Garrett State Forest

State Forest Amenities  State Forest Events  Please Leave No Trace

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Garrett State Forest is the birthplace of forestry conservation in Maryland. The generous donation of 1,917 acres by the Garrett Brothers in 1906 serves as the foundation of the Garrett State Forest, as well as Maryland's present Public Lands system. Mountain forests, streams and valleys make up the nearly 7,000 acres of Garrett State Forest in Garrett County.

The forest is home to red oak, white oak, scarlet oak, black cherry, hickory, red maple, white pine and hemlock along the stream banks. Mountain streams trickle throughout the region, offering visitors glimpses of beaver ponds and cranberry bogs. Many wildlife species make their home in this forest. Primitive campsites, hiking, hunting, birding, biking, skiing and snowmobiling allow visitors to enjoy the beauty of their surroundings.

State Forest regulations are posted in conspicuous locations throughout the forest. Additional information and a brochure of the forest can be obtained by calling the forest headquarters. Check out a map of the forest.

Self-Guided Recreational Activities:

• Kindness Demonstration Area
• Hiking Potomac-Garrett State Forest (2.7 mi)
• Hiking Potomac-Garrett State Forest (5.5 mi.)
• Hiking Potomac-Garrett State Forest (9 mi.)
• Mountain Biking Potomac-Garrett State Forest (5.5 mi.)
• Mountain Biking Potomac-Garrett State Forest (9 mi. circuit)
• Mountain Biking Potomac-Garrett State Forest (2.7 mi)
• off-Road vehicle trails in Potomac-Garrett State Forest (3.5 mi)
• Off-Road vehicle trails in Potomac-Garrett State Forest (1.9 mi.)
• Snowmobiling in Potomac-Garrett State Forest (9 mi. circuit)
• Snowmobiling in Potomac-Garrett State Forest (2.7 mi.)

Features:

• Cross country skiing, campsites, fishing, hiking trails, historic interest, hunting, riding trails and snowmobiling.
• Trail Maps:
  • Potomac River Trail System
  • Garrett Trail System
• CAMPING AREAS
  • Piney Mountain: North of Oakland along Piney Mountain Road (6 sites).
    172 Piney Mountain Rd., Oakland, MD 21550
  • Snaggy Mountain: Along Snaggy Mountain Road near Swallow Falls State Park (11 sites).
    3739 Snaggy Mountain Rd., Oakland, MD 21550
  • Primitive Camping Along Forest Roads: One Group Site and one Shelter Site per area, along with roadside sites. Group Sites (up to 20 persons) must be reserved in advance for $20 per night. Shelter Sites are $15 per night and all other sites are "first come, first served" for $10 per night. Self-registration at camping area. Call Forest office for reservations at 301-334-2038.
• Pets are allowed in all areas of the Forest. No leash is required as long as pets are under control.
• Trails for off-road vehicles, or ORV's, are available in Garrett, Potomac, Green Ridge, Savage River and Pocomoke State Forests. Off-road vehicles must be registered annually with DNR and display a registration sticker. Registration stickers are available from any DNR regional service center, and stickers and trail maps are available at the five state forests where ORV use is permitted.
• Garrett State Forest offers accessible hunting areas. For additional accessible amenities in Maryland State Forests and Parks, visit the Accessibility For All section of this website.

Location - In Garrett County, 5 miles northwest of Oakland, off U.S. Route 219.

Garrett State Forest
1431 Potomac Camp Road
Oakland, MD 21550
(301) 334-2038