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Visit a section of river between Keyser and Spring Gap...
Oldtown, Md.
South Branch Potomac River
Green Ridge State Forest
Paw Paw Tunnel
Little Orleans, Md.
Hancock, Md.
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The 43,000-acre forest is state-owned land extending from the Pennsylvania line to the Potomac River at Paw Paw Bends near the C&O Canal Tunnel. The forest, the second largest of Maryland's state forests, stretches across several mountains of Western Maryland, including Town Hill, Polish Mountain, and Green Ridge Mountain. The forest facilities include campsites, boat launching areas, picnic facilities, and riding trails. There is a small craft launching area at Bonds Landing. A permit, available for a small service charge, is required for camping in the forest. Ranger-guided canoe trips between Oldtown and Little Orleans are offered each year during spring, summer, and fall.
In the early 1800s, the land was owned by partners Richard Caton and William Carroll. Caton was the son-in-law of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. William Carroll was the grandson of Daniel Carroll of Rock Creek, a framer of the U.S. Constitution. The pair's business ventures, including iron ore mining and timber, were tried without much success. The remains of a steam-powered sawmill is all that is left of their ventures. Later, the Mertens family owned the land and turned it into a large apple orchard after cutting and burning the forest. The Mertens venture went into bankruptcy in 1918, and 14,000 acres eventually were acquired by the state. Since the 1930s, the forest has been rehabilitated and recreational opportunities expanded.
The forest is known for its population of white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and squirrel, along with ruffled grouse, cottontail rabbit, quail, and fox. Fishing is on the Potomac and Fifteenmile Creek, Town Creek, Sideling Hill Creek, Orchard Pond, and White Sulphur Pond. These creeks and ponds are stocked with trout each spring. Parts of these streams and ponds are designated trout streams and are subject to "put and take" regulations by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Staff from the state forest lead day and overnight trips through the park during summer and early fall.
The Green Ridge State Forest headquarters is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 7 days a week in spring, summer and fall. Check at headquarters before using the land. The forest lies on both sides of Interstate 68 through eastern Allegany County.
Green Ridge State Forest, Md. Department of Natural Resources, 28700 Headquarters Drive N.E., Flintstone, MD 21530. Telephone: 301-478-3124.
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