The Deep Creek Blog

Snowflake Chase 2010

The Snowflake Chase 2010 takes place on Saturday January 16, 2010 at the Deep Creek Lake State Park.  The five mile run and two mile fun run/walk is sponsored by the Garret Lakers Mens Basketball Team and benefits the David K. Martin Legacy.  For more information, visit the Queen City Striders site. 

FSU Cultural Event Series Presents Tony Award-Winning "Cabaret"

The Frostburg State University Cultural Event Series will present a preview of the Kander and Ebb musical “Cabaret” on Friday, Jan. 15, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 16, at 3 and 8 p.m. in the FSU Performing Arts Center’s Drama Theatre.

The musical, with lyrics by Fred Ebb and music by John Kander, was a winner of eight Tony Awards after its debut in 1966, including “Best Musical.” In its revivals, it was nominated for three Tony awards in the 1987 revival and won four in the 1998 revival. The 1972 movie musical resulted in Oscars for its stars Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey and its director, Bob Fosse.

Set in 1929 Berlin, the story centers around English cabaret performer Sally Bowles and her relationship with struggling American writer Cliff Bradshaw. The two begin a memorable and uncertain relationship that mirrors the changing world around them.

“Cabaret” is presented with Windwood Theatricals Inc., the FSU Department of Theatre and Dance and the FSU Performing Arts Center.

Tickets are $26 for adults and $18 for those under 17. Tickets may be purchased by calling 1-866-849-9237 or 301-687-3137 or online at http://ces.frostburg.edu.

"Fibers-n-Paint" Exhibit at The Gallery Shop

An exhibit of needlework and watercolor paintings is the newest Backroom show at The Gallery Shop in downtown Oakland.  “Fibers-n-Paint”, featuring the work of artist Jakkie Lease, is on display from through January 8.

Jakkie paints with the Weekend Watercolorists artist group at the Studio on Green in Cumberland.  She studied with Vera Dikerson, artist and teacher.  Jakkie has enjoyed success in acrylic painting tutoring under Harry Mandel.  She is also a textile artist and a member of International on-line groups: CQEmbellishers, CQInternational, Silk Ribbon Heirlooms, Wet Canvas, Watercolor Workshop and Watercolor.  At least one piece of her work in The Gallery Shop exhibit will incorporate both mediums of her art.

Jakkie’s 40 year old son Brian, who was gifted with his mother’s artistic talents and pursued an art major in college, died suddenly in 2005.  Grieving for her son and his young family, Jakkie turned to painting to begin the healing process.  She has experimented with several water media techniques.  The artist believes there is no greater compliment than when someone appreciates her art enough to want to hang it in their home. 

She is on the staff of CQmagonline and has published several articles on button painting.  Her hand painted buttons are sold on the internet.  Her work is available at several local locations including The Creamery, Culinary Café, Rocky Gap Resort, and The Gallery Shop.  She is a member of Allegany Arts Council, Allegany Area Art Alliance, Western Maryland Watercolor Society, and Garrett County Arts Council. 

Backroom gallery hours for the exhibit are Monday-Saturday, 10 am- 5 pm.
For more information, contact GCAC at 301-334-6580 or visit www.garrettarts.com

Ridgeview Valley Photography Show

Ridgeview Valley is hosting a photography show tomorrow from noon until 3:00 pm in the barn.  Six photographers will be exhibiting work as well as offering prints for sale.  Proceeds from this event will benefit Garrett Mentors.  Light refreshments will be served. 

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from The Deep Creek Blog!  Thanks you to all of my readers, contributors and advertisers.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday. 

Maryland Park Service Issues Public Safety Warning For Deep Creek Lake

Be Safe!  From the Maryland Park Service: 

As temperatures begin to freeze area waterways, the Maryland Park Service reminds anyone enjoying winter activities on Deep Creek Lake or any frozen body of water, to use caution, particularly at night.

 “Snowmobilers, ice fishermen, hikers and cross-country skiers traveling on the frozen lake should exercise caution,” urged Deep Creek Lake Recreation Area Assistant Manager Mark Spurrier.  “Wearing a personal floatation device could prevent a tragedy.  If you encounter people, pets or wildlife that have fallen through the ice, call either 911 or the Department of Natural Resources at 1-800-628-9944 for assistance.”

