Alert - The park is closed at this time for renovations. We look forward to reopening and sharing the improvements with you soon.
Welcome!
Savage Highlands State Park is Mountain Maryland's newest state park, purchased in November 2024. Previously called "Savage River Lodge" under private ownership, this 40-acre park features a lodge, 18 cabins, and 8 yurts.
Learn more by selecting a topic below.
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About
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Why a State Park
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Improvements & Investments
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The Highlands Lodge
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Overnight Accomodations
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Recreational Activities
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Public Access
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Wildlife
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Resources and Partnerships
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News and Updates
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Public Comments
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Stuff To Know
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Native Plantings
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Fast FAQs
About
Savage Highlands is located about ten miles west of Frostburg, MD, near the Alleghany Front and Eastern Continental Divide in Garrett County. It is securely positioned within the westernmost reaches of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, despite being perched over 2500 ft in elevation on Big Savage Mountain. The surrounding Mt. Aetna Tract of Savage River State Forest allows for about eight miles of non-motorized, multi-use
trails. Hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and picnicking can be accommodated from the state park.
Hunting opportunities and fishing in the Savage River are accessible nearby from the adjacent Savage River State Forest. Wildlife enthusiasts may see white tailed deer, black bear, bobcats, birds-of-prey, and a variety of song birds and reptiles while exploring the property. Guests are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace outdoor
ethics to minimize their impact on the surrounding resources and avoid any potential for negative wildlife interactions.
Savage Highlands State Park aims to provide safe, affordable and accessible accommodations for visitors of all ages. Its management goals will be customer service driven, offering diverse recreational experiences while prioritizing resource protection and environmental stewardship. While the current management team works to ready the park for opening, interested persons are welcome to share their thoughts, ideas, feedback and personal photos and stories by emailing (forthcoming).
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Why Savage Highlands Became a State Park
Savage Highlands became a state park to ensure this ecologically significant mountain landscape is stewarded for the long term and remains compatible with the surrounding Savage River State Forest trail and recreation network. The property is a significant inholding within
Savage River State Forest. A change in use by a private owner could have fragmented the landscape, disrupted interconnected trail systems, and undermined long-term conservation goals for the broader tract of public land.
It also expands public overnight opportunities in Western Maryland, where cabins, campsites, and park lodging are often at capacity, by converting an existing lodge-and-cabin property into a family-friendly state park rather than building a new facility from scratch. The site offered substantial existing infrastructure, including cabins, yurts, trails, utilities, and a lodge that, while in need of upgrades, provided a rare opportunity to convert a pre-existing facility into a state park. Building a comparable park entirely from scratch would require capital investments several times higher than the purchase price and renovation costs.
Opening a New Park
Over the last year, our staff, departmental specialists, and partners across the Department of Natural Resources have been working together to stabilize the property, preserve its existing assets, and prepare it for a phased reopening. The Maryland Park Service is working to make sure the process is responsible, transparent, and rooted in stewardship, so that when Marylanders step foot on Savage Highlands, they experience a landscape that’s cared for, accessible, and ready to serve future generations.
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Improvements & Investments
What’s been improved since acquisition?
Since the State purchased Savage Highlands, the Maryland Park Service has moved quickly to stabilize the property and prepare it for a safe, phased reopening. Major critical maintenance projects advanced include lodge roof replacement and house roof and siding (bid and scheduled to begin this spring). Other critical projects are in design and moving toward bidding.
- Hazardous tree removals
- Entry road grading and drainage work (incremental safety improvements; long-term solutions in coordination with DNR Engineering & Construction remain in progress)
- Interior improvements to the lodge and cabins
- Upgraded yurt roofs
- New backcountry campsite development
- Ongoing design work for ADA-compliant cabins and kitchen facilities
- Trail system assessment by the MPS Trails Manager; former routes deemed unsustainable, with planning initiated for properly designed trail alignments
Schedule
With these foundational improvements underway, Savage Highlands remains on track toward a phased public opening beginning in late summer 2026.
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The Highlands Lodge
- Contact Information
- Address: 1600 Mt. Aetna Road Frostburg, MD 21532
- Phone: 301-895-5453
- Email: [email protected]
- Services Provided
- Currently closed for public access
The Highlands Lodge: The Lodge at Savage Highlands State Park, located at 1600 Mt. Aetna Rd, Frostburg, MD 21532, will serve as the central hub for information, reservations, and other visitor services. Amenities include public WiFi, restrooms, ADA access, an electric vehicle charging station, a large, indoor wood burning fireplace, an extensive collection of books and games, and cozy indoor and outdoor seating. Food concessions are currently being considered, as well as opportunities to rent spaces within the Lodge for meetings and special events.
