![[Potomac State Forest Trail Guide]](/publiclands/art/abouthead.gif)
Lostland, Laurel Run, Wallman and North Hill Areas 
Located in Western Maryland, Potomac State Forest's 11,000 acres of beautiful forest and streams border a spectacular stretch of the North Branch of the Potomac River. Visitors can enjoy worldwide trout fishing, hiking, mountain biking, ORV use and winter sports in an untamed, primitive environment. Bring your camera to capture breathtaking views every season at the scenic Potomac Overlook and the waterfalls along Lostland Run.
Wildlife and Nature Appreciation Potomac State Forest's diverse habitat of dense forest cover, meadows and streams supports an abundance of wildlife, including wild turkey, white-tailed deer, black bears, fox and songbirds. Visitors can obtain a birder check-off list at the forest headquarters located within Herrington Manor State Park. The tree species typically found are that of an eastern hardwood forest. Plantations of white pine, red pine and spruce were also planted between 1950 and 1970. A spring walk through the woods will reveal flowering plants such as saxifrage, rue and wood anemone, spring beauty, May apple, blue violet and other violet species. Summer brings milkweed, spiderwort, mint, butterfly weed and dogbane to the roadsides and meadows. Ironweed, aster and goldenrod varieties brighten the fields in the fall. Freshwater Fishing Vertical cliffs tower above the North Branch of the Potomac River as it winds through Western Maryland. Anglers test their skills on a generally fast running, large river with deep pools. The premier fish of this section of the Potomac is the rainbow trout. As part of the Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) trout management program, early spring through fall stocking provides excellent fishing. A variety of trout fishing opportunities also exist in other designated areas, including Lostland Run and Laurel Run. Additional fish include rock bass, sunfish and smallmouth bass. When fishing, be prepared to negotiate strong currents, large boulders and fallen trees in the water. Fishing is also available at the nearby Jennings Randolph Lake, which is downstream on the Potomac River. A boat ramp is located on the Maryland side accessible from Mt. Zion Road off of MD Rt. 135. For more information about fishing in Western Maryland, contact the Western Region Fisheries office at (301) 334-8218 and ask for a free brochure about special trout management areas. Trails Please Play Safe! Potomac State Forest is a natural area with certain hazards, such as poison ivy, rocky and slippery trails, venomous snakes and biting insects. Sturdy shoes and water are recommended when exploring these rugged trails. Some of the forest trails are gravel roads, which are open to motor vehicles. All trails and roads are open to hikers and mountain bikers. Remember, you are responsible for having the necessary skills, knowledge and equipment for a safe and environmentally sensitive visit.
Potomac State Forest offers a number of gated service roads for exploration, many of which have been planted in grass or have grown-in naturally to improve wildlife habitat. Anglers have often found the Bradshaw Hollow Road useful for fishing access on the Potomac River. For scenic views of the river, use the Trestle Road, which follows the railroad tracks. Further north, Crooked Run Road is available for use in the Laurel Run Area. Please do not block the gates. Camping Semi-primitive camping is available in the forest year-round, although roads are not maintained in the winter. Camper self-registration stations are located at the entrance to each camping area. Maximum stay at any site is two weeks and group size cannot exceed six people except at designated group sites. The group sites hold a maximum of 20 people and can be reserved by calling the forest office. The group sites have sanitation facilities but no potable water. There are three campsite areas in the forest that provide roadside camping opportunities as follows: Laurel Run Area - five roadside campsites, one lean-to; Wallman Area - four roadside campsites, one lean-to and one group campsite and Lost Land Run Area - six roadside campsites, one lean-to and one group campsite. Backpack camping is also allowed throughout Potomac State Forest by permit via self-registration or by calling the forest office. The Piney Mt. and Snaggy Mt. areas of nearby Garrett State Forest also offer camping opportunities. Camping is not allowed within 200 feet of any trail or stream. Pets without a leash are permitted in all areas of the forest but must be under control at all times.
Hunting is permitted throughout the forest except where posted with safety zone signs. Hunters should consult their hunting guide for seasons and bag limits. State forest boundary lines are marked with yellow paint on trees. A horizontal band two inches high and 12 inches long is located on the private property side of the tree. A round dot four inches in diameter is located on the state forest side of the tree. For more information about hunting on Maryland's public lands, visit www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide Two roads are available in the forest for hunters with disabilities. For more accessible amenities visit: www.dnr.state.md.us/accessforall Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs) A variety of off-road vehicle types are permitted on trail sections that are blazed green. Riders should consult the ORV maps and regulations available with a required annual registration, which can be obtained in the mail or at any DNR regional service center. ORV's are not allowed on any county or state road, or on any trail not designated for ORV use. Guides and Outfitters To obtain information about private guides and outfitters, contact forest headquarters at 301-334-2038. For self-guided hiking, cycling and fishing itineraries in Potomac State Forest visit: www.dnr.state.md.us/outdooradventures Leave No Trace While you are enjoying the park, please help us protect its natural and historic resources by following these Leave No Trace ethics. 
Directions Potomac State Forest is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Please report any problems to a park employee or call Park Watch at 1-800-825-7275. From Baltimore/Washington: (Travel Time: approximate 3.5-4 hours) Follow I-70 west to I-68 west. Continue on I-68 west to exit 14 (Rt. 219). Follow Rt. 219 south to Oakland. Continue straight at traffic light (Rt. 135 east). Travel 1 mile to the intersection of MD Rt. 560. At the traffic light, turn right onto Rt. 560 south and travel 3 miles to Bethlehem Road. Turn left on Bethlehem Road and travel 2 miles to the intersection of Bethlehem Road and Eagle Rock Road. Turn right, staying on Bethlehem Road for 1.4 miles. Turn left on Combination Road and travel 1/2 mile. Turn left on Potomac Camp Road and travel 1/2 mile to the Forest Resource Center, which will be on the left. From Pittsburgh and points west: (Travel Time: approximately 2.5 hours) Follow Route 79 south to Morgantown, West Virginia and I-68. Follow I-68 east to exit 14 (Rt. 219). Continue with above directions.
Potomac-Garrett State Forest
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Hunting