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Green Ridge State Forest Trail Guide
Hiking * Camping * Paddling * Fishing * Biking * Off-Road Vehicles * Backpacking * Hunting
As one of Maryland's largest state forests, Green Ridge offers exciting recreation opportunities in an undeveloped, wild setting. The forest's 46,000 acres are shaded by white pine, oak and hickory trees, and provide pleasant hiking and backpacking, adventurous mountain biking and an off-road vehicle trail. Visitors can access the Potomac River for paddling and fishing along miles of protected shoreline.
Forest History
Green Ridge, as you see it today, is a 46,000-acre oak-hickory forest. The appearance, however, has changed over centuries of human use -- and misuse. There was a time when hardly a tree stood here. The forest was in poor condition when the State Department of Forestry acquired portions of it in 1931. Iron ore and timber exploitation in the early 1800s and the transformation into an apple orchard a half-century later had taken their toll on the forest. Through responsible forest management and respectful visitor use, the forest has become the healthy habitat you are enjoying today.
Nature Appreciation
Green Ridge is comprised of a oak-history forest in the Ridge and Valley Province of Maryland. Narrow ridges and stream valleys expose steep elevation changes. Scenic views of wild areas harbor plentiful wildlife, including white-tailed deer, turkey, black bears and bald eagles. Visitors can enjoy viewing wildflowers and the migration of songbirds in the spring.
The Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal
Green Ridge State Forest borders the Potomac River and historic C&O Canal, offering 30 miles of horseback riding, hiking and biking along the canal's towpath. The canal operated from 1828 to 1924 as a transportation route, hauling coal from Western Maryland to the port of Georgetown.
To find out more information about the C&O Canal and other historic features in Allegany County, visit the Cumberland Visitor Center, located in the Western Maryland Railroad Station at 13 Canal Street, Cumberland, Maryland, or call 301-722-8226.
Trails
Please Play Safe!
The Green Ridge State Forest trail system varies in terrain and can be very rugged. There are stream crossings or steep climbs on most trails. Visitors are encouraged to wear blaze orange during hunting seasons. Remember, you are responsible for having the necessary skills, knowledge and equipment for a safe and environmentally friendly visit.
All trails are blazed white.
- Scenic Overlook Trail 50 yards - easy
This short accessible trail leaves the Forest Visitor Center and ends at an overlook with impressive views of Town Hill and Green Ridge mountain ridges. Bring your camera and lunch with you.
- Pine Lick Trail 6 miles - moderate
Cross Fifteen Mile Creek on a footbridge and hike the stream valley north to the historic Mason Dixon Line. Surveyed in the 1760s, the line helped settle land disputes between the Penn and Calvert families. This trail includes numerous stream crossings with seasonally flowing water.
- Twin Oaks Hiking Trail 2 miles - moderate
This trail is named for a one room schoolhouse, formally known as the Twin Oaks School, which was used in the late 19th century. Hiking on this trail will provide a rewarding experience, traveling through diverse ecosystems, such as mature oak stands, wildlife clearings and pine plantations. Return to your starting point via the Pine Lick Trail to create a 4-mile circuitl
- Long Pond Trail 8 miles - difficult
Take a scenic route to the C&O Canal near Lock 58, while hiking along Fifteen Mile Creek. The dense woods lining Fifteen Mile Creek are home to the peculiar one-flowered, cancer-root and wild ginger. Peak viewing times are in early May. A climb will reward you with a spectacular view.
- Deep Run/Big Run Trail 7 miles - moderate
This trail passes a State Wildland, an area designated for the special protection of unique flora and fauna in the forest. The region's annual precipitation is the lowest in the State -- just 36 inches -- creating pockets of desert-like habitats known as shale barrens. Uncommon plants, like the prickly pear cactus, large blazing star and Kate's mountain clover are found here.
- Log Roll Trail 7 miles - moderate
This scenic area is known as the "Log Roll." During the timbering area of the late 1880s, logs were dragged from nearby hills and rolled down these slopes into Town Creek below. From the C&O Canal, this trail begins with many unbridged stream crossings and ends with a breathtaking view of the Town Creek Valley. The mountains viewed to the left are in West Virginia, and to the right is Pennsylvania. For a longer circuit, follow the canal's towpath north approximately 5 miles to the Paw Paw Tunnel and 20 miles to reach Long Pond Trai.
- Mountain Bike Trail
12 mile circuit - single track, difficult
This trail has been designed with mountain bikers in mind, but is also open to hiking. Intermediate and advanced riders are challenged by a variety of terrain, including stream crossings, fallen trees, steep inclines and fash descents. A primitive campsite is available at the trailhead, including a picnic table and fire ring. Mountain biking is also permitted on all forest roads and on the C&O Canal Towpath. For more information about mountain biking in Maryland, visit www.dnr.state.md.us/outdooradventures or contact the International Mountain Biking Association at 1-888-442-4622 or visit www.imba.com
- Off-Road Vehicle Trail 18 mile circuit
Discover some of the best views and scenery of the forest on the ORV trail. Be sure to display a Department of Natural Resources Off-Road Vehicle permit. Permits may be purchased at the Green Ridge Forest Park headquarter and any DNR service center during office hours. Please tread lightly and always wear a helmet and eye protection. Must be 12 and older to "operate".
