![[Cedarville State Forest Trail Guide]](/publiclands/art/abouthead.gif)
Welcome to Cedarville State Forest. Located at the headwaters of Maryland's largest freshwater swamp, the Zekiah, Cedarville State Forest invites exploration and adventure of its diverse natural, recreation and historic features. Rare carnivorous plants that catch and eat insects are uniquely found here. Hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians can enjoy 19 miles of trails, developed in the 1930s by a Civilian Conservation Corps comprised mostly of African Americans. Over 50 species of trees thrive in an actively managed 3,510-acre forest, demonstrating an array of beneficial and experimental forestry practices. Nature Appreciation A unique feature of the forest is the Cedarville Bog, which is within the headwaters of the Zekiah Swamp. The bog supports a unique array of plants, such as sphagnum moss and rough boneset that favor very wet, acidic conditions. Please remain on the specially constructed boardwalk, which protects this sensitive bog, and refrain from collecting any of the plants you observe. Remember, it is illegal to collect plants or animals from state public lands. Of special interest in this bog are several species of insect-eating plants, including the roundleaf sundew and the northern pitcher plant. Throughout the summer, spy the leaves of these carnivorous plants, which attract insects with their reddish color and entrap them with sticky or bristly hairs. Showy wildflowers also dot the open meadow next to the bog. Look for the pink blooms of Maryland meadow-beauty and milkwort and the purple flowers of Hyssop skullcap. Most of Cedarville is forested with over 50 species of trees, including white and loblolly pine plantations. Areas of wet, wooded bottomland containing holly, magnolia, lowbush blueberry and mountain laurel also characterize large expanses of the forest. Wildlife such as white-tailed deer, American beaver and wild turkey are abundant. Forestry management practices, which have created successional forest habitats, also enhance birding opportunities. Birds of prey, such as the commonly seen red-tailed hawk and the great horned owl, may both be seen throughout the day. Seasonally, the yellow-throated vireo, pine warbler and eastern bluebird can be viewed in the forest during their migration routes. Forestry Cedarville State Forest uniquely showcases the full array of natural resource protection and management techniques utilized by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Fishery scientists, wildlife biologists, foresters and park managers work together to preserve, protect and manage all the natural resources in Cedarville. In particular, the forest provides interested citizens and private landowners with an opportunity to observe and learn about a variety of forestry practices. Forestry Demonstration Areas illustrate the effects of clear cutting, replanting, prescribed burning, thinning and tree plantations on tree growth and the creation of wildlife food and cover. Heritage Historical records show that the Piscataway Tribe made this region of Southern Maryland their winter camping and hunting ground because of the mild climate and abundance of game. Legend has it that there is a Native American burial ground in Cedarville, but to date it has not been located. In the 1930s, the State began purchasing land in an effort to create a forest demonstration area. Under the direction of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the renowned Civilian Conservation Corps (C.C.C.) developed Cedarville's roads and trails for fire protection and future recreation development. From 1933 to 1935, approximately 160 men of the C.C.C., mostly African Americans from Baltimore and Washington, D.C., worked at Cedarville. Five barracks, originally located across from the current forestry buildings, housed up to 50 men each. The government paid Corps workers $30 per month, with most of the pay sent home to support their families. Across the nation, the C.C.C. offered jobs to thousands of unemployed men during the Great Depression. They reforested thousands of acres of land, built park roads, erected dams and bridges, restored historic sites and fought forest fires nationwide. Cedarville operated three charcoal kilns in the 1950s, burning wood from the forest to produce up to 3,600 pounds of charcoal each week. The charcoal was used in many other state parks throughout Maryland to produce heat. One kiln, located on the Heritage Trail, remains as a demonstration of the historic method of producing wood charcoal. Trails Please Play Safe! It is your responsibility to have the necessary skills, knowledge, and equipment for a safe and environmentally sensitive visit. Wearing florescent orange is recommended during hunting seasons. Please call the Forest Visitor Center for more information at: 301-888-1410 or 1-800-784-5380. Cedarville's 19 miles of trails are mostly flat, with a few gentle rollers and an occasional steep, but short pitch. Some areas can become extremely wet, particularly during spring. Due to the forest's coastal location, however, there is hardly a rock in sight, making these trails more accessible for the novice hiker and biker.
The forest's four-acre pond, which is open for bank fishing only, has stocked bluegill, catfish, sunfish and bass. A Maryland non-tidal sportfishing license is required for persons 16-years and older. Hunting An area of the State Forest is designated for hunting seasonally. The Maryland Hunting and Trapping Guide provides information on required licenses, game, seasons and rules and regulations. Camping Camping at the State Forest can be enjoyed seasonally. Campsites are equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring. The bathhouse is centrally located. Walk-ins are permitted on a first-come basis. Youth group camping is available year-round with youth group passes honored. Reservations must be made in advance. To make picnic, pavilion and camping reservations spring through fall, call Park Reservations at 1-888-432-CAMP (2267). Or, make your reservation on the Internet: reservations.dnr.state.md.us For Youth Group camping reservations call the forest office at: 1-800-784-5380.
Cedarville boasts two archery ranges. The range located on Cross Road is open to the public and is accessible to disabled visitors. This range has three target butts with distances varying from 10 to 40 yards. The second range, located on the blue trail, is a Pro-Am field and hunter competition course certified by the Maryland Archery Association (MAA) and the National Field Archery Association. The course consists of 28 targets of varying difficulty. The range is open during MAA sanctioned events. Volunteers The Friends of Cedarville State Forest Inc., a non-profit group, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources State Forest and Park Service, work with the staff of the Southern Maryland Recreational Complex (SMRC) to help maintain and operate Cedarville State Forest. For volunteer information contact: SMRC Volunteer Coordinator at 1-800-784-5380 or 301-888-1410.
Cedarville State Forest is enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year. Please help us protect the forest's natural and historic resources by following these Leave No Trace ethics. For more information on Leave No Trace, visit their website at: www.lnt.org
Remember that all of Maryland's State Parks are Trash-Free, so pack out what you pack in! Thanks for being a good steward of Maryland's outdoors. Trail Stewardship You can help support trails at your favorite forest or park by volunteering on trail projects or purchasing a tax-deductible Trail Stewardship sticker. Your support helps maintain trails to protect the environment and benefit trail users. Park Watch The State Forest and Park Service's Park Watch program encourages visitors and neighbors to take an active role in protecting personal property and preserving the park. If you observe suspicious activities, vandalism or safety hazards, please report these problems to any park employee or call: 1-800-825-PARK (7275). Guides and Outfitters As part of DNR's Nature Tourism Program, the park office can provide information on commercial guides and outfitters or organizing group outings at 301-888-1410. Directions Located in Prince George's and Charles counties, Cedarville State Forest is about 25 miles south of Washington, D.C. From the Washington Beltway I-495/95, take exit 7A, Route 5 south (Branch Avenue) towards Waldorf. Follow Route 5 until it ends at Route 301 in Brandywine. Follow Route 301 south. Turn left at stoplight onto Cedarville Road (look for State Forest sign). Turn right into Forest entrance at Bee Oak Road.
Cedarville State Forest Cedarville State Forest is open year-round. Please support your Forest by paying the service charge, which is paid individually at an honor box located on the entrance road.
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