Road salt and abrasives plowed from highway bridges may affect the quality of the ice underneath and unseen snowdrifts can act as ramps and cause sleds and snowmobiles to become airborne leading to a loss of control and accidents.

Deep Creek Lake is a part of the designated Off-Road Vehicle trail system permitting use by registered snowmobiles only. Permits are available by mail or at any of the local state park offices during normal business hours. Snowmobiles may operate at night if equipped with working head and taillights. Snowmobilers may access the lake through Deep Creek Lake State Park or with permission from a private landowner.

For further information on ice conditions at Deep Creek Lake, individuals can contact a park ranger by calling 301-387-5563 during the week-day or the Discovery Center on weekends at 301-387-7067.

 

Need a Last Minute Gift?

Adventure Sports Center International is offering their once a year special - 20% off all gift certificates for $100 or more until December 31, 2009.  Certificates can be used for guided rafting and rock climbing, kayaking, geocaching, and more.   Order online at www.adventuresportscenter.com or call 301-387-3250.

A Unique Look at Swallow Falls

Karlo Gesner sent this slide show of photos that he last week (pre-blizzard) at Swallow Falls.  As you can see, he found a lot of ice making for some interesting shots.  

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

American Red Cross Blood Services Promotion

I know many of The Deep Creek Blog readers live in the area covered by the Greater Alleghenies Region of the American Red Cross.  Consider helping out and you  might win a prize while you're at it.  I've listed all of the locations in the region in the release below.   There is one in McHenry on Monday, December 28th at the Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Department in McHenry from noon until six pm.   

Come in to donate blood December 24, 28, 29, 30 or 31 and you could end up one of five lucky winners of a $500 gift card courtesy of the 100-county Greater Alleghenies Region, American Red Cross Blood Services.

Presenting blood and platelet donors at all Greater Alleghenies Region blood drives and donor centers on December 24, 28, 29, 30 and 31 will automatically be entered in the respective day’s drawing for one $500 gift card.

Lisa Hart, senior director, donor recruitment, Greater Alleghenies Region, stated that strong donor turnout is essential to help maintain sufficient blood supplies throughout the holiday period.

“On top of having fewer blood drives on schedule than usual, we are also trying to replenish supplies affected by weather-related cancellations in parts of our service area,” she commented. “Patient demand continues for ongoing and emergency needs, and increased holiday travel increases the potential for accidents.”

She added that so far in December blood drives representing 300 potential donations have been cancelled for weather-related reasons and that winter storms have adversely affected donor turnout at other blood drives.

Hart noted that accident victims may received four to 40 red blood cell products, adding that when ten or more red blood cell products are needed in less than 24 hours, plasma and platelet products are also often needed.

In addition, Individuals who present to donate blood or platelets in the Greater Alleghenies Region from November 23, 2009, through January 10, 2010, are automatically entered into a drawing for a 2010 NFL Championship Game package for two, including game tickets, airfare and accommodations.

One winner will be drawn from among registered donors in the local blood region during this time period; drawing participants must also be at least 18 years of age or older, in compliance with state regulations. (For additional information, visit www.RedCrossBlood.org).

Donors of all blood types are needed; however, in recent days supplies of Type O negative blood, the universal blood type, have hovered at the one-day supply level.

Blood drives eligible for entry in to the $500 gift card drawing are [(**2RBC**) denotes that double red cell donation method is available]:

