Savage River State Forest
Savage River State Forest's more than 54,000 acres of rugged terrain challenges hikers, hunter, anglers and mountain bikers alike. The tranquility of the secluded forest provides shade during warm months for native brook trout streams and a cool place to camp at night. Each season brings the forest to life with delightful colors and sounds, like bright white trillium on a sunny slope and the sounds of migrating warblers making a brief stop to rest in the forest. More than 11,000 acres of the forest have been designated as State Wildlands, ensuring the preservation of the forest's unique and unspoiled natural resources.
The Big Savage Trail is now open but the going is rough and recommended for only the most experienced hikers with excellent navigation skills. The ice storm of 2002 and Gypsy Moth defoliations in 2006 and 2007 have ravaged the forest canopy over large areas of the trail, allowing sunlight to proliferate an abundance of vegetative growth on the forest floor thus obscuring the trail in many locations. Volunteer efforts are underway to clear these overgrown sections but until the forest canopy reestablishes itself at some point in the future keeping the trail open will continue to be a challenge.
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At the Site
Activities to do
Facilities/Amenities available
Hours
The forest is accessible from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
(Note: Many places fill to capacity on busy, nice weather days, especially holiday weekends. Please call ahead or visit the official website to get the most up-to-date information before visiting.)
Activities
- Biking trails
- Boat launch
- Cross country skiing
- Campsites
- Fishing
- Flat water canoeing
- Hiking trail
- Historic interest
- Hunting
- Off-road vehicle trails
- Picnic
- Riding trails
- Shelters
- Snowmobiling
- White water canoeing.
Facilities
70 primitive camping sites are available; firewood for camping must be purchased onsite
Accessibility
SRSF offers several handicapped hunter access roads which are open to hunters throughout the hunting season. These roads will be recognized by the "Vehicle Access by Special Permit Only" sign at the road entrance. Hunters must have a valid permit in their possession and a "Permit Display Card" on their vehicle. Permit applications may be obtained from the Wildlife Regional Service Center (301) 777-2136, located at 3 Pershing Street, Room 110 Cumberland, Maryland 21502. For further information you may contact our office at (301) 895-5759.
Pets
Allowed in all areas with a leash.
History
The Big Savage Trail is now open but the going is rough and recommended for only the most experienced hikers with excellent navigation skills. The ice storm of 2002 and Gypsy Moth defoliations in 2006 and 2007 have ravaged the forest canopy over large areas of the trail, allowing sunlight to proliferate an abundance of vegetative growth on the forest floor thus obscuring the trail in many locations
