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.

Related Trip Ideas

• Top Places for Trout Fishing in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Nearby Places

• Dan’s Mountain State Park
• Green Ridge State Forest
• Rocky Gap State Park
• Western Maryland Scenic Railroad