 Thursday, December 24. 2009

Altoona, PA: 8 am to 1 pm, American Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 317 East Pleasant Valley Boulevard.
Beaver, PA: 8 am to 1 pm, American Red Cross, Phil Vogel Blood Donor Center, 133 Friendship Circle.
(**2RBC**) Bedford, PA: 8 am to 2 pm, Heartland Hall, 5564 Business Route 220.
Cumberland, MD: 9 am to 2 pm, American Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 400 Cumberland Street.
(**2RBC**) Ebensburg, PA: 8 am to 2 pm, Lakeside Community Church of the Nazarene, 1006 Rowena Drive.
Greensburg, PA: 8 am to 1 pm, American Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 351 Harvey Avenue.
Hagerstown, MD: 9 am to 1 pm, American Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 1131 Conrad Court.
Hermitage, PA: 8 am to 1 pm, American Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 3325 Moorefield Road.
Indiana, PA: 9 am to 1 pm, Indiana County Chapter, American Red Cross, 610 Kolter Drive.
Johnstown, PA: 8 am to 1 pm, American Red Cross, John P. Murtha Donor Center, 250 Jari Drive.
Martinsburg, WV: 9 am to 2 pm, Trinity Episcopal Church, 200 West King Street.
Morgantown, WV: 8 am to 1 pm, American Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 1223-10 Pineview Drive.
Morgantown, WV: 8 am to 1 pm, West Virginia University, Ruby Memorial Hospital, Medical Center Drive.
(**2RBC**) Mount Union, 9 am to 1 pm, First United Methodist Church, 15 West Shirley Street.
Slippery Rock, 9 am to 2 pm, Slippery Rock Fire Hall, 162 Elm Street.
State College, PA: 9 am to 2 pm, American Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 135 South Pugh Street.
Wheeling, WV: 9 am to 2 pm, Ohio Valley Medical Center, American Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 2000 Eoff Street.
(**2RBC**) Winchester, VA: 8 am to 2 pm, War Memorial Building, 1001 East Cork Street.

 
Monday, December 28, 2009

(**2RBC**) Beaver, PA: 1 to 7 pm, American Red Cross, Phil Vogel Blood Donor Center, 133 Friendship Circle.
Belle Vernon, PA: Noon to 6 pm, North Belle Vernon Social Hall, 545 Broad Avenue.
(**2RBC**) Chambersburg, PA: Noon to 6 pm, Chambersburg Recreation Center, 235 South Third Street.
Cumberland, MD: 11 am to 5 pm, American Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 400 Cumberland Street.
(**2RBC**) Cumberland, MD: Noon to 6 pm, Holiday Inn, 100 South George Street.
(**2RBC**) Darlington, PA: 1 to 7 pm, Darlington Township Municipal Building, 3590 Darlington Road.
(**2RBC**) Funkstown, MD: 1 to 7 pm, American Legion, 12 North Westside Avenue.
Greenville, PA: 2 to 7 pm, Jerusalem Christian Church, 560 Donation Road.
Hagerstown, MD: Noon to 6 pm, American Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 1131 Conrad Court.
Indiana, PA: 1 to 7 pm, Indiana County Chapter, American Red Cross, 610 Kolter Drive.
(**2RBC**) Maugansville, MD: 2 to 7 pm, Maugansville Ruritans, 18007 Maugans Avenue.
McHenry, MD: Noon to 6 pm, Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department, 1906 Deep Creek Drive.
Nanty Glo, PA: Noon to 6 pm, St. Mary’s Church, 1020 Caroline Street.
Saint Clairsville, OH: 1 to 6 pm, Ohio Valley Mall, Mall Road.
Shanksville, PA: 1 to 7 pm, Shanksville-Stoneycreek High School, 1325 Corner Stone Road.
(**2RBC**) Shepherdstown, WV: 2 to 7 pm, Shepherdstown Fire Hall, Route 45.
(**2RBC**) Spring Mills, PA: 1 to 7 pm, New Hope Lutheran Church, 119 Cobblestone Court.
State College, PA: 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, Mt. Nittany Medical Center, 1800 East Park Avenue.
Tyrone, PA: Noon to 6 pm, Sinking Valley Presbyterian Church, Hileman Road.
Wheeling, WV: Noon to 6 pm, Ohio Valley Medical Center, American Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 2000 Eoff Street.
Williamsport, MD: 1 to 7 pm, American Legion, 400 American Legion Avenue.
Winchester, VA: 1 to 7 pm, Winchester Medical Center, Wellness Center, 401 Campus Blvd.
Wintersville, OH: Noon to 6 pm, American Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 81 Talbott Drive.

