Garrett County

The Potomac State Forest, 11,461 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 Potomac State Forest, 11,461 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. Features: Potomac State Forest outdoor recreation opportunities and amenities include cross country skiing, camping and shelters, fishing, hiking trails, hunting, picnicking, equestrian trails, and snowmobiling. Pets are allowed in all areas of the Forest. No leash […]

This mountain park is located nine miles north of Oakland, Maryland contains some of Maryland’s most breathtaking scenery. This mountain park is located nine miles north of Oakland, Maryland contains some of Maryland’s most breathtaking scenery. The Youghiogheny River flows along the park’s borders, passing through shaded rocky gorges and creating rippling rapids. Muddy Creek Falls is a crashing 53-foot waterfall – a spectacular sight. Tall hemlocks dominate the silent woods. The meandering trails through Swallow Falls guide hikers to some of the most breath-taking scenery in Western Maryland. Features include campsites, hiking trails, Picnic area, pavilion, playground and nature programs. Pets are not allowed in the day use area from the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Pets are permitted in the surrounding areas of Potomac/Garrett State Forests. Pet campsites are available. During the off-season pets are allowed in the day use areas as long as they are leashed. Please visit the website for fees, maps and additional information. This information is provided as a public service of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. www.dnr.maryland.gov. Favorite

​Pets are allowed in the Big Run State Park campground and day-use area. With 300 acres in Garrett County, pet friendly Big Run State Park offers rustic camping opportunities with 30 unimproved campsites and a youth group camping area. With 300 acres in Garrett County, Big Run State Park offers rustic camping opportunities with 30 unimproved campsites and a youth group camping area. Situated at the mouth of the Savage River Reservoir, the park is 16 miles from exit 24 of Interstate 68. The park is actually surrounded by the acreage of Savage River State Forest and so visitors to the area have an even wider array of recreational opportunities with the facilities at all of these public land sites in Western Maryland. With a boat launch, Big Run is a popular base camp for outdoor-lovers intent on fishing, camping, hiking or hunting. Big Run is the trailhead for a 6-mile hiking trail, known as Monroe Run. There is a rental picnic pavilion which can accommodate 100 people available by reservation. Features: Campsites, fishing, flat water canoeing, hiking trail, historic interest, picnic, shelters. Boat launch ramps are nearby along Savage River Road for the Savage River Reservoir. This information is […]