “questing!”

Dan's Mountain Hike - Dye School Trail (PQ)

Dan's Mountain state park elevations

This tiny stream eventually empties
into the Chesapeake

What remains of Dye School

Our first PQ in NW Maryland this weekend took us out of cell phone range to beautiful Dan's Mountain state Park. Here we participated in a rocky hike on a quest to find 6 'stations'. At each station we learned a little bit about the history & factual information of Dan's Mountain -- It's coal mining history, and the nearby town that is nestled there as a result. The streams that eventually empty all the way down into the Chesapeake (very neat, considering the chesapeak is a 4 hour drive away!). The wildlife including bear, snakes (Copperhead & Timber). We also learned about the native hardwood trees... And an interesting fact, wild grapvines are common in this area, they grow so large and strong that they pull down on the upper branches of the trees!

The most exciting part of the trail for me was seeing the old "Dye School" ruins. The Dye school was a 1 room schoolhouse used by the local families in the 1800's. There were about 25 students taught at one time here, and they were in grades 1-8!

The trail itself was rocky, some parts were moderately steep, and would have been difficult for our 2 year old to overcome (she was just up from a nap so she got to ride in the carrier from the get-go). The trail was easily navigated by A. (our 4 year old).

M found a convenient place
to rest her sandwich

At each stop we collected a letter, which we then had to unscramble to discover a secret word -- which we then were able to match up with the station numbers to unlock our passport stamp. We ended the trail where we began, at the pond near the water station run pavillion.

PQ passport stamp below:

And for our memories, the original PQ post:

Maryland Mountains Majesty

Introduction To Quest

The quest at Dan’s Mountain State Park will provide teams the opportunity to visit one of the hidden gems of the Maryland Park Service. Teams will experience the splendor of Maryland’s mountains by taking a hike along the wooded Dye School Trail. Mountains have attracted people for centuries for reasons related to recreation, industry, adventure and nature. Designated stopping points along the trail will highlight the importance of our mountain ecosystem and all the ways people depend on its resources.

Quest Information

The quest begins at the pond near the Water Station Run Pavilion off of Water Station Run Road. Here, teams may sign in at the check-in station and begin the first task, following the worksheet directions. From the pond teams will cross the road and begin hiking along the Dye School Loop Trail beyond the yellow gate. Each task will prompt you to the next station along the trail. Look for white blazes marked on the trees to help guide you through the forest. Wooden Park Quest signs will also mark stations and designate trail direction throughout the hike. Each stop along the way features information regarding our wonderful mountains, and an alphabetical letter to record in order to answer the quest puzzle and receive a passport stamp.

To answer the puzzle and complete the quest, teams must unscramble the letters they collected to form a key word. The key word will provide you with the code that unlocks the stamp, located at the starting point. Don’t forget to reward yourselves with a stamp in your passport before you leave! If you desire help identifying the key word, or more information on the subject, please drive up Recreation Area Road and visit the Dan’s Mountain Overlook area for a clue.

The Dye School Trail has a moderate difficulty level due to a slight incline and rocky trail conditions. It is not recommended for the use of strollers or wheelchairs not designed for trail use. The trail supports hiking traffic only, so please leave any motorized vehicles, bikes and horses at home. If you are in need of special accommodations, please contact park staff at least one week in advance at            301-722-1480      .

Don’t forget comfortable hiking shoes, water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellant and a camera to make memories! Dogs on a leash are welcome to participate in the hike, but are not permitted inside the pool area. Please plan accordingly if you wish to stay and swim after your quest. The pool is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

The pool is open Wednesdays to Sundays June 20 through August 26 and Labor Day Weekend.
HOURS: 12 Noon - 7:00 pm. (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.)
Adults: $2, Children 12 and under: $1.50, Children under 3: Free
Contact Dan's Mountain Pool at             301-463-5564       or Rocky Gap State Park at             301-722-1480       for more details.

Teams are encouraged to print off the worksheet from the website ahead of time. Print the Dan’s Mountain State Park Quest Worksheet here.

Quest times are available daily from sunrise to sunset. If you need any assistance during your quest and a Dan’s Mountain staff member is not present, please call park headquarters at             301-722-1480      .