 
Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Altoona, PA: Noon to 6 pm, American Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 317 East Pleasant Valley Boulevard.
Altoona, PA: Noon to 6 pm, Logan Valley Mall, Goods Lane & Plank Road. 
Calcutta, OH: Noon to 6 pm, Destiny House Church, 49345 Smith’s Ferry Road.
(**2RBC**) Chambersburg, PA: 1 to 7 pm, Freedom in Christ Church, 3972 Sycamore Grove Road.
(**2RBC**) Chicora, PA: 12:30 to 6:30 pm, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2217 Chicora Road, Route 68 North.
Clearfield, PA: Noon to 6 pm, YMCA, 21 North Second Street.
(**2RBC**) Duncansville, PA: Noon to 6 pm, Leamersville Grace Brethren Church, 14 Brethren Lane.
(**2RBC**) Greencastle, PA: 1 to 7 pm, Greencastle Elementary School, 500 East Leitersburg Street.
Irvona, PA: 1 to 7 pm, Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Hopkins Street.
(**2RBC**) LaVale, MD: Noon to 6 pm, LaVale Fire Hall #1, 421 National Highway.
(**2RBC**) Lewistown, PA: Noon to 6 pm, Lewistown Moose Family Center #143, 80 Brady Lane.
Morgantown, WV: 7 am to 1 pm, Monongalia General Hospital, 1200 JD Anderson Drive.
Mount Pleasant, PA: Noon to 6 pm, Mt. Pleasant National Guard Armory, 2239 School Street, RD 4 Box 1133.
New Castle, PA: Noon to 6 pm, American Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 211 North Mill Street.
(**2RBC**) New Market, VA: 1:30 to 6:30 pm, New Market Volunteer Rescue Squad, 9202 North Congress Street.
Penn Run, PA: Noon to 6 pm, Cherryhill Township Volunteer Fire Department, 1442 North Harmony Road.
Saint Clairsville, OH: Noon to 6 pm, Thoburn United Methodist Church, 209 East Main Street.
Sistersville, WV: Noon to 5:30 pm, Sistersville Volunteer Fire Department, sponsored by Sistersville General Hospital, 121 Maple Lane.
State College, PA: 10 am to 4 pm, American Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 135 South Pugh Street.
Uniontown, PA: 11 am to 5 pm, Third Presbyterian Church, 425 Union Street.
Uniontown, PA: 10 am to 4 pm, Uniontown Hospital, 500 West Berkeley Street.
Winchester, VA: 1 to 7 pm, American Red Cross, Lucy L. Custer Building, 561 Fortress Drive.

 

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

(**2RBC**) Belleville, PA: Noon to 6 pm, Belleville Community Hall, 11 Walnut Street.
Bolivar, PA: Noon to 5 pm, Antiochian Village Conference & Retreat Center, 140 Church Camp Trail.
(**2RBC**) Boswell, PA: Noon to 6 pm, All Saints Catholic Church, Social Hall, 505 Center Street.
Clearfield, PA: 1 to 7 pm, Masonic Lodge, 6352 Clearfield Woodland Highway.
(**2RBC**) Fort Ashby, WV: Noon to 6 pm, Fort Ashby Fire Hall, Route 28.
Grampian, PA: 12:30 to 6 pm, St. Bonaventure’s Church, 461 Main Street.
Greensburg, PA: Noon to 6 pm, American Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 351 Harvey Avenue.
(**2RBC**) Greenville, PA: 1 to 6 pm, Greenville Moose Lodge 276, 32 Shenango Street.
(**2RBC**) Hagerstown, MD: Noon to 6 pm, American Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 1131 Conrad Court.
(**2RBC**) Johnstown, PA: Noon to 6 pm, Our Mother of Sorrows Church, School, 430 Tioga Street.
(**2RBC**) Martinsburg, WV: 1:30 to 6:30 pm, Independent Bible Church, 2306 Hedgesville Road.
(**2RBC**) Philipsburg, PA: Noon to 6 pm, Trinity United Methodist Church, 121 South Front Street.
Saint Clairsville, OH: Noon to 6 pm, East Richland Evangelical Friends Church, 67885 Friends Church Road.
Somerset, PA: Noon to 6 pm, Roof Garden Christian Church, 2074 Husband Road.
Vandergrift, PA: Noon to 6 pm, St. Paul’s Highfield Lutheran Church, 1595 Dime Road, Route 66.

