Potomac State Forest

By Sarah MitchellOutdoor Editor & Trail ExpertFebruary 6, 2026 · Updated April 22, 2026

🏔️ Maryland’s Wildest Public Land — Backbone Mountain, Hoye-Crest (3,360 ft), and 80+ Miles of Backcountry Trails — 11,000+ acres of rugged Appalachian forest with primitive camping, wild brook trout streams, hunting, snowmobiling, and the highest point in Maryland — Garrett County near Oakland

There is no visitor center. No paved loop trail. No gift shop. Potomac State Forest is 11,000 acres of roadless Appalachian mountain terrain in the far western corner of Maryland where the state narrows to a sliver between West Virginia and Pennsylvania. The forest headquarters — a modest building on Potomac Camp Road outside Oakland — is staffed on Mondays only, because the rest of the week the single forest manager is somewhere out in the backcountry maintaining trails, monitoring timber stands, or checking on hunters. This is not a state park designed for casual visitors. This is working forest that happens to contain some of the most remote, challenging, and rewarding outdoor recreation in the mid-Atlantic region.

The centerpiece is Backbone Mountain, whose summit at Hoye-Crest (3,360 feet) marks the highest natural point in all of Maryland. The forest spreads across deep valleys cut by cold-water trout streams — the North Branch of the Potomac River, Lostland Run, and Laurel Run — where wild brook trout still hold in pools shaded by hemlock and rhododendron. More than 80 miles of multi-use trails thread through this terrain, shared by hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, hunters, and — in winter — cross-country skiers and snowmobilers. Five primitive camping areas and unrestricted backcountry camping make this one of the few places in Maryland where you can disappear into the woods for days without seeing another person.

7 Best Things to Do at Potomac State Forest

1. Summit Hoye-Crest — Maryland’s Highest Point

The hike to Hoye-Crest follows an old logging road for approximately 1.5 miles one-way with about 700 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. The trailhead is accessed from US Route 219 just across the West Virginia border — look for the small pull-off and red “HP” markers on trees. The summit features a commemorative sign, a picnic table, and a trail register. On clear days, the view extends across the Allegheny Plateau in every direction. This is a bucket-list hike for Maryland highpointers and Appalachian Trail enthusiasts. The trail can be muddy and poorly marked in spots — bring a GPS device or downloaded offline map.

2. Fish Wild Brook Trout in Lostland Run

Lostland Run is the jewel of Potomac State Forest for anglers. This cold, fast-moving mountain stream holds wild native brook trout — not hatchery fish, but stream-born brookies that have lived in these waters since before European settlement. The fishing is technical: tight casting lanes under rhododendron canopy, pocket water between boulders, and fish that spook at shadows. Bring a 3-weight fly rod or ultralight spinning setup. The North Branch of the Potomac River within the forest boundaries is managed as a Delayed Harvest Trout Fishing Area with both stocked rainbow and brown trout plus some wild populations. A valid Maryland Freshwater Fishing License is required for all streams (unlike Gambrill State Park’s license-free pond).

3. Backpack the Backcountry

Potomac State Forest permits backcountry camping throughout the entire forest — one of the few public lands in Maryland with this freedom. Register at any self-registration kiosk, follow Leave No Trace principles, and camp at least 200 feet from any trail or stream. This opens up multi-day backpacking routes across Backbone Mountain, through the Lostland Run valley, and along the Snaggy Mountain ridge. The terrain is genuinely remote — no cell service, no maintained water sources, no emergency call boxes. Pack a water filter, bear canister (black bears are active here), and a real first-aid kit. This is the closest thing to wilderness backpacking you will find in Maryland.

4. Hunt Deer, Bear, and Turkey

Hunting is permitted across most of the forest’s 19,000+ combined acres (Potomac-Garrett complex). White-tailed deer, black bear, and wild turkey are the primary game species. Garrett County falls within Maryland’s Region A for deer hunting. Several gated forest roads open to vehicle access from September through January 31 to assist hunters — four-wheel drive is strongly recommended on these unpaved mountain roads. Forest boundaries are marked with yellow paint on trees (yellow bar = entry, yellow dot = exit). Hunting is prohibited in the adjacent Herrington Manor State Park and Swallow Falls State Park. Always wear blaze orange during firearms seasons.

5. Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe

Western Maryland’s high elevation means Potomac State Forest receives significantly more snow than the rest of the state — sometimes 100+ inches per winter. The forest trails become excellent cross-country skiing and snowshoeing terrain when snow depth allows. The South Snaggy Complex is specifically recommended for backcountry snowshoeing through old-growth sections. No fees are charged for winter trail access. Snowshoers should walk beside (not on) cross-country ski tracks to preserve the grooming. Nearby Herrington Manor State Park offers fat-tire bike rentals for an alternative winter experience.

6. Snowmobile Designated Trails

Four designated snowmobile trail systems operate from December 15 through March 15 (closed during deer firearms season): Backbone Mountain/Burkholder Road, Piney Mountain, Snaggy Mountain, and Wallman/Laurel Run. Snowmobiles must be registered annually with the Maryland DNR — registration stickers must be displayed. These are rugged mountain trails, not groomed resort loops. Check snow conditions before making the trip, as natural snowfall varies dramatically year to year.

7. Walk the Kindness Demonstration Trail

For visitors who want to understand sustainable forestry without committing to a backcountry expedition, the Kindness Demonstration Area offers a 1.25-mile self-guided interpretive trail. Informational stations explain timber harvesting techniques, wildlife habitat management, reforestation practices, and the ecological balance between logging and conservation. This is one of the few educational forestry trails in the mid-Atlantic and provides genuine insight into how Maryland manages its working forests.

Trail System Overview

With 80+ miles of multi-use trails, Potomac State Forest’s network spans everything from old logging roads wide enough for side-by-side hiking to narrow ridge-top singletrack. Trails are shared by hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, and — in season — hunters. Markings can be sparse in remote sections, so carry a GPS device or printed map from the forest headquarters.

Where to Stay: Primitive Camping

Forget electric hookups and bathhouses. Camping at Potomac State Forest is primitive by design — picnic tables, fire rings, lantern posts, and vault toilets. No electricity. No running water. No dump stations. This is exactly the point. Five designated camping areas are distributed across the forest, all operating first-come, first-served via self-registration kiosks.

Camping fees: Typically $10–$20/night. Group sites require advance reservation by calling forest headquarters at 301-707-6539. Buy firewood locally — do not transport wood to prevent spread of invasive emerald ash borer.

Best Time to Visit

Garrett County sits at 2,500–3,300 feet elevation and experiences weather more similar to West Virginia and Pennsylvania than coastal Maryland. Summer highs rarely exceed 80°F — a 15-20°F drop from Baltimore — making this a genuine heat refuge. Winters are harsh with frequent heavy snowfall, creating excellent conditions for winter sports but challenging conditions for camping and access roads.

Know Before You Go

This Is Not a State Park

Potomac State Forest is a working forest managed for timber production, wildlife habitat, and recreation — in that order. Expect unpaved roads, minimal signage, no visitor services, and areas of active logging. The headquarters is staffed only on Mondays; brochures and maps are available on the covered porch at other times. If you need amenities — showers, electricity, staffed offices — visit nearby Deep Creek Lake State Park or New Germany State Park instead.

Black Bear Country

Garrett County has Maryland’s highest concentration of black bears. Bear encounters are common, especially during berry season (July–August) and fall mast season. Hang food bags from trees or use bear canisters at backcountry campsites. Never store food in your tent.

Cell Service and Navigation

Cell phone reception is nonexistent in most of the forest. Download offline maps before entering. GPS devices are strongly recommended for backcountry travel. The forest’s internal road network uses gated fire roads that may not appear on consumer GPS maps. Pick up a paper trail map from the headquarters porch.