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Overnight Accomodations
CABINS: Savage Highlands has 18 cabins planned to be reservable year-round in future phases. Cabins vary in 2–4 person capacity and include loft sleeping, full bathrooms, propane fireplaces, and Wi-Fi; several cabins are designated pet-friendly. Designs are underway to equip cabins with kitchen facilities. Two cabins are slated to become fully accessible in alignment with the American Disabilities Act.
YURTS: Savage Highlands has 8 yurts planned for future reservation, generally 2–4 person capacity, with full bathrooms, propane fireplaces, and Wi-Fi.
RATES: We are working toward setting affordable rates that are more accessible to average families than when the facility was privately operated. Rates and reservation timing will be posted as reopening phases are announced.
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Recreational Activities
HIKING
Access approximately eight miles of moderately challenging multi-use trails within Savage River State Forest (Mt. Aetna Tract). Visitors should be prepared for natural hazards (poison ivy, slippery surfaces) and plan responsibly.
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
When conditions allow, cross-country skis and snowshoes will be available for rent at the Highlands Lodge.
FISHING
Fishing is not available within the park boundary, but the Savage River can be accessed in the state forest; Mudlick Run is a tributary. The Savage River and Mudlick Run are native brook trout streams; there is a zero creel limit on brook trout.
A fishing license is required for anglers 16+; visitors should follow the latest regulations.
Anglers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the
latest regulations to ensure compliance.
HUNTING
Hunting is prohibited at Savage Highlands State Park; the surrounding state forest allows hunting. Boundaries and safety zones are clearly marked; bright clothing is recommended during hunting seasons.
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Public Access
Current Access
Public access is currently prohibited while the property is transitioned into a state park. Access to the Mt. Aetna trail system in the state forest is available via the designated parking lot on Mt. Aetna Road near the bridge across the Savage River.
Phased Reopening
Savage Highlands will reopen through a phased, stewardship-first approach beginning in late summer 2026. Initial access will be controlled and event-based, with guided experiences and priority trails highlighted. Limited overnight opportunities (select yurts/cabins and newly developed backcountry campsites) will be introduced as readiness allows, with broader day-use access and additional lodging phased in as safety, staffing, and infrastructure benchmarks are met.
Families & Kids
Under state ownership, children and families can finally experience this property together. That’s an important shift from its private past and a reflection of what public land is supposed to be.
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Wildlife
Observing or encountering wildlife is a common experience around Savage Highlands State Park. Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics and respect wildlife by providing ample distance between you and the animal, and refraining from feeding, handling or harassing wildlife in any way, including keeping pets on a leash. It is important not to interfere with wildlife’s natural instincts and abilities to thrive in their habitat.
While many potential wildlife interactions are harmless, situations involving nuisance or distressed animals can arise. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides
several resources to assist residents and visitors in these instances:
Nuisance Wildlife: For concerns about animals causing property damage or posing safety risks, contact DNR’s Wildlife Service at 1-877-463-6497. Operators are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding state holidays.
Injured, Sick, or Orphaned Wildlife: If you encounter wildlife that appears injured, ill, or abandoned, it's important not to intervene directly, as untrained handling can be harmful to both humans and animals. Instead, reach out to licensed wildlife rehabilitators through the same Wildlife Service hotline at 1-877-463-6497. They can provide guidance on appropriate actions.
General Wildlife Inquiries: For other wildlife-related questions or to report non-urgent issues, contact the DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service at 410-260-8540 during regular business hours.
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Resources and Partnerships
Natural Resource Police
Savage River State Forest
Garrett County
Chamber of Commerce (visitor piece)
Visit Deep Creek Chamber of Commerce
Allegany County Tourism
City of Frostburg
Savage Highlands State Park is located in Garrett County, miles from Interstate-68 (Exit 29). Within 45 minutes east of Savage Highlands, guests can visit Rocky Gap State Park or the bustling mountain cities of Cumberland and Frostburg. Alternatively, 45 minutes in the opposite direction guests can explore the Deep Creek Lake area, including best kept secrets like New Germany State Park and small rural towns like Friendsville, Accident and Grantsville.
For those interested in exploring the charming Garrett County small towns near Savage Highlands State Park, the
Garrett County Small Town Trail provides insights into the attractions, dining, and shopping experiences each town has to offer.
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News and Updates
Update - February 2026:
Park staff have been working hard to prepare facilities for public use. Recent projects include removing hazardous trees and stumps, clearing brush, cleaning yurt exteriors, staining decks, replacing porch roofs, and planting trees. See Improvements and Investments above for a list of critical maintenance work.
Click the images for a larger view.
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The public comments on the transformation of Savage River Lodge into a state park reflect diverse perspectives and suggestions.
Click to see a summary of those comments.
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Stuff To Know
- Overview
- Introduction to Savage Highlands, its location (surrounded by over 700 acres of Savage River State Forest), size (40 acres), significance and opening updates
- History
- Land was acquired by previous owners, Mike Dreisbach and Jan Russell in 1990 where they homesteaded for eight years in what is now the ski shop, working toward their dream of building the perfect nature venue.
