Forest Canopy Walkway at the Discovery Center Deep Creek Lake State Park
Imagine being able to explore the world of the treetops from the lowest branch to 80 feet above the ground. The Western Garrett County State Park Volunteers, Inc. (WGCSPV) in partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Park Service and Forest Service are excited about plans to offer such an opportunity for visitors to The Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park, located in Garrett County Maryland. The Forest Canopy Walk (FCW) will be attached to The Discovery Center, a premier regional nature center facility built in 2000. Building the project at the Center will allow easy, at-grade access for all visitors to the site. Also, the proximity to the Center and access to trained staff will facilitate a better understanding of the forest canopy through park interpretation and education.
The Forest Canopy Walkway will be designed to accommodate diverse visitor populations including a 160 foot wheelchair accessible canopy bridge that connects directly to the Discovery Center.
The Canopy Walk is comprised of three parts and can be separated into three construction and fundraising phases.
The Accessible Canopy Bridge will attach to the Discovery Center and make a “loop” to the parking lot. The Accessible Bridge, or Phase I, will depart the Discovery Center at the northwest corner of the building. Creating the entrance to the project here offers a breathtaking view of Deep Creek Lake. There will be bench seating to allow for the visitor to await a programming opportunity or simply sit, observe and reflect on the natural surroundings.
Architectural Rendering of the Walkway