Approximately 90% of the Mt. Nebo WMA is dominated by mixed hardwood forest in various age classes, with the remaining 10% comprised of wetland bog, agricultural fields, and power line rights-of-way. A 1,854 acre tract located in southwestern Garrett County, Mt. Nebo WMA protects two red spruce bogs, one of the most unique wetlands in Maryland. These are among the oldest peat bogs in eastern North America, complete with a host of rare and endangered plants. This wetland thicket complements the young forest habitat that the area is managed to provide.

Aelred Geis Memorial Woodcock Habitat Demonstration Area

What To See

River otters, released in Western Maryland by wildlife biologists, could be seen swimming along the shoreline of the beaver pond or waterfowl impoundment. The drumming sound of the male ruffed grouse and the gobbling of male turkeys are fascinating to hear. Many songbirds migrate to the unique to the wetlands and forests. Birders target this area to find alder flycatchers in the summer months.

What To Do

Mt. Nebo is best known for its excellent ruffed grouse and woodcock hunting. In the fall, a man-made pond, or "impoundment," attracts a variety of migrating waterfowl and provides some hunting opportunity. White-tailed deer, turkey, and black bears are also among the game species. Many trails and old roads invite quiet strolls or challenging hikes and take the visitor to many picturesque landscapes.

Area Regulations

• Use of Mt. Nebo WMA is generally permitted seven days a week throughout the year.
• Hunting is allowed in accordance with open seasons and shooting hours.
• No special permits or drawings are required to hunt this area, except appropriate licenses and stamps.
• Trapping by permit only.
• There is disabled hunter access off of Oakland-Sang Run Road.

Special Areas

• There is disabled hunter access available. One area off of Mt. Nebo Road that leads toward the impoundment is open during the firearm deer season only.

Non-hunting Users Guide

• Non-hunting visitors are welcome
• Be aware of open hunting seasons and visit accordingly
• Season dates available in newspapers, on the Internet, and at some area stores
• Trails are maintained but not actively marked
• Bird watching, hiking and mushroom hunting are popular uses of this area
• Mature hardwood forest and wetlands surround many of the trails and support a rich variety of song birds and other wildlife species, depending on the time of year
• The area has mostly gently rolling topography with some steep slopes and elevations range from 2,400 feet to 2,800 feet

Site Management Goals

• Mt. Nebo WMA is managed to provide habitat for a variety of forest wildlife species that require a diverse forest age structure.
• Wildlife openings are maintained and planted to provide feeding and brood rearing habitat. 
• Species that can be found here include: white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, wild turkeys, cottontail rabbits, squirrels, woodcock, mallard ducks, wood ducks, beaver, muskrats, fisher, raccoons, and numerous non-game species. 
• An extensive wetland complex with man-made and beaver impoundments, thick alder and wetland shrub cover, and isolated pockets of red spruce and hemlock stands occurs on the area.

Directions

From I-68 at Keyser's Ridge, take MD 219 south toward Oakland. Mt. Nebo is approximately 3 miles north of Oakland along the west side of MD 219. Access to the area is via parking areas located along Route 219 or Oakland/Sang-run Road. For additional information, contact the Mt. Nebo Wildlife Office at (301) 334-4255.

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