Green Ridge is Maryland's second largest state forest consisting of 46,000 acres of oak-hickory forest in the Ridge and Valley Province of the Allegheny Mountain chain. The region's average annual precipitation is the lowest in the state -- just 36 inches -- creating pockets of prairie like habitats known as shale barrens. Unusual plants, like the Prickly Pear Cactus, Large Blazing Star and Kate's Mountain Clover are found here. The unique plant and animal diversity of the forest is preserved in several designated areas as State Wildlands.
Forest History
During the 19th century, the forest was used commercially for mining iron ore, harvesting timber and even growing apples. The forest's condition suffered under these early uses, until officially coming into state ownership in 1931. Since then, forest managers have allowed young stands of trees to mature, improved wildlife habitat and fisheries, reduced wildfires, protected water quality and provided a variety of recreation opportunities. Timber harvesting continues to be an important management tool for improving the health of the forest.
Forest Recreation
Green Ridge offers a variety of camping and hiking experiences, as well as off-road recreation.
The most popular recreational activity at Green Ridge is hunting. The forest is noted for its population of whitetail deer, wild turkey and squirrel. The Green Ridge Public Range provides a safe area for target shooting and is disabled accessible. A permit and service charge is required to use the shooting range and may be obtained at the Green Ridge Visitor Center.
Fishing is available on the Potomac River, Fifteen Mile Creek, Town Creek, Sideling Hill Creek, Orchard Pond and White Sulphur Pond. Creeks and ponds are stocked with trout each spring. Bond's Landing is a focal point for boating and canoeing in eastern Allegany County. A boat ramp offers easy access to the Potomac River.
Camping
Semi-primitive camping is available at a number of widely disbursed roadside sites. Backpack camping provides the opportunity for primitive camping. A service charge and permit are required for camping and/or a campfire.
Camping - Regulations and Play Safe Guidelines
- Campers must register prior to occupying or placing equipment on a campsite.
- Campers may register at the Green Ridge Visitor Center using self-registration or inside the office building, depending on hours of operation.
- Individuals registering for the site must be at least 18 years of age.
- All campers are responsible for their own sanitary provisions. Parties of 20 or more must use portable toilets or self-contained units. Parties of less than 20 may use portable toilets or hand dug latrines at least six inches deep and 100 feet from the campsite, provided the latrine is refilled with dirt and graded prior to leaving.
- Forest visitors must remove all trash when vacating the site.
- Campfires are permitted at campsites and must be monitored at all times. Permission for fires may be revoked in times of high fire danger levels due to weather conditions.
- Campfire wood may be cut from dead and downed trees only. Cutting or damaging live trees is strictly prohibited.
- Please keep pets on a leash.
- Weapons must be kept unloaded while in the campsite.
- Target shooting is permitted only at the Green Ridge Public Range.
Hiking Trail
The Green Ridge Hiking Trail system traces narrow ridges and forested stream valleys in a wilderness setting. Hikers may enjoy scenic day trips of varying lengths, or plan a multi-day backpacking trip. A 45-mile hiking circuit can be followed by utilizing the C&O Canal as a southern connection.
The trail is divided into four sections to provide for four separate one-day hiking opportunities. Each section of the trail features an Adirondack-style shelter. The entire trail is blazed with white paint. Maps are available for sale from the forest's headquarters.
For convenience, it is suggested to park one vehicle at the access point of the trail and a second vehicle at the exit point of the trail.
Five Hiking Opportunities
- Twin Oaks (4 mile loop)
- The Pine Lick Trail (6 miles) Extends from the Pennsylvania line to 15 Mile Creek Road.
- The Long Pond Trail (7 miles) Extends from 15 Mile Creek Road to the C&O Canal (Lock 58).
- The Deep Run/Big Run Trail (7 miles) Extends from 15 Mile Creek to Kirk Road. This trail passes through a state-designated Wildland.
- The Log Roll Trail (4 miles) Extends from Log Roll Overlook to the C&O Canal (Lock 67). For those who want to hike further, the C&O Canal can be accessed at this point. Utilizing the Paw Paw Tunnel it is approximately 20 miles to the Lond Pond Red Trail at Lock 58.
