Two Great Rivers~ The Savage and the Youghiogheny
by Camp Earth Chief Guide Crede Calhoun

Garrett County is blessed with a great resource of rivers. These rivers offer many opportunities for recreation and a visit to the Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County area would not be complete without a visit to one of the many rivers in our area. From fishing to kayaking to whitewater rafting or just swimming, enjoying these waterways is easy in Garrett County. In this months Kid's nature Corner we will look at two these rivers and explore what types of things you can do.

Before we get started let's take a look at a unique feature of our area. Garrett County straddles what is know as the Eastern Continental Divide. All water flows downstream and eventually ends up in the ocean. On one side the of the county the water flows into Potomac River and heads to Washington DC and the Chesapeake Bay and on the other side all the water flows into the Youghiogheny River and heads toward Pittsburgh PA and the Ohio River (eventually ending up in the Gulf of Mexico). Meadow Mountain which runs north to south through much of the county is the dividing natural feature that separates the two drainages.

The Savage River

The Savage was named after a local family. It flows from the area know as Big Savage Mountain (Maryland's second highest mountain) and many of it's tributaries also drain the Backbone mountain region as well. (Tributary: A stream or river that flows into a larger one.) The Upper Savage River above Big Run State Park is a great trout fishing river. At Big Run State Park the Savage River Flows into the Savage River Reservoir. This large 350 acre reservoir sits in the middle of Maryland's highest mountains which fall steeply into it. It is a very easy 20 minute drive from Deep Creek Lake. There are no motor boats allowed on the lake and there are no houses built up around it. It is very beautiful and the perfect place to find piece and quiet. For the last couple of years bald eagles have been sighted at the reservoir, and this year it appears as though a mating pair has decided to build a nest and have eaglets. If you want to check out the reservoir you can participate in one of Camp Earth's kayak tours. Folks can fish along the banks of the reservoir and there is a nice picnic area at Big Run State Park.

The Peaceful Savage Reservoir

The Youghiogheny River

Youghiogheny is a Shawnee Indian word meaning 'the river that flows in a contrary direction'. The Youghiogheny or "YOCK' as the locals call it flows north rather south like most rivers in our area. The Youghiogheny starts in West Virginia and flows into Oakland and then proceeds to Friendsville and then North to Pennsylvania before eventually emptying into the Allegheny River just outside of Pittsburgh. The Youghiogheny flows through Swallow Falls State Park. Swallow Falls has some easy hiking trails that you can walk on your own or you can take a guided nature walk. There are several waterfalls in the park as well as a virgin hemlock forest of giant trees.

You can canoe from Hoyes Run where there is a public access point and take-out in Sang Run. This is a very easy section of floating. Below Sang Run the Youghiogheny Takes on a wild character and becomes Class V. Many companies offer whitewater rafting on this section. Minimum age is 16 and it is considered one of the best rafting rivers in country. The river below Friendsville is floating section and in Pennsylvania there are two sections the 'Middle' Youghiogheny which is an easy float and 'Lower' Yough which is Class III.

You can also enjoy the Youghiogheny by hiking up river from Friendsville along the old railroad grade that follows the river upstream to National Falls. On days there is rafting you can walk up the river and watch the rafts and kayaks come down. If you want to take a guided hike to a beautiful swimming hole there is the River Walk for you to try.

Swimming Hole called "the Great Ledge" Youghiogheny River upstream from Friendsville.

The Youghiogheny River has recently designated a Maryland State Wild and Scenic River. This means the river corridor and 1,000 feet up from the shoreline is protected for the future.

Garrett County's rivers are true jewels that all visitors should take the time to explore. 'Go with flow' and discover a side of Garrett County offering peace and quiet and the relaxing sounds of flowing water.