There lies 75,000 acres of State Forest and Park land in the Western Maryland mountains. With an average season snowfall of 89 inches, these public lands provide miles of cross-country ski trails for outdoor sport enthusiasts.

More acute skiers in this area tend to monitor the Appalachian Plateau’s precipitation from November through Mother’s Day, guaranteeing themselves an exhilarating season on the powder. However, the best time for snow gliding in this winter wonderland of Garrett County is late December through February. During these crucial months, the varied terrain offers the beginner to the back country explorer a great ski experience.

Beginners in this rustic adventure tend to lean to the flatter, more open, and more groomed trails of Herrington Manor and New Germany State Park. The warming huts here provide excellent shelter for the nouveau; maps, snow conditions, and weather information is also readily available. These huts for the weary provide lunch stops and warming by the fire, as well as the opportunity to share pointers with fellow first timers. When the snow is deep enough, park rangers groom the ski trails throughout. This ensures packed tracks for the skier to glide on and a more stable foot plant for the beginner, making the gliding effort easier.

New Germany State Park also offers the most popular ski trail in Garrett County: the Poplar Lick Run. It’s a wide, flat, two mile path along an area lined with hemlock trees, rhododendron, and a creek beside it. On the way out there is a slight downhill grade that can make gliding on the snow effortless. On the way back you might have to work a little harder, but it’s well worth it.

Intermediate and advanced skiers can also find fun trails in both parks. The mountains here provide hills to climb, slide, and turn on. If you’re looking for some long distance, all-day ski outings, you can find them on the trails in the state forests. For instance, there is a five and a half mile trail running from Swallow Falls State Park to Herrington Manor State Park through Garrett State Forest. With the warming hut and snack bar at Herrington Manor, a leisurely day out can include skiing from Swallow Falls in the morning, have lunch at the warming hut, and skiing back in time to hit the hot tub before dinner.

Those are fine, if you like moderate skiing adventures. But, a great ski adventure lies just around the corner. Traversing Monroe Run Trail, with its 16 creek crossings in Savage River State Forest, would be a truly memorable, if somewhat risky, undertaking. The more experienced skier, though, attempts this when the temperatures have held below 20 degrees for at least a week. The experience will test your backcountry skills.

What You Should Know
Before You Go:
Make sure you have a map, know where you are going and how far. People usually get into trouble because they do not take food, water, extra clothing, and don’t save energy for the return trip. Cross-country ski lessons can help you to enjoy the experience more. Most people think it is as easy as putting one foot in front of the other and walking along on skis, but it takes a great deal of energy. To be energy efficient at skiing, you must learn to glide on the skis and learn how to use the poles. Proper technique can help you cut your effort in half. Also, for those who have some skills under their belt, a Nordic downhill lesson can help you to truly gain control on downhill runs near the trees.

For Maps and Park Information:
New Germany State Park
(301) 895-5759
Herrington Manor State Park
(301) 334-9180
Potomac Garrett State Forest
(301) 334-2038