Hiking Trail - Regulations and Play Safe Guidelines
- A service charge and camping/campfire permit is required when camping on the trail. This can be obtained at the Green Ridge Headquarters.
- This trail should not be hiked by individuals with recurring knee, back or ankle related injuries. Hiking with a partner or in a small group is preferable.
- An extra pair of shoes and socks are recommended as feet are likely to get wet due to the many stream crossings on the trail.
- Pack in and pack out. Everything you bring on your hike you must take back out.
- Be water wise. Consider all back country water to be contaminated though it
appears clean. To be safe, it is recommended to treat, boil or filter all water
collected. Potable water is available at Green Ridge Headquarters.
- Topographic maps of the area can be purchased at Green Ridge Headquarters.
- Contribute to safe water and health conditions by burying human waste at least six inches deep and at a distance of 100 feet or more from streams and trails.
The Green Ridge Hiking Trail connects with both the Buchanan State Forest Trail and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park Trail. For more information contact the Green Ridge Headquarters or:
Buchanan State Forest, Bureau of Forestry
RR2, Box 3, McConnellsburg, PA 17233
717-485-3148
or
C&O Canal National Historic Park
P.O. Box 4
Sharpsburg, MD 21782
301-739-4200
Off-Road Vehicle Trail
The Green Ridge ORV Trail is an 18-mile loop trail designated for ORV's. An ORV is any motorized vehicle capable of cross-country travel on land, water, snow, ice, marsh, swampland or other natural terrain. The ORV trail at Green Ridge is located on East Valley Road and Stafford Road.
Off-Road Vehicle Trail - Regulations and Play Safe Guidelines
- ORV Operators must possess either:
- 1. A valid driver's license; or
- 2. A learner's permit and be accompanied by a person with a valid driver's license; or
- 3. Must be 12 years or older to "operate" and be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with a valid driver's license.
- ORV's must have a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) identification tag displayed prominently on the left front portion of the vehicle.
- 1. A registration service fee is required that covers a calendar year period. The DNR statewide registration may be obtained at Maryland DNR Regional Service Centers or at State Forest offices that have designated ORV trails.
- ORV operators may not operate their vehicle:
- 1. In a recklass or careless manner;
- 2. Under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
- 3. In a manner which causes harm to persons, property or natural resources;
- 4. Off the designated trail or in a manner which obstructs traffic.
- An ORV operator may not carry a loaded weapon, discharge a weapon from a vehicle or use the ORV to pursue wildlife.
- Three-wheel ORV's are not permitted on DNR public land.
- Must wear a helmet and eye protection.
- This trail is also used by passenger vehicles, so please use caution.
ORVs and Your Personal Safety
- It is mandatory to wear a safety helmet and eye protection whenever operating an ORV.
- Maintain control of your ORV at all times by maintaining a safe speed and staying alert to terrain hazards. Stay on designated trails. Must travel one-way, counter clockwise direction.
- Plan ahead. Ride according to your ability. Know your equipment and maintain it properly. Always yield to other riders, horseback riders, mountain bikers and hikers.
- Use the buddy system. Always travel with a friend. Carry a first aid kit, tool kit and flares.
- For emergency dial 911.
Other ORV Trails in Maryland
For information on other ORV Trails within the Maryland State Forests contact:
Pocomoke River State Forest, 410-632-2566
Savage River State Forest, 301-895-5759
Potomac State Forest, 301-334-9180
Leave No Trace:
Plan Ahead and Prepare.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces.
Dispose of Waste Properly.
Leave What You Find.
Minimize Campfire Impacts.
Respect Wildlife.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors.
Forest Watch
If you observe suspicious activities, vandalism or safety hazards, please report these problems to any
State Forest employee or call:
Green Ridge State Forest Headquarters, 301-478-3124
Natural Resources Police (24 hours), 1-800-628-9944
Green Ridge State Forest Map
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