Garrett State Forest

Garrett State Forest is where Maryland's public forest system began: in 1906 brothers John and Robert Garrett gave the state 1,967 acres for forestry demonstration. Today it is managed by Maryland DNR as part of the roughly 19,000-acre Potomac-Garrett State Forest in southwestern Garrett County, and its Snaggy Mountain area near Swallow Falls State Park, north of Oakland, is popular with campers, hikers, riders and winter snowshoers.

A Forest With History

The original gift was made on April 5, 1906, and a monument on Herrington Manor Lake Road in Herrington Manor State Park marks the spot near where state forestry began. The tract was long known as Swallow Falls State Forest; in 1976 it was renamed Garrett State Forest to honor the family and avoid confusion with Swallow Falls State Park. The forest is mostly second-growth mixed hardwood and is actively managed by DNR foresters.

Trails and Camping

• Potomac-Garrett State Forest has more than 80 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding; not every trail is open to every use, so check with headquarters first.
• The Snaggy Mountain trail area has its own map, and DNR recommends the South Snaggy Mountain trails for backcountry snowshoeing; cross-country skiing is allowed throughout the forest.
• The Snaggy Mountain camping area, at 3739 Snaggy Mountain Road, has 10 primitive sites, a group site and a rustic trail shelter, with a picnic table, lantern post and fire ring at each site and a vault toilet in the area.
• Sites and shelters are first-come, first-served through a self-registration kiosk; group sites are reserved by calling the forest office. Backpack camping is allowed with a backcountry permit, at least 200 feet from any trail or stream.

Before You Go

Pets are welcome on a leash at all times, and campfires are allowed except during drought. Forest headquarters is at 1431 Potomac Camp Rd, Oakland, where you can pick up maps and drop fuelwood-permit payments, but staff are often out in the field, so call ahead.

Call Us!

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• (301) 707-6539