Park Information

Dan’s Mountain State Park includes 481 acres and is a small part of a mountain 16 miles long. Surrounding the state park is the Dan’s Mountain Wildlife Management Area, which includes Dan’s Rock, the highest point in Allegany County at 2,895 feet above sea level. Although not the tallest mountain in Maryland, it has some of the steepest slopes and most impressive views. Dan’s Mountain is a perfect example of Maryland mountain geography referred to as the Allegheny Front, which includes ridge and valley geography extending to the north in Pennsylvania and to the south in West Virginia. The Allegheny Front separates the lower elevations in the east from the Appalachian Plateau in the west.

Named after Daniel Cresap, an early settler of the area, Dan’s Mountain State Park maintains much of the same beauty that Daniel once explored, including wildlife and forest diversity, rugged terrain and mountain streams. Today, visitors can fish in a 1/3 acre pond with a Maryland freshwater fishing license, hike the Dye School Trail, picnic, play on the tire playground, swim in an Olympic-size pool or reserve one of our four pavilions for a group gathering. Park Quest teams are invited to bring their fishing poles and swim suits and enjoy the entire park upon completing their mission!

Sandy Point Hike & Letterboxing & Herrington Manor Canoe Trip (PQ)

Who would have thought
this is at Sandy Point?

Symbi Trail

I'm combining 2 of our shorter quests (Sandy Point and Herrington Manor)... because I have so many hike blogs to catch up on.... The two parks, although they both feature a beautiful body of water (Sandy Point in Annapolis, and Herrington Manor in Oakland) are hours apart, and lie in to vastly different sections of Maryland! PS. both of these parks have limited options on where you are/are not allowed to take dogs! Sandy Point does not allow dogs from Memorial day-labor day. Herrington Manor allows dogs only on the trails and in certain day-use areas.

Sandy Point Map

Letterboxing!

Leaving our mark
with the family stamp

Last week PQ took us to a local favorite Sandy Point... We usually come here for the beach, but little did we know this park has a short trail (and pond) as well! On this quest we did not even visit the beach. Instead we began at the Nature center, from there we went letterboxing. This walk took us to view a historical oak tree, and down Symbi trail (which we didn't know was there!). 

Found the first letterbox

We had to gather a series of several stamps at each check point along the hike, which eventually lead us to a very neat "boardwalk" style bridge over a marshy area, allowing the kids to see the marsh insects & small fish up close.  The trail then lead us to the pond (which was surprisingly large), and back to the trail head. Along the way we learned about local wildlife -- squirrel, deer, ducks, geese. We were hoping to see some deer on this weekday (we have seen deer in this park many times before) but unfortunately on this day we did not. The trail itself was short (my guess is maybe 3/4 mile?) flat, and easy to navigate. I think through the park we walked a total of about 2 miles -- although that was enough for us with the high heat index!  Even our 2 year old M. was able to do this "hike" entirely on foot -- and of course it was a breeze for our 4 year old A!

Herrington Manor State Park Map

Beaver damn on the lake

A. Canoeing

And, over the weekend, PQ took us about 4 hours west to the parks that lie in NW Maryland on the PA/WV border to Herrington Manor State Park. A pretty little lake nestled in the "mountains" (as D. and I like to call them the Maryland "foothills"... Because their size remind us more of our Colorado foothills that we grew up with than mountains!) This quest focused on using a canoe to navigate around the lake. D. & A. tackled this one by themselves. My daughter and I would have gone unfortunately we had our German Shepherd, Colt with us... And he was not allowed! The boys had to identify (and learn about) several real-life animal habitats of native wildlife -- including a beaver dam, bat & duck boxes, & osprey platforms. D. and A. came back to report that they had two great memories from this trip. 1) The canoe got stuck and they couldn't get out. 2) A. stuck his paddle in the mud and almost followed it right off the canoe and into the lake when he forgot to let go! I apologize for the blurry photos from this quest... Hubby had to use his phone for these!

