Exploring:
Savage River State Forest
Savage River is the largest
of Maryland’s State Forests and contains just over 53,000 acres of
trees, streams, and wildlife.
The forest terrain is
rugged, with elevations ranging from approximately 1,300 feet along the
Savage River to 3,075 feet on Negro Mountain. Thanks to its altitude, the
forest is relatively free of insect pests. This makes the forest a
delightful experience during the summer months with bright warm days for
outside activities and cool nights for sleeping.
Savage River State Forest
is the birthplace of the Savage and Casselman Rivers. Separated by the
Eastern Continental Divide, each river flows in an opposite direction. The
Savage runs south into the Potomac River and on to the Chesapeake Bay and
Atlantic Ocean. The Casselman, however, flows north into the Youghiogheny
River and, eventually, the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico.
The forest is composed
mainly of hardwood trees, principally red oaks, white oaks, and hickories.
There is also a diversity of wildlife species in the forest, from black
bears to brook trout, and great-horned owls to long-tailed salamanders.
Mammals include deer, bobcat, raccoon, squirrel, fish, beaver, and bats.
There are over 100 species of birds including hawks and turkey.
Also within the forest is
the 350 acre Savage River Reservoir. Completed in 1951, the reservoir
provides a municipal water supply for the towns of Westernport and
Piedmont, as well as an industrial water supply for the huge Westvaco
Corporation pulp and paper mill at Luke. The reservoir is the largest body
of water in the forest and has a shoreline of 17.5 miles.
Within the Savage River
State Forest are two state parks operated by the Maryland Forest, Park and
Wildlife Service. New Germany State Park and Big Run State Park are
developed recreation areas offering camping, picnicking, and boating. In
addition, New Germany offers cabins. Service fees are charged at these
areas.
Also located within the
forest is the Big Savage Mountain Wildland. This rugged, unspoiled forest
area of approximately 3,000 acres was set aside as the first unit in the
State Wildlands System. It is a primitive area, completely wooded, having
no structures, and is accessible only by roads around its boundaries. No
forest management activities except those required for protection from
fire, insects, and disease are allowed in the wildland. Hiking, hunting,
and nature appreciation are encouraged, however camping of any kind is
strictly forbidden. The purpose of the wildland is to provide an untouched
forest for visitors to enjoy.
Other activities in the
forest include: Sailboating and canoeing on the reservoir and whitewater
boating occasionally in the spring and summer months on the Savage River.
Camping, backpacking, sightseeing, hiking, mountain biking, fishing and
hunting are also common. Winter sports are also very popular including
snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
How To Get There:
Take Exit 24 from Interstate 68.
For More Information Write:
Savage River Complex
349 Headquarters Lane
Grantsville, MD 21536
Or Call:
(301) 895-5759