- Fall Color Driving Tour 30 miles - 3 hours
This self-guided tour has been designated to showcase the fall colors of scenic Western Maryland. For added enjoyment, you may want to bring along binoculars, camera and field guide. For a detailed trip description, visit www.dnr.state.md.us/outdooradventures
Backpacking
Plan a multi-day backpacking trip sleeping in Adirondack shelters, located along each forest trail. Using the C&O Canal, visitors can hike a 42-mile loop beginning at the Forest Visitor Center. Stop in the visitor center before your trip to obtain a back-country permit and tips about backpacking in a "Leave No Trace" way. Additional circuit trails are currently being planned for backpacking trips. Call the Forest Visitor Center for up-to-date information.
Potomac River Recreation
Fishing
Anglers with a Maryland Non-tidal Fishing license can enjoy a variety of fish in the river, including smallmouth bass. A boat ramp at Bond's Landing offers access to the river. Fifteen Mile Creek, Town Creek, Sideling Hill Creek, Orchard Pond and White Sulphur Pond are stocked with trout each spring. For more information, or to find other fishing areas in Maryland, visit www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries
Paddling
This winding section of the Potomac River is runable year-round except after severe drought. Boaters travel at approximately 1.5 miles per hour during normal water conditions. Though most of the way is flat, the river must be considered potentially dangerous at all times. River currents are strong, deceptive and unpredictable. A canoe campsite is available on a first-come, first-served basis at Bond's Landing. Paddlers should always be aware of the weather forecast when preparing for a trip.
- Paw Paw, WV to Bond's Landing
12 miles - 5 hours - Class I
Boat launch parking is located just over the Route 51 bridge entering the town of Paw Paw, West Virginia. Your paddle trip will parallel the C&O Canal, which includes the historic Paw Paw Tunnel, worth stopping for a visit. The floodplain shoreline is home to an abundance of wildlife, including colorful wood ducks and river otters. Camping is located at the Bond's Landing take out site, as well as several other locations along the canal.
- Bond's Landing to Fifteen Mile Creek
9 miles - 3 hours - Class I
Get a feeling of past centuries when Native Americans were dependent on the resources of the Potomac River. They drank its water, fished it for food and used it to guide them from one hunting ground to another. Follow a great blue heron downriver or search for evidence of beavers. Enjoy a cold drink and sandwich at the end of your trip at locally-owned Bill's Place.
Paddling Safety Tips
- Always wear a lifejacket.
- Paddle with others.
- Always check the river's conditions in advance by calling NOAA 703-260-0305.
- If air and water temperatures combined total less than 120 degrees, wear a wetsuit.
The American Canoe Association advocates for paddler safety, clean water, the preservation of natural resources and paddler access to our waterways. For more information visit www.acanet.org or call 703-451-0141.
Hunting/Shooting Range
Hunters find notable populations of white-tailed deer, wild turkeys and gray squirrels. Other game animals include: ruffed grouse, rabbits, coyotes, woodcocks and red and gray fox. Hunting permits may be obtained at the visitor center or a nearby licensing center. For more information about hunting in Maryland, visit www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide
A 12-bench, 25-yard to 100-yard shooting range provides a safe area for target shooting. Permits are required and may be obtained at the visitor center.
Camping
Primitive campsites, which include a picnic table and fire ring, are located throughout the forest and may be used by visitors on a first-come, first-served basis. A self-registration kiosk is located at the visitor center. Group sites must be reserved by calling the visitor center. In addition, the National Park Service maintains primitive campsites along the C&O Canal for trail users and boaters. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information contact the NPS visitor center at 301-678-5463.
There are several quality bed and breakfasts in the area. Visit www.bbonline.com for a listing of establishments or visit www.mdmountainside.com
Pets on a leash are welcome in all areas of the forest. Pets without a leash are permitted while involved in a permitted hunting activity.
Tips for camping in black bear country:
- Never keep food in your tent.
- Store food and garbage out of a bear's reach, by either storing your food in a bear-proof container or hanging it properly between two trees.
- If a bear comes into camp, don't feed it! Scare it away by making noise.
- See a forest employee to get more detailed information on how to camp in black bear country or visit: www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/bbmd.html
Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace, Inc. is a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. Leave No Trace builds awareness, appreciation and respect for our wildlands. For more information visit www.lnt.org
- While you are enjoying the forest, please help us protect its natural and historic resources by following Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics.
- Leave what you find. Allow others to discover the shale barrens by leaving rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
- Choose the right path by walking or riding in single file on the designated trails. Trails are extremely vulnerable to damage during and following rain events. Please allow at least 24-48 hours for trails to dry after significant rain or call the forest office for updated trail conditions.
Directions
From Washington, D.C./Baltimore: (Travel time approximately 2 hours.) Take I-70 west to I-68 west. Take exit #64 (M.V. Smith Road). Make a right onto M.V. Smith Road. The Headquarters Drive is on the right after crossing I-68.
From Pittsburgh: (Travel time approximately 3 1/2 hours.) Take I-79 to I-68 east. Take exit #64 (M.V. Smith Road). Take a right onto M.V. Smith Road. The Headquarters Drive is immediately on the right.
Green Ridge State Forest
28700 Headquarters Drive, NE
Flintstone MD 21530-9525
301-478-3124
TTY users call via the MD Relay
State Forest General Information: 1-877-620-8DNR (8367) x8531,
(Out of State) 410-260-8367 x8531, TTY users dial 711
Please report any problem to a Forest Service employee or call
Park Watch at 1-800-825-7275 or Natural Resources Police 1-301-777-7771 or 1-800-628-9944.
Green Ridge State Forest is open 24 hours a day, year-round. Green Ridge State Forest headquarters is open during office hours Monday through Friday. Weekend office hours vary, depending on the season.
This trail guide, complete with a topographical map of the trails, is available for sale through the forest office by calling 301-478-3124.
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