 New Germany State Park |
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New Germany State Park |
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Popular for picnicking and camping, New Germany State Park lies within the boundaries of Savage River State Forest. The 13-acre lake was formed when Poplar Lick Run was dammed for mill operation. This impoundment, known as Swauger's Mill Dam, was named for mid-nineteenth century sawmill and gristmill builder, John Swauger.
Check out special trout management fishing areas in Western Maryland.
Features Boat launch, boat rental, cabins, cross country skiing, camp fire programs, camp sites, snack bar, dump station, fishing, flat water canoeing, hiking trail, historic interest, picnic table & grills, shelters, swimming, nature center.
Pets - Please note that pets are prohibited throughout the entire area of New Germany State Park. Pet owners may utilize the surrounding acres of Savage River State Forest, along with the nearby parks at Big Run and Casselman River Bridge.
Day Use - There is a $2/person service charge for the day use area Memorial Day - Labor Day on weekends and holidays; $3/person during ski season (out-of-state visitors add $1/person).
Camping - There are 39 reservable individual campsites. Modern bathhouses also have hot water showers. Nine additional overflow campsites are available near the park entrance on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cabins - Eleven cabins are available, all furnished and equipped with electricity, bathrooms with showers, minimal bedding (no linens), fireplaces and kitchens. Linens are available for rent at $5 per set.
Check out camping season beginning and ending dates, and camping and shelter service charges.
Shelters - A reservation service charge applies to all pavilion rentals. Parties using shelters are not exempt from the day use service charge.
Boating - Rowboats, paddle boats and kayaks may be rented for use on the lake. Gasoline or fuel powered vessels are not permitted.
Maryland Park Service Standards for Historic Weapons Use - Historic weapons safety guidelines for interpretive demonstration purposes as authorized by the Maryland Park Service.
Winter Activities
Western Maryland offers excellent skiing and ample snow during most of the winter season. Always contact the state park for current snow and trail conditions as well as current service charges.
- Ski Rentals and lessons are available in the park through Allegany Expeditions by calling 1-800-819-5170 or emailing them at jspn675-aeioffice@yahoo.com. The ski concession is located in the Recreation Hall and is open when ski conditions are acceptable from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and holidays with weekday rentals available by appointment.
- Always dress appropriately, as frostbite and hypothermia can be cause for concern during periods of extreme cold. Inexperienced skiers are cautioned against trail-use on steep slopes. The trails are marked according to their level of difficulty.
- As the snow base becomes packed, skiers should become adept at turning and stopping before attempting the more challenging downhill runs on the Blue, Purple, Red, and far end of the Green Trails. Melting of snow and packing of the snow base can create extremely fast and challenging runs on steeper slopes. If you have not yet perfected your stops and turns, you are best advised to stay on flatter trails.
- Some trail sections may have a thinner coating of snow cover for short distances, especially those sections with heavy canopy cover from hemlock trees or runoff from hillside springs. This can cause damage to ski bases from underlying rocks, or put less experienced skiers off balance. Skiers should be prepared to stop when descending hills where these conditions exist.
- Trail etiquette is of primary importance during the winter months to optimize the use of snow covered trails for all users within the park. Skiers are required to keep to the right of the trail, using and/or setting established tracks (unless passing) to accommodate two-way travel throughout the park's trail system. Hikers and snowshoe users are reminded not to walk in cross country ski tracks as this hinders the skiers' use of trails. Hikers and snowshoe users should use the center portion of the trail for travel. Skate cross country skiers may use the middle section of the trail also, but must defer to snowshoe users and hikers. Single file travel is recommended whenever there are other trail users in the vicinity. Trail users are reminded that if stopping, they should step off the trail so as not to interfere with other recreational users.
- Mountain bikes are prohibited from New Germany's trails once the trails become snow-covered. Pets are not permitted in the park or on its associated trails, due to the potential for conflict with other visitors.
TRAIL MAPS:
View a copy of the New Germany State Park Trail Guide. This trail guide, complete with a topographical map of the multi-use trails, is available for sale at New Germany State Park headquarters.
Directions:
From Baltimore:
West on I-70 to Hancock. Pick up I-68 and travel through Cumberland, Maryland. Continue west to Exit 22. Turn left at the end of the exit ramp onto Chestnut Ridge Road. Pass Comfort Inn and follow Chestnut Ridge Road for three miles to New Germany Road. Turn left and travel two miles to the New Germany State Park entrance on left. Park headquarters office is on the right before entering the park. Travel time about three hours.From Washington, D.C.:
Take 270 north to Frederick, Maryland. Pick up I-70 west and follow directions above for Baltimore. Travel time about 3.5 hours.From Pittsburgh/Morgantown:
Take I-79 to I-68 east. Follow I-68 into Maryland to Exit 22 at Comfort Inn. Turn right at the end of the exit ramp onto Chestnut Ridge Road. Travel about three miles to New Germany Road. Turn left and travel two miles to the New Germany State Park entrance on left. Travel time about one hour from Morgantown and two hours from Pittsburgh.
Accessibility for the disabled - NGSP offers the disabled access to the 13 acre lake, along with some picnic areas, camping, restroom facilities and pavillions. Cabin #3, located in New Germany State Park, is equipped for the handicapped. For further information please contact our office at (301) 895-5453. Obtain a park map for more information.
For additional accessible amenities in Maryland State Forests and Parks, visit the Accessibility For All section of this website.
Location - The park is five miles southeast of Grantsville, in the heart of the Savage River State Forest.New Germany State Park
349 Headquarters Lane
Grantsville, MD 21536
(301) 895-5453
Call 1-888-432-CAMP(2267) for reservations
Click here to make reservations on-line for New Germany State Park.
Funding for Maryland's State and local parks and conservation areas is provided through The Department of Natural Resources' Program Open Space. Established in 1969, Program Open Space symbolizes Maryland's long term commitment to conserving natural resources while providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities.
Updated on June 5, 2009