- First cabin guests in October 1999.
- First yurt guests in May 2014.
- Acquisition by the State of Maryland in November 2024.
- Geography and Ecology
- more information forthcoming
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Native Plantings
Native Planting Project Enhances Landscape at Savage Highlands
A native planting effort is helping beautify the site and promote long-term ecological health, led by Deep Creek Lake NRMA Technician and Naturalist Kevin Speray. Work included hand weeding, removal of non-native species and at least one invasive (Chinese silver grass), mulch application to reduce weed pressure, and a dense native planting design to suppress weeds through competition. Plant selection accounted for site moisture/light differences across the slope.
Read about Kevin's work
View the Plant List
- Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa)
- Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)*
- Nodding onion (Allium cernuum)
- Plantain-leaf pussytoes (Antennaria plantaginifolia)
- Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
- Butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
- Blue false indigo (Baptisia australis)
- Eastern sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus)*
- Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis)
- Maryland golden aster (Chrysopsis mariana)
- Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)*
- White wood aster (Eurybia divaricata)
- Shrubby St. John's wort (Hypericum prolificum)
- Dense blazing star (Liatris spicata)
- Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
- Scarlet bee balm (Monarda didyma)
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
- Spotted bee balm (Monarda punctata)
- Wild quinine (Parthenium integrifolium)
- Foxglove beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis)
- Hairy beardtongue (Penstemon hirsutus)
- Obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana)
- Jacob's ladder (Polemonium reptans)
- Hoary mountain mint (Pycnanthemum incanum)
- Clustered mountain mint (Pycnanthemum muticum)
- Narrowleaf mountain mint (Pycnanthemum tenuifolium)
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
- Orange coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida)
- Cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum)*
- Zigzag goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis)
- Blue wood aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolium)
- New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
- Carolina lupine (Thermopsis villosa)*
- Culver's root (Veronicastrum virginicum)
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Fast FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
General
What is Savage Highlands State Park?
Savage Highlands is Mountain Maryland’s newest state park, formerly operated as the private Savage River Lodge. The property includes a lodge, 18 cabins, and 8 yurts and is currently closed while renovations and planning advance.
Where is it located?
About ten miles west of Frostburg, Maryland, near the Allegany Front and Eastern Continental Divide in Garrett County.
Is the park open to the public?
Not currently. Public access is prohibited while the property is transitioned into a state park; tours may be arranged by appointment (details forthcoming).
Why it Became a State Park
Why did Maryland purchase this property?
Savage Highlands became a state park to protect an ecologically significant mountain landscape and support public access compatible with surrounding Savage River State Forest recreation and conservation goals.
How does state ownership change the visitor experience?
Under state ownership, children and families can finally experience this property together—an important shift from its private past.
Improvements & Funding
What improvements have been made since acquisition?
Since purchase, Maryland Park Service staff have advanced critical stabilization and safety work, including hazardous tree removals, entry road grading/drainage work, interior improvements, upgraded yurt roofs, and development of new backcountry campsites.
Additional critical maintenance projects include a lodge roof replacement and a house roof/siding project, funded through site stabilization allocations.
Where did the funding come from?
A dedicated operating budget was established following acquisition, and an additional site stabilization allocation was set aside to address priority building envelope needs (roofs/siding/windows/doors).
Lodging, Fees, and Revenue
Will cabins and yurts be available to rent again?
Yes. Cabins and yurts are planned to return as reservable accommodations as reopening phases advance.
How much will it cost?
Rates are in development. The goal is to set affordable rates that are more accessible to average families than when the facility was privately operated.
Will there be an entry fee?
A fee schedule is still in development. Current work has focused on stabilizing and improving facilities; administrative functions like day-use and overnight fees will follow.
Where does overnight rental revenue go?
Revenue from overnight rentals will be allocated to the Forest and Park Reserve Fund (consistent with other state park rental facilities).
Reopening Timeline
When will Savage Highlands reopen?
Savage Highlands is planned to begin reopening in late summer 2026 with an event marking the transition into event-based public access, followed by phased expansion of guided trail experiences, limited overnight stays, and broader day-use access as readiness allows.
Recreation & Rules
What activities will be available?
Hiking, mountain biking on designated routes, nature observation, and (in surrounding state forest) fishing and hunting.
Is hunting allowed?
Hunting is prohibited at Savage Highlands State Park; it is allowed in the surrounding Savage River State Forest.
Where can I fish?
Fishing access is available along the Savage River in Savage River State Forest (license required for 16+).
Are there designated swimming areas?
No designated swimming areas; visitors may wade into Mudlick Run or the Savage River within the state forest at their own risk.
Are pets allowed?
Leashed pets are permitted in outdoor common areas; pets are permitted in designated cabins.
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