DIRECTIONS Take Exit 22 off I-68, turn left and go south on Chestnut Ridge WELCOME Please Play Safe! HUNTING Savage River Reservoir Road. At the stop sign, turn left onto New Germany Road. Savage River State Forest is a natural area with Hunting is permitted throughout the forest. The Savage River Reservoir provides fishing and Continue for two miles. Turn right onto Headquarters Lane certain hazards such as overhanging branches, Boundaries are marked with yellow paint. No paddling opportunities. Boat launches are located and continue to the forest office on the right. rocky and slippery trails, and venomous hunting allowed where there are safety zone signs or at Big Run State Park, Dry Run Road and near the snakes. Bottles of water and sturdy shoes are where posted by private landowners. Hunters should breast of the dam. No gasoline motors are permitted. Approximately 3 hours from Washington, D.C./Baltimore, 2 hours from Pittsburgh. recommended while exploring, as well as blaze consult the Maryland Hunting Guide — available at Anglers can catch Catfish, Trout, Bass and Tiger orange clothing during hunting seasons. Some of dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide — for exact season Muskie. Depending on the season, visitors may More information is available at dnr.maryland.gov/ the forest trails are gravel roads, which are open dates and bag limits. see grouse, great blue herons, king fishers, minks publiclands/western/savageriverforest.asp or by contacting to motor vehicles at various times. Remember, and eagles as well. Swimming in the Reservoir is the forest office. you are responsible for having the necessary Several access roads are available to hunters with prohibited. skills, knowledge and equipment for a safe and disabilities. Hunters must possess a valid permit Savage River State Forest environmentally sensitive visit. and display it in their vehicles. More information is Visitors should always check the weather forecast 127 Headquarters Lane Grantsville, Maryland 21536 available at the forest office. often when planning trips. The reservoir is situated Phone: (301) 895-5759 Savage River Shooting Range in a canyon that can experience high winds, making TTY: 1-800-735-2258 paddling difficult and dangerous. The public can sight in their weapons or enjoy target Maryland Forest Service General Information: practice at the Range located off New Germany Road. The reservoir is owned and managed by the Upper 1-800-830-3974 No fully automatic weapons or skeet/clay pigeons are Potomac River Commission. They can be contacted TTY: 1-800-735-2258 permitted. 410-260-8531 directly regarding water releases. Email: [email protected] Self registration envelopes are available on site. Yearly passes can be obtained at the Range or the Forest Plan your outdoor adventure online! Headquarters Office. dnr.maryland.gov WATER RECREATION AND FRESHWATER FISHING Savage River State Forest is the birthplace of two mountain rivers separated by the Continental Divide. Popular among advanced paddlers and anglers, the Martin O’Malley, Governor Savage River flows south to the Potomac at 85 feet Joseph P. Gill, Secretary Residents of the Forest per minute. Some of the best wild Trout fishing in Rhododendron thickets, hickory and oak trees — Maryland happens here. to Savage River native to northern hardwood forests — provide State Forest! habitat to many wildlife species, such as black bears, The Casselman River flows north into the Off-Road Vehicles Youghiogheny River and eventually empties into white-tailed deer, bobcats, raccoons and other Snowmobile and off-road vehicle (ORV) operators Report any emergencies to a forest employee or call 911. The Maryland small mammals. More than 100 species of birds are the Mississippi. Stocked with Rainbow and Brown can enjoy several miles of scenic trail riding. Natural Resources Police can be reached at 1-800-628-9944. Trout, anglers enjoy this freshwater experience. This document is available in alternative format upon request from a quali- Savage River State Forest’s more than identified in the forest, including hawks, owls and A current ORV sticker issued by the Maryland fied individual with a disability. Fishing regulations and other detailed information is 54,000 acres of rugged terrain challenges songbirds. Eagles have also been spotted soaring Department of Natural Resources must be displayed. The facilities and services of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources available at dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries. are available to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orienta- over the Savage River Reservoir. Learn more at dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/orv.asp. tion, age, national origin or physical or mental disability. hikers, hunters, anglers and mountain All photos © Middleton Evans unless noted bikers alike. Each season brings the forest DNR# - 04-9112007-246 Keep wildlife wild by not feeding them © 2013 Maryland Department of Natural Resources to life with delightful colors and sounds, and keeping your distance. Allow TRAILS Monroe Run Trail terrain make this trail challenging for hikers and others to discover the forest’s unique resources by 6.4 miles - moderate mountain bikers. like bright