Getting There

Forest Headquarters: 1431 Potomac Camp Road, Oakland, MD 21550. From Oakland, take Route 135 south, then follow signs to Potomac Camp Road. From the DC/Baltimore metro, Oakland is approximately 180 miles west — about 3 hours via I-68. The forest is accessed via multiple entry points along unpaved roads branching off Route 135 and Route 219. Four-wheel drive is recommended for interior forest roads, especially in wet conditions or hunting season.

Nearby Attractions

Garrett County is Maryland’s outdoor recreation capital, with nearly 90,000 acres of public land concentrated in the Allegheny Highlands. Swallow Falls State Park — just 15 minutes north — features Muddy Creek Falls (54 feet), the tallest free-falling waterfall in Maryland, plus an old-growth hemlock forest. Herrington Manor State Park offers a 53-acre swimming lake, cabin rentals, and groomed cross-country ski trails. Deep Creek Lake State Park sits on Maryland’s largest inland lake — the primary resort destination in Western Maryland with boating, swimming, and full-service campgrounds. New Germany State Park and Savage River State Forest round out a network that can fill a full week of varied outdoor exploration.

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⚠️ Safety Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Potomac State Forest free to enter?

Yes. There is no entrance fee for Potomac State Forest. All trails, roads, and day-use areas are free to access year-round. Primitive camping costs $10–$20/night at designated sites. Dispersed backcountry camping is free with self-registration.

Can you camp anywhere in Potomac State Forest?

Yes — backcountry camping is permitted throughout the forest. Register at any self-registration kiosk, follow Leave No Trace principles, and camp at least 200 feet from any trail or stream. Five designated primitive camping areas (Piney Mountain, Snaggy Mountain, Wallman, Laurel Run, and Lostland Run) offer fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets for those who prefer a more established site.

Do you need a fishing license for Potomac State Forest?

Yes. A valid Maryland Freshwater Fishing License is required for all streams in the forest. The North Branch Potomac River sections within the forest are managed as Delayed Harvest Trout Fishing Areas with specific catch-and-release regulations during certain months. Check current Maryland fishing regulations before your trip.

Is hunting allowed in Potomac State Forest?

Yes. Hunting is permitted across most of the 19,000+ acre Potomac-Garrett forest complex. White-tailed deer, black bear, and wild turkey are the primary game species. Garrett County is within Maryland’s Region A for deer hunting. All Maryland hunting regulations, licenses, and blaze orange requirements apply. Hunting is prohibited in adjacent Herrington Manor and Swallow Falls State Parks.

How do you get to Hoye-Crest, Maryland’s highest point?

The trailhead is accessed from US Route 219 near the Maryland-West Virginia border. Look for a small roadside pull-off and red “HP” markers on trees. The hike is approximately 1.5 miles one-way along an old logging road with about 700 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. The summit at 3,360 feet features a commemorative sign, picnic table, and trail register.

Can you snowmobile in Potomac State Forest?

Yes. Four designated snowmobile trail systems operate from December 15 through March 15: Backbone Mountain/Burkholder Road, Piney Mountain, Snaggy Mountain, and Wallman/Laurel Run. Snowmobiles must be registered annually with the Maryland DNR. Trails close during deer firearms season. Natural snowfall conditions vary — check before making the trip.

Is there cell service in Potomac State Forest?

No. Cell phone reception is nonexistent in most of the forest. Download offline maps and GPS waypoints before entering. Carry a paper trail map from the forest headquarters porch. For backcountry trips, consider a satellite communicator (Garmin inReach or similar) for emergency use.

What is the difference between Potomac State Forest and nearby state parks?

Potomac State Forest is a working forest managed for timber, wildlife, and primitive recreation. There are no paved trails, visitor centers, or modern campgrounds. Nearby Swallow Falls State Park, Herrington Manor State Park, and Deep Creek Lake State Park offer more developed facilities including paved trails, bathhouses, cabins, and staffed offices. Choose the forest for solitude and backcountry adventure; choose the parks for accessible family recreation.

About the Author

Sarah Mitchell

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

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