About
Lostland Run Natural Area protects the steep valley of Lostland Run in Potomac State Forest, part of Potomac-Garrett State Forest in southern Garrett County, where a cold, clear mountain stream drops through old-growth eastern hemlock and hardwood forest to the North Branch of the Potomac River. It is reached from Lost Land Run Rd near the forest headquarters and suits hikers, anglers and anyone interested in stream recovery and mountain wildlife.
A Stream Brought Back
Lostland Run was damaged by acid mine drainage from past coal mining. Maryland DNR installed lime dosers that neutralize the acidic water, and the stream has recovered enough to support native brook trout again. The valley's waterfalls, sandstone outcrops and the meeting of Lostland Run with the Potomac are what draw most visitors.
Plants and Wildlife
DNR lists the long-tailed shrew and southern rock vole among the mammals here, along with pipevine, a state-threatened plant, and the pipevine swallowtail butterfly that depends on it. In spring and summer look for trilliums, Jack-in-the-pulpit, jewelweed, mountain laurel and beech fern along the stream.
Before You Go
- A marked streamside trail of about 3.5 miles, with a suspension bridge, runs through the area; trail details are covered in the separate Lostland Run Trailhead listing.
- There is an upper parking area about 0.45 miles in on Lost Land Run Road and a lower one near the end of the road.
- DNR currently has Lost Land Run Road closed at Campsite 22 because of an unsafe bridge, so check the forest alerts before counting on the lower lot.
- Facilities and campsites are primitive, terrain is steep with stream crossings, and hunters use the forest in season.
- Follow Leave No Trace principles; a printed trail guide is sold through the DNR shop.
Call the Potomac State Forest office before your visit for current road and trail conditions.
Address
Lost Land Run Rd, Oakland, MD 21550