white trillium on a sunny slope leaving rocks, plants, cultural artifacts and other Asa Durst Trail Hikers only. Crumbling bridge abutments are the only and the sounds of migrating warblers natural objects of interest as you find them. 4.5 miles - moderate remaining evidence that this scenic trail was formerly taking a brief rest. The tranquility of the This trail provides an enjoyable day hike through a connection road built by the Civilian Conservation rolling forestlands. Upland hardwood forests that Corps. Frequent stream crossings provide plenty of Maryland secluded forest provides shade over native have reclaimed former pastures and farmlands host cool resting spots along the way, ending near the brook trout streams and a cool place to stands of pine and spruce trees and valleys rimmed Savage River Reservoir in Big Run State Park. Savage River camp at night. in rhododendron. This area is recommended for backcountry snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Margraff Trails State Forest 7.5 miles - moderate More than 12,000 acres have been Poplar Lick Trail A series of circuit, gravel roads provide less technical hiking designated as State Wildlands, ensuring 6 miles - moderate and mountain biking opportunities, while more advanced This forested dirt road — beginning off New Germany cyclists can test their skills on challenging single track trails. the preservation of the forest’s unique and Road and ending at the Savage River — is the remainder With an elevation of 2,800 feet, visitors enjoy splendid views unspoiled natural resources. of a Civilian Conservation Corps roadway constructed year round. Designated campsites occur along the trail, and in 1934. This hiking, biking and camping trail has 13 some sections are open for snowmobile use. CAMPING stream crossings, but only 5 bridges. Visitors will see LEAVE NO TRACE The forest’s 70 primitive sites are available on a rhododendron blooms and colorful wildflowers. A B-52 Mt. Aetna Tract Trails Savage River is enjoyed by thousands of visitors first-come, first-served basis. Bear Pen — a group monument sits between Campsites 154 and 155. 7.6 miles - moderate Big Savage Trail every year. Please help us protect the forest’s camping site — is located off Savage River Road Diverse loop trails offer opportunities for bird watching, 17 miles - difficult natural and historic resources by following these and requires a reservation. More information is mountain biking and hiking. Heavy snowfall supports Hikers only. This popular backpacking trail winds through Leave No Trace ethics. Learn more at lnt.org available at the forest office. snowshoeing and cross-country skiing activities during winter upland forests of oak and hickory, old pine farmsteads and months. Trail maps are available at the forest office. The privately rocky terrains blanketed by wild azalea and rhododendron. • Plan ahead and prepare New Germany and Big Run State Parks, located owned Savage River Lodge also contains cabins and a gourmet Remnants of an old fire tower remain at High Rock. Hikers • Travel and camp on durable surfaces within Savage River State Forest, offer additional restaurant. should bring plenty to drink, as there are limited reliable water • Dispose of waste properly camping and recreational opportunities. To learn sources along the way. • Leave what you find more, contact the parks’ office at 301-895-5453. Meadow Mountain Trail • Minimize campfire impacts 12 miles - moderate Backpacker Loop • Respect wildlife The best way to avoid bear problems is to avoid Originally created for fire control, this rocky trail fluctuates in 24 miles - difficult • Be considerate of other visitors attracting them in the first place. If a bear comes into elevation. The four-mile section near I-68 — or East Shale Road Featuring the Meadow Mountain, Monroe Run and Poplar camp, don’t feed it! Make noise to scare it away. — is open for ORV use. The remaining eight miles, southwest of Lick trails, this loop of forest roads includes primitive All of Maryland’s New Germany Road, is closed to ORVs, except for snowmobiles. campsites and is great for multi-day backpacking trips. More State Forests are Black Bear Tips This portion generally follows the crest of Meadow Mountain information is available at the forest office. trash free — so Never feed bears. They will associate people with and provides an excellent view from the Meadow Mountain pack out what food. It is illegal to feed bears in Maryland. Overlook — easily accessible by a three-quarter mile spur trail. New Germany State Park Trails you pack in! Never keep food in your tent. Store food in your 10 miles - easy to difficult Thanks for being vehicle or a container on your site, or hang it between Negro Mountain Trail New Germany State Park, located within Savage River a good steward two trees. 8 miles - difficult State Forest, offers approximately 10 miles of trails of Maryland’s Never burn or bury scraps. Promptly place trash in a Winter sports lovers can enjoy adventurous snowmobiling popular for cross-country skiing, hiking and mountain TRAIL GUIDE outdoors. dumpster. by following markers. Stream crossings and uneven biking. Detailed maps are available at the park office. HIKING • FISHING • BIKING CAMPING • HUNTING OFF-ROAD VEHICLES