Cragies and Snackies

Of the 2,511 established routes in Maryland, there are only about 40 sport routes.  The majority of the climbing in “Little America” is bouldering.  There is great rock throughout the state, but if you’re close to Baltimore, your best bet is Patapsco Valley State Park.  It’s home to nearly 200 routes consisting primarily of bouldering, but there is some trad, sport, and top rope as well.

Being that we tend to recommend sport climbing, the most densely populated sport route destination is about 3 hours west of Baltimore at a crag called Fork Run.  While technically still in Maryland, Fork Run is nearly at the border of where Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania intersect.

Located in Western Maryland’s Garrett County just a few miles from Deep Creek Lake State Park (Camping, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Swimming) Fork Run is home to over ¼ of the sport climbs in the entire state with a whopping 11.  There is also some bouldering, trad, and top rope (16 routes in total).

With only 16 routes, you should have time to hop on each one, and perhaps try some several times.  There are two walls, The Boulders and The Ledges with a decent array of grades and ratings.  The Boulders is home to 7 routes including a 1-Star 5.12, and a 1-Star 5.13, there is also a 1-Star 5.11 and a 1-Star 5.3.  Not promising, but then out of nowhere there is a highly touted 4-Star route called Face Off Arete.  Moving to The Ledge you’ll find 9 more routes 7 of them are 1-Star routes, including the aptly named 5.5 called Who Cares, and a 5.8 called Hemorrhoid.  Aside from the less than stellar routes there are also a couple highly touted routes, a 3.5-Star 5.9 called Underwater Bears, and a 5.10 called Amphibious Tiger Attack.

No one ever said that Maryland sport climbing was top-notch, but in comparison to Louisiana sport climbing, at least it exists!  While “at least it exists” is not a ringing endorsement, the surrounding area is beautiful.  The hiking, swimming, camping, and mountain biking can certainly off-set the low ratings of some of the climbing.  Ultimately a trip to West Maryland will provide lots of nature with minimal tourism, and that is sometimes hard to find!  Oh, and they have food…

Our snackies selection in West Maryland is kind of a 4 for 1 deal. In 1995 Bill Meagher brought together the quartet of the Cabin Lodge Grill, the Lakeside Creamery, Deep Creek Donuts, and the Copper Kettle Popcorn Factory.  1 stop 4 options!  The Cabin Lodge is not only known for their stunning views while dining right on Deep Creek Lake, but they also have the highest rated local food on Google (4.7).  The website is worth a visit, the animation and sound effects are mildly uncanny, and their salute to the fries is notable!  My recommendation is to grab a burger or dog and fries, head out to the lake and enjoy the sounds of nature while scarf down on the goods.  Don’t overdo it though because there is more to come.

A short walk across the parking lot and you are standing in line at Lakeside Creamery.  They offer 12 varieties of ice cream each day, with different flavors rotating in daily (90 flavors in total), making a repeat trip highly advisable.  The Ice Cream is sourced from local dairy farms and the waffle cones are homemade.  My advice is to grab a cone and head around back to enjoy more delicious food and lake views.

A short walk across the parking lot and you are standing in line at Deep Creek Donuts.  From inception to digestion, you are part of the process.  They will make your doughnut right in front of your eyes.  A vanilla cake base which is then flavored and topped with whatever creative idea you can conjure up!  First a coating, then a topping, then it’s back to the lake for more views and chews!

Finally, it’s off to the Copper Kettle for fresh popcorn, fudge, chocolate, and candies.  It’s just a short walk across the parking lot. With over a dozen flavors of popcorn including Kettle Corn and Caramel Corn and nearly a dozen varieties of fudge and chocolates, your sweet tooth will be sufficiently satisfied!  While the lake is beautiful, there is a good chance that your tummy is full, so maybe it’s time to grab a few sweets for the campfire or car ride and do your best to resist the urge to head back to the lake to scarf a little more.

 My recommendations for post-send replenishment:

1. Cabin Lodge: Falafel on Pita, side of Cole Slaw and a side of Fries
2. Lakeside Creamery: Single scoop of Peanut Butter Fudge Ice Cream
3. Deep Creek Donuts: Single Donut ½ Lemon Glaze and ½ Blueberry Glaze
4. Copper Kettle: Pizza favored Popcorn and a Sliver of Maple Nut Fudge

Western Maryland climbing, come for the food!!!

Location: Deep Creek Lake, MD “The Old Line State”

Crag: Fork Run

Restaurant: Cabin Lodge

Distance: 13 Minutes