Learning about the local wildlife

Both passport stamps below:

And for our memories, the original PQ postings:

Canoe Find the Animals? Herrington Manor

Introduction To Quest

Your Park Quest Team will use a canoe to explore Herrington Lake. Your team will work together to explore the natural and historic areas of the park, as well as identify some of the habitat structures Rangers have placed around the shoreline of the lake.

Quest Information

The Park Quest Adventure at Herrington Manor State Park will begin at the Herrington Manor Lake House. The Quest may be completed Monday – Sunday, 10 A.M. – 4 P.M. For further information, call park headquarters at             301-334-9180      .

To complete the Quest you will walk about 1/4 mile from the Lake House to the boat ramp, pick out your canoe, and complete your Quest with a flat water paddle. It should take about 2 hours to complete. No pets are permitted.

You may print out your Park Quest worksheet from this web page. When you arrive at the park, go to the Lake House to obtain your Park Quest activity packet. The packet will include a park map, instructions and other materials necessary to help your team complete the self-guided paddling adventure. When you have finished, return your canoe to the boat ramp, and go to the Lake House to have your Passport stamped.

Quest Worksheet

• Print Your Herrington Manor State Park Quest Worksheet here

Park Information

Herrington Manor State Park was named after Abijah Herrington, who built a manor house on the property in the mid-1800’s, which was later purchased by the State in 1935. During this decade, the park was the site of many Federal Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) work projects. Young men from throughout the State lived at a camp located nearby at present day Swallow Falls State Park. These CCC crews created Herrington Lake, planted trees and constructed ten log cabins and the beach Lake House. The park’s dominant feature is a manmade 53-acre lake, averaging a depth of eight feet. Fed by Herrington Creek, the lake was dammed in the early 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and is now open from dawn till dusk, seven days a week for swimming, fishing and boating.

The park has 20 rustic log cabins available year-round for rent. With a country charm, the cabins provide modern conveniences, such as electric heat, bathroom with shower, fully equipped kitchen and furniture. A covered porch with a view of the surrounding woodland, wood-burning fireplace insert and easy access to trails and the lake make them an ideal natural haven.

Herrington Manor State Park
222 Herrington Lane
Oakland, MD 21550

Discover the Other Side of Sandy Point

Introduction To Quest

Your Park Quest adventure at Sandy Point State Park will take to you to a side of the park that most visitors rarely see. You will walk through a shady canopy of tree cover and be introduced to some of the wild residents of the park who are not just day use visitors. While exploring their habitat, you will complete a letterboxing challenge with a surprise optional ending.

Quest Information

The Park Quest at Sandy Point State Park starts at the Nature Center. Parking is available in the marina lot. Your first clue will be found just outside the Nature Center door. The Quest is available 7 days per week from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Please note: Park may fill to capacity on weekends and holidays and may be closed for entry.

This Quest is approximately a 1.5-mile hike and will take about 2 hours to complete. Pets are not permitted at Sandy Point State Park from May 1 through September 30.

Your Park Quest Passport provides free entrance into the day-use area of the park where the Quest is located. Please show your Passport to the attendant at the Contact Station. Please print your Park Quest map from the link on this website.

Print the Sandy Point State Park Quest Worksheets here:

• Worksheet front
• Worksheet back

Bonus Quest

During your letterboxing challenge you will receive clues that will unlock your opportunity to explore Mezick Pond by kayak or canoe to find a bonus letterbox. Park Quest passports can be stamped without completion of this Bonus Quest for those who do not wish to go out on the water.

Things to Bring

• Sunscreen
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Insect Repellant
• Water
• Sunglasses/Hat
• Optional for Bonus Quest: PFDs, Water Shoes

Park Information

Sandy Point was open in 1952 by the State of Maryland and is celebrating its 60th birthday this year. The park was developed in response to the need for recreational opportunities on the Chesapeake Bay.

This 786-acre State Park is located along the Northwestern shore of the majestic Chesapeake Bay. The park’s beaches and picnic areas are well known for their breathtaking scenic water views that overlook one of Maryland’s true treasures, the Chesapeake Bay.

Recreational activities and services include swimming beaches, picnicking, fishing, crabbing, boating, hiking, youth group camping, areas of historical interest and wildlife viewing. The Park also offers a marina store and boat rentals.