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 Mead-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:
Savage River Complex
349 Headquarters Lane
Grantsville, MD 21536
(301) 895-5759
