About
Fork Run Recreation Area Trails is a county-owned trail network off Shingle Camp Road near McHenry, reached by way of Wisp Mountain Road. Roughly eight miles of color-coded trails wind through about 550 wooded acres, with routes for hikers and mountain bikers from beginners to experienced riders.
The Trails
The system is built around color-coded loops, so it is easy to match a route to your group. Garrett Trails lists approximate lengths for the Red (1.37 mi), Gray (1.44 mi), Green (2.3 mi), Beige (1.4 mi) and Orange (0.45 mi) trails, plus a Silver Trail that follows the gravel road and links to the Green. The Green Trail climbs a set of short, steep switchbacks to the Beige. A realigned Yellow Trail leads to ledges and a rock face that climbers use, so the area draws climbers as well as hikers and riders.
The Acorn Loop, finished in 2023 with support from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Local Parks and Playground Program, is a 0.65-mile loop with a wide crushed-limestone surface free of technical roots and rocks. It was designed for beginner cyclists and people with limited mobility, and it also connects to the rest of the network. Faster riders using it to reach the harder trails are asked to slow down.
Before You Go
- Parking is at the trailhead off Shingle Camp Road, where trail maps are posted; a portable toilet sits a short way down the gravel road behind the gate.
- Leashed dogs are welcome.
- No fires, hunting, camping or overnight parking.
- Be bear aware and never approach or feed wildlife.
- Trail conditions can be hazardous in winter.
The land is owned by the Garrett County Commissioners and protected through the Maryland Environmental Trust, and the nonprofit Garrett Trails helps develop and maintain the system. Download the trail map from Garrett Trails before you head out, since the loops branch often.
Address
Fork Run, McHenry, MD 21541