T​rails
Camping
Fishing
Paddling​

​

Trails

Green Ridge State Forest has over 80 miles of trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. ORVs are prohibited. Only licensed motorized vehicles are permitted on designated roadways. Horseback riding is permitted on designated maintained primitive roads but not on hiking or mountain bike trails. A backpacking permit is required and must be obtained at headquarters or at any self-registration kiosk before entering the backcountry.

Contact headquarters at 301-478-3124 before your visit to confirm current trail conditions and restrictions.

Hiking Trails

Green Ridge has 50-plus miles of hiking trails available for day hikes or multi-day backpacking. Trail guides and large-format topographic maps are available for purchase at headquarters.

• Scenic Overlook Trail — 50 yards (easy; wheelchair accessible)
• Pine Lick Trail — 6 miles, blue blazes (moderate)
• Twin Oaks Hiking Trail — 4-mile loop, pink blazes (moderate)
• Long Pond Trail — 9 miles, red blazes (difficult)
• Deep Run/Big Run Trail — 7 miles, green blazes (moderate)
• Log Roll Trail — 4.5 miles, orange blazes (moderate)
• Great Eastern Trail — 18 miles, white blazes (moderate to difficult)

The Green Ridge trail system connects with the Buchanan State Forest trail network in Pennsylvania and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park trail. For trail connections contact:
​ Buchanan State Forest — 717-485-3148 C&O Canal National Historical Park — 301-739-4200

Mountain Biking

The Green Ridge Mountain Bike Trail is a 12.5-mile circuit of largely single-track riding, rated moderate to difficult. Maps and brochures are available at headquarters.

Metal detectors and artifact removal are prohibited under COMAR 08.07.01.18. Exceptions require a permit from the Maryland Historical Trust.

Geocaching: Geocaches are located throughout the forest. All caches must be reviewed and approved before placement. Geocaching Guidelines (PDF) — Geocaching Approval Form (PDF)

Self-Guided Driving Tour: Green Ridg​e State Forest Driving Tour (PDF)

Camping

Green Ridge State Forest has approximately 100 primitive campsites distributed throughout the forest. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Many sites are located near the Potomac River, Fifteen Mile Creek, and other stream corridors. Three group sites are available. Backcountry backpack camping is also permitted within the forest with a permit obtained at headquarters or any self-registration kiosk.

Roads leading to campsites are gravel or dirt. Four-wheel drive may be required depending on conditions.

Rates

• Standard site: $10 per night
• Group site: $20 per nigh​t
  
  

Firewood for camping must be purchased from local vendors or gathered on site. Do not transport firewood into the forest from outside. Transporting firewood between geographic areas is a primary pathway for the introduction of invasive forest insects.

Fishing

Fishing opportunities at Green Ridge include the Potomac River, where bass, catfish, muskellunge, and sunfish are the primary species. Fifteen Mile Creek, Sideling Hill Creek, and White Sulphur and Orchard ponds support put-and-take trout fishing in the spring. Two portions of Town Creek within the forest are managed under a delayed harvest trout program. Fifteen Mile Creek and Sideling Hill Creek are subject to stream closure restrictions; consult the Maryland Freshwater Sportfishing regulations before fishing these waters.

A valid Maryland Freshwater Fishing License is required. For regulations, creel limits, and special management areas, contact the Western Maryland Fisheries Office at 301-334-8218 or consult the Maryland Fishing and Crabbing Regulations​.

P​addling

The Potomac River runs along the southern boundary of Green Ridge State Forest and is navigable year-round except during severe drought conditions. Normal current speed is approximately 1.5 miles per hour. River currents are strong and unpredictable; the river must be treated as potentially hazardous at all times. Always wear a lifejacket. Paddle with at least one other person. Check river conditions before launching by calling NOAA River Forecast at 703-260-0305. If the combined air and water temperature totals less than 120°F, wear a wetsuit.

Paw Paw, WV to Bond's Landing — 12 miles, approximately 5 hours, Class I Put in at the boat launch parking area just over the Route 51 bridge entering Paw Paw, West Virginia. The route parallels the C&O Canal and passes the historic Paw Paw Tunnel. Take out at Bond's Landing, where a canoe campsite is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bond's Landing to Fifteen Mile Creek — 9 miles, approximately 3 hours, Class I Put in at Bond's Landing. Take out at Fifteen Mile Creek. Additional camping is available at several locations along the C&O Canal corridor.

For paddling safety resources, contact the Am​erican ​Canoe ​Association at 703-451-0141.