 

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Altoona, PA: 8 am to 1 pm, American Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 317 East Pleasant Valley Boulevard.
Beaver, PA: 8 am to 1 pm, American Red Cross, Phil Vogel Blood Donor Center, 133 Friendship Circle.
Berlin, PA: 8 am to 1 pm, Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, 219 North Broadway.
Bruceton Mills, WV: 9 am to 2 pm, Bruceton Fire Hall, Union Street.
Clarion, PA: 9 am to 2 pm, Clarion Mall, 22631 Route 68.
Cumberland, MD: 9 am to 2 pm, American Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 400 Cumberland Street.
(**2RBC**) Freeport, PA: 9 am to 2 pm, United Methodist Church, 211 Fourth Street.
(**2RBC**) Friedens, PA: 8:30 am to 1 pm, Friedens Evangelical Lutheran Church, 131 South Main Street.
Greensburg, PA: 8 am to 1 pm, American Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 351 Harvey Avenue.
Hagerstown, MD: 8 am to 1 pm, American Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 1131 Conrad Court.
Hermitage, PA: 9 am to 2 pm, American Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 3325 Moorefield Road.
Johnstown, PA: 8 am to 1 pm, American Red Cross, John P. Murtha Donor Center, 250 Jari Drive.
(**2RBC**) Martinsburg, PA: 9 am to 2 pm, The Park at Martinsburg, 201 South Walnut Street.
Morgantown, WV: 8 am to 1 pm, American Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 1223-10 Pineview Drive.
State College, PA: 9 am to 2 pm, American Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 135 South Pugh Street.
Steubenville, OH: 9 am to 1 pm, Ft. Steuben Mall, 100 Mall Drive.
Three Springs, PA: 10 am to 2 pm, Ambulance Building, Route 747.
Wheeling, WV: 9 am to 2 pm, Ohio Valley Medical Center, American Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 2000 Eoff Street.
(**2RBC**) Winchester, VA: 9 am to 1 pm, American Red Cross, Lucy L. Custer Building, 561 Fortress Drive.

 

Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia), meet height and weight requirements (at least 110 pounds based on height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

Those with specific eligibility questions should contact the Collections office at (800) 542-5663. Most donors are eligible to give blood every 56 days.

Donation appointments may be scheduled at many Red Cross blood drives. To schedule a blood donation appointment where available call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit www.RedCrossBlood.org. 

Platelet donations must be scheduled in advance. For appointments in Altoona, Johnstown and State College, call (800) 542-5663, ext. 2637 or ext. 2657, or for appointments in Beaver and Greensburg, (800) 999-2566, ext. 6220.

 The Greater Alleghenies Region directly serves hospitals, patients and donors in a 100-county area in Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, with more than five-dozen blood products and related services, and also supports blood needs experienced by patients elsewhere in hospitals served through Red Cross Blood Services.

Wisp Resort Beginner Information

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette featured an article on bargains that can be found at local ski resorts yesterday.  Below is information provided on Wisp Resort. 

Wisp spokeswoman Lori Epp said the resort's "Learn-To After 2 (p.m.)" package includes a 90-minute group lesson, rental equipment and a lift ticket for the beginners' terrain. The western Maryland resort that overlooks Deep Creek Lake offers the package every day.

"You enjoy the sport more when you learn properly and safely," Epp said. "We do everything we can to make it an enjoyable experience. We're very conscious about that, especially for first-time skiers and snowboarders."

That special care includes a beginners' slope that is fenced-off to prevent "hot dogs" from speeding through the site.

Epp said the resort offers the Willy Wisp program for children 3 to 7 and the Club Wisp program for children 8 to 14 and adults 15 and older. The all-day, all-inclusive program costs $89 on weekdays and $119 on weekends. A half-day program, which doesn't include lunch, costs $69 and $99, respectively.

She also said fourth graders with a B average or better in school ski or snowboard for free at Wisp.

Stay Two Nights Get Third Free in Garrett County

Have you seen this promotion from the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce?  Stay two nights, get the third one free at participating rental agencies, rental homes and B&Bs until April 1, 2010.  Click here for details and a list of participating businesses.   

Snow!

In case you haven't heard...Get Ready for Snow!

