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Potomac-Garrett State Forest |
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The Potomac State Forest, 11,535 acres situated between the towns of Oakland and Westernport and partially bordering the Potomac River, is reached from Maryland Routes 135 and 560.
Mountain forests, streams and valleys make up nearly 12,000 acres in Potomac State Forest. The forest drains into the Potomac River Basin, and features the highest point in any Maryland state forest – Backbone Mountain, elevation 3,220 feet. Another high point in the forest is the rock outcropping near the intersection of Maryland Route 135 and Walnut Bottom Road which overlooks a portion of Potomac State Forest, Savage River State Forest and Crabtree Creek.
The Potomac River has its headwaters in this rugged mountain forest where wildlife abounds and there is excellent trout fishing.
State Forest regulations are posted in conspicuous locations throughout the forest. Additional information and a brochure can be obtained by calling the forest headquarters.
Self-Guided Recreational Activities:
Features:
- 3-D Archery Range
The Potomac-Garrett State Forest 3-D Archery Range is open April
1st (weather permittting). The 3-D Range offers fun and challenging shoots at 30
3-dimensional foam targets. Cost is $7.00 a round for adults; $5.00 for ages
12-16; and free for children 11 and under (who must be accompanied by an adult).
The range is open April 1 through the first full week of October, from
sunrise to one-half hour before sunset each day. The Annual Tournament was held
July 29, 2008. A "Hunters Special Shoot" will be held on September 7, 2008.
- Potomac State Forest outdoor recreation opportunities and amenities include cross country skiing, camping and shelters, fishing, hiking trails, hunting, picnicking, equestrian trails, and snowmobiling.
![[Disabled accessible]](/art/hgaccess.gif) Potomac State Forest offers accessible hunting areas, park office and one pavilion. For additional accessible amenities in Maryland State Forests and Parks, visit the Accessibility For All section of this website.
- Pets are allowed in all areas of the Forest. No leash is required as long as pets are under control.
- Trail Maps:
- CAMPING AREAS
Wallman/Laurel Run: South of Oakland, along Wallman and Laurel Run Roads leading to North Branch of Potomac River (16 sites).
Lostland Run: Near headquarters area, along Lostland Run road leading to North Branch of Potomac River (6 sites).
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.
- 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.
Location - In southeastern Garrett County, off MD Route 135.
Potomac State Forest
1431 Potomac Camp Road
Oakland, MD 21550
(301) 334-2038
Photographs by Potomac State Forest Staff
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