![[New Germany State Park Trail Guide]](/publiclands/art/abouthead.gif)
Welcome to New Germany State Park. Located in Garrett County, New Germany is at the western most edge of Maryland's Chesapeake Bay watershed. The park takes its name from the 19th century farming community that developed in this area and reminded early settlers of their Germany homeland.
Families and outdoor enthusiasts enjoy hiking, mountain biking and cross country skiing on the park's 12 miles of trails, and swimming, fishing and boating on the 13-acre New Germany Lake. Picnicking, camping, birding and nature appreciation are possible in the 400 acres of New Germany and the adjoining 54,000 acres of Savage River State Forest. Visitors can also enjoy the historic Casselman River Bridge near Grantsville and Big Run State Park at the north end of the Savage River Reservoir, located eight miles southwest of New Germany State Park. Wildlife and Nature Appreciation New Germany is comprised of various ecosystems, including a man-made lake, natural swamp, brook trout stream, stands of mature eastern hemlock and plantations of 50-70 year-old spruce, pine and fir. This diverse habitat supports a wide array of wildlife, including black bears, bobcats, coyote and white-tailed deer. Birders can see a variety of species while hiking the forest trails, as well as around the shoreline of New Germany Lake. A keen ear may detect various warblers, woodpeckers, thrushes and fly catchers. The distinct overhead croak of a northern raven often drifts down from the nearby mountain ridge top. The woodlands of the park are primarily mixed hardwood and coniferous forest. Rhododendron line the banks of Poplar "Lick," local parlance for a stream, and provide a spectacular sight during full-bloom at the end of June through mid-July. All seasons offer a truly awe-inspiring opportunity to enjoy the scenery and activities that have brought visitors to New Germany State park for generations. A spring walk through the woods reveals wildflowers such as painted trillium, moccasin flower, sweet cicely, wood sorrel and wild strawberry. Summer brings asters, Joe-pye weed, milkweed and daisies. Sugar maple, red maple, black gum and American larch produce stunning fall foliage. Cross-country skiing on New Germany's trails showcase snow-laden, towering eastern hemlock and the call of a black-capped chickadee. Water Recreation The damming of Poplar Lick created New Germany's 13-acre lake, which is popular with anglers, swimmers and boaters. Anglers fish for catfish, trout, bass and tiger muskie. Swimmers enjoy the roped swimming lanes and the brisk spring-fed waters. Boaters may use electric trolling motors, paddle boats, sail boats, rowboats or canoes and kayaks. No gasoline motors are permitted. Consult your freshwater sportfishing guide for detailed information on rules, regulations and creel limits. Public boat launches are located at New Germany Lake and Savage River Reservoir. Cross-country Skiing Cross-country skiers of all abilities enjoy a winter wonderland on New Germany's scenic trails. Novice skiers follow the Green and Three Bridges Trails, which parallel Poplar Lick run, often frozen throughout the winter. More challenging terrain can be found on the network of trails that climb either side of the stream valley. End the day with a cozy fire in your cabin woodstove. Camping and Cabins Camping is available from spring through fall. There are 39 campsites in the New Germany camp loops with a central bathhouse. Another nine overflow campsites are located near the park entrance. The park's 11 rustic log cabins available year-round are fully winterized with woodstove and electric heat. To make picnic, pavilion and camping reservations spring through fall, or cabin reservations year round, call Park Reservations at 1-888-432-CAMP (2267). Or, make your reservation on the Internet: reservations.dnr.state.md.us
Heritage New Germany began as a small rural community centered around a grist mill, once located on the lake and operated by the Swauger Family. The surrounding forest was cleared of timber throughout the 1800s. Most of the local homesteads used the land to raise livestock for their own sustenance. Many farms were sold to the federal government during the Depression era. Savage River State Forest evolved from these initial federal land acquisitions that were later turned over to the State of Maryland. In the 1930s, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). CCC Camp S-52 was established at New Germany and members built many of the park's recreation facilities, including cabins, campsites and trails. The CCC's maintenance of forest roads better protected the forest from wildfires and laid the foundation for future forest management practices to improve these public lands. Forestry professionals carried on this legacy by replanting formerly depleted farmlands while actively thinning and managing young stands of timber to improve their vigor and growth. These tree plantings quickly repaired eroded soils and returned the cleared land to a forest ecosystem. Trails Please Play Safe! New Germany is a natural area with certain hazards, such as poison ivy, rocky and slippery trails, venomous snakes and insects. The following trail descriptions highlight the main routes. Additional connector trails are indicated on the map, available by contacting the park office. Remember, you are responsible for having the necessary skills, knowledge and equipment for a safe and environmentally sensitive visit.
Trail Stewardship You can help support trails at your favorite forest or park by volunteering on trail projects or purchasing a tax-deductible Trail Stewardship sticker. Your support helps maintain and construct trails to protect the environment and benefit trail users. For more information call the park office at 301-895-5453.
New Germany State Park is enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year. Please help us protect the forest's natural and historic resources by following these Leave No Trace ethics. For more information on Leave No Trace, visit their website at: www.lnt.org
Remember that all of Maryland's State Parks are Trash-Free, so pack out what you pack in! Thanks for being a good steward of Maryland's outdoors.
Pets Pets are prohibited in New Germany State Park for sanitary reaons and the convenience of visitors. Pets are permitted, on a leash, in nearby Savage River State Forest and Big Run State Park. Park Watch The Maryland Park Service's Park Watch program encourages visitors and neighbors to take an active role in protecting personal property and preserving the park. If you observe suspicious activities, vandalism or safety hazards, please report these problems to any park employee or call: 1-800-825-PARK (7275). Guides and Outfitters For information on commercial guides and outfitters or organizing group outings, contact the Nature Tourism Office at 301-387-7314. Friends of New Germany The Friends of New Germany is a non-profit foundation established for the purpose of maintaining and enhancing park facilities, trails and programs. Volunteers and financial tax-exempt donations are welcome. For further information contact the park office at 301-895-5453. Directions New Germany State Park is located in Garrett County, eight miles south of Grantsville, Maryland. Take Exit 22 off of I-68 and follow Chestnut Ridge Road south to New Germany Road. Signs will direct visitors south on New Germany Road for two miles. The park office is on the right and the park entrance is further down on the left. New Germany is approximately three hours west of Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
New Germany State Park New Germany State Park office is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday. The park is open 8:00 a.m. to sunset.
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