Invasive Algae Found in Savage River

Didymo found below Savage River Reservoir

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today that didymo, an invasive non-native algae has been found in the Savage River below Savage River Reservoir. DNA tests by fisheries managers earlier this year indicated the likely presence of this troublesome organism, but the findings could not be confirmed until DNR Fisheries staff found a small mass of the material in late November near the Allegany footbridge.

“The confirmation of didymo in the Savage is troubling,” said DNR Inland Fisheries Director Don Cosden. “We are concerned about potential impacts to native brook trout populations here and upstream of the Reservoir as well. We are also concerned that the algae could spread to the North Branch of the Potomac River below the Jennings Randolph Reservoir, a prime trout fishing habitat.”

Didymo is an algae diatom that sometimes forms dense mats. It is not a threat to human health but it can cover the stream bottom and suffocate beneficial organisms. It can also create difficult fishing conditions, fouling lines and terminal tackle. The mats may persist even after the algae dies, causing habitat damage for an extended period of time. Didymo, also called “rock snot”, looks slimy, but feels like wet wool or cotton, and can be white, brown or yellow.

Didymo first turned up in Maryland in 2008 in Gunpowder Falls below Prettyboy Reservoir. Subsequent monthly DNR surveys in the Gunpowder watershed have shown that densities peak in late winter, particularly in the Falls Road area. It is too early to tell how didymo may impact aquatic insects and other important organisms in the food web.

Didymo has been spreading rapidly into clean cold streams along the Eastern Seaboard for the past few years. These streams are prime habitats for trout and the organisms that support them.

Didymo’s appearance in popular trout fishing areas indicates that it is being spread by anglers. Felt-sole boots used by anglers are understood to be a major contributor. DNR is encouraging anglers to replace their old felt-soled boots with the new sticky rubber-soled models, which are much easier to clean and disinfect.

Anglers and outdoor enthusiasts can help prevent the spread of this and other unwanted aquatic invaders by thoroughly cleaning and drying all gear that has been in the stream. Scrub away all dirt and debris before leaving the area. DNR has set up wader wash stations at some key access areas where anglers can disinfect boots in a 5 percent salt solution as they leave the stream. DNR also recommends washing with a salt solution or with common dish detergent when you return home to avoid carrying didymo to your next fishing destination.

For additional information and updates please go to dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/recreational/indexinland  or dnr.state.md.us/invasives.

Winter Scenes by Robert Yonke

Visit local artist Robert Yonke's website www.appalachianstudio.com to view some wonderful new art, mostly of winter scenes in and around Garrett County.The Winter Series is a new collection of small original watercolors.  Priced at $200, one of these originals would make a fantastic gift.  Email info@appalachianstudio.com if you're interested in purchasing one for the Holidays. 

Pictured here is Kings Run, one of the originals in the new series. 

Take a Tweethike with MDtrails

If you're interested in learning more about places to hike, bike, paddle, ski, snowshoe..well just about any outdoor activity that involves a trail, you'll want to visit MDtrails.com  Created by Leo Edmiston-Cyr, MD Trails is an interactive website devoted to providing comprehensive information regarding all trails in Maryland. 

The site offers some interesting ways to get trail information, including the use of social media along with visitor participation and contribution.  Below are some of the features the site offers. 

Tweethikes -  Tweethikes allow you to follow hikes in real time via Twitter as contributors make their way along a trail.  The Tweethike provides useful information for anyone planning to visit the trail in the future.  Even if you're not planning an imminent hike, they still make for an interesting read.   To find a Garrett County trail, visit the "Tags" link and look for "Garrett County".  You'll find aTweethike up on the Meadow Mountain Trail at the Deep Creek Lake State Park as well as Lostland and New Germany State Park.

Trailvoice allows individuals to "adopt" a trail - that is contribute information and keeping information on the site current regarding the trail. 

Trail Talk allows the end user to participate by providing details from their own experiences out on the Maryland trails.

Featured Trail gives businesses an opportunity to sponsor a trail that they are on or nearby.  The business will be featured on the sites trail map, gaining great exposure with folks passing through the area.

Take some time to visit www.mdtrails.com before you set out on your next adventure.