About
Mt. Nebo Wildlife Management Area is 1,854 acres of public land about 3 miles north of Oakland, on the west side of US 219. Maryland DNR's Wildlife & Heritage Service manages it for wildlife habitat and hunting, and it is also a place to hike, birdwatch and hunt for mushrooms on old woods roads.
Bogs, Forest and Young Woods
About 90 percent of the area is mixed hardwood forest of different ages; the rest is wetland, bog, fields and power-line rights-of-way, at elevations from 2,400 to 2,800 feet. It protects two red spruce bogs that DNR describes as ancient peat bogs, home to rare plants. A wetland complex of man-made and beaver ponds, alder thickets and pockets of red spruce and hemlock draws migrating waterfowl in the fall.
Much of the management here is about young forest. The Aelred Geis Memorial Woodcock Habitat Demonstration Area shows how cutting aging alder and encroaching hardwoods in winter brings back thick cover for American woodcock and ruffed grouse, work done with partners including the Ruffed Grouse Society.
Wildlife and Hunting
Look for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear, grouse, woodcock, beaver, fisher and river otter, along with alder flycatchers and other songbirds in summer. Hunting follows Maryland's open seasons with the usual licenses and stamps, and trapping needs a permit. Disabled-hunter access is off Oakland–Sang Run Road.
Before You Go
The area is generally open year-round. Park in the lots along US 219 or Oakland–Sang Run Road. Trails and woods roads are maintained but not marked, so bring DNR's map, and check hunting seasons before a walk.
It's a good spot for a quiet morning walk with binoculars, not far from town.
Address
Mt Nebo Rd, Oakland, MD 21550