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Recreation and Trails

Trails
Camping
Picnicking and Pavilions
​Fishing
Special Events

Trails

Cedarville State Forest has more than 19 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, Class 1 e-biking, and horseback riding. The trail system includes five marked loops, most of which are easy and can be combined for longer routes. Visitors should review the Cedarville State Forest Map before heading out, especially when planning a longer ride or hike. For more information on Class 1 e-bike usage, please see the Bicycle and E-bicycle Regulation​ webpage.

Orange Trail — 7 miles, loop, easy
The Orange Trail is the longest and most frequently used loop. It crosses Hidden Springs, Bee Oak, and Forest roads and connects with the White and Blue trails, making it easy to shorten or extend a trip.

Blue Trail — 4 miles, loop, easy
The Blue Trail includes short hills, stream crossings, springs, and former farmland. It intersects Cross Road and Forest Road, giving visitors several options for adjusting their route.

White Trail — 3.5 miles, loop, easy
The White Trail passes through hardwood forest and pine plantations. It is a popular bird-watching route and shares portions of trail with the Orange and Blue loops.

Brown Trail — 2.5 miles, loop, easy
The Brown Trail is generally level and dry. It passes an abandoned pine plantation and the forest’s four-acre pond.

Green Trail — 2 miles, loop, easy
The Green Trail passes through the headwaters of Zekiah Swamp. Portions of this trail may be wet, especially after rain.

Camping

Cedarville’s campground is open from April through October. Reservations may be made through Maryland Park Reservations or by calling 1-888-432-2267.

From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, camping requires a two-night minimum stay. Holiday weekends require a three-night minimum stay. Campers are limited to 14 cumulative nights in Maryland State Park campgrounds during any 21-day period.

Cedarville has several campground loops, each with a different use:

• Hickory Loop includes picnic tables, fire rings with grills, lantern posts, bathhouse access, and water spigots. Inner-loop sites have electric service; outer-loop sites are primitive. This loop is pet-friendly.
• Ironwood Loop includes primitive campsites with bathhouse access. This loop is not pet-friendly. A horse is required to stay on sites 38–41.
• Pine Grove Loop and White Oak Loop are youth group loops. Youth group passes are required, and each loop is limited to 40 people and 20 vehicles. These loops are not pet-friendly.

Picnicking and Pavilions

Picnic tables and grills are available first come, first served near the playground and pond. Pavilions are available by reservation from April through October and include parking, water, electricity, a fireplace, picnic tables, and a charcoal grill.

Pavilion reservations may be made through Maryland Park Reservations or by calling 1-888-432-2267. Pavilion hours are 9 a.m. to sunset.

To protect the forest and maintain a safe visitor experience, the following are not permitted at pavilions:

• Amplified sound, including speakers, DJs, and bands
• Alcohol
• Moon bounces
• Balloons, confetti, and petals
• Staples, nails, and tape

Maryland State Parks are trash-free. Visitors must remove all trash and recycling when they leave.

Fishing

A four-acre pond is open for bank fishing only. The pond is stocked with bluegill, catfish, sunfish, and bass.

A Maryland non-tidal fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. Current requirements are available in the Maryland Fishing and Crabbing Regulations.

Special Events

Special events at Cedarville State Forest require advance approval. Event organizers should submit the Special Event Request Form at least one month before the proposed event.

Completed forms may be mailed to:

Cedarville State Forest
10201 Bee Oak Road
Brandywine, MD 20613