Contact Information
222 Herrington Lane
Oakland, MD 21550
301-334-2038
The Potomac River has its headwaters in this rugged mountain forest where wildlife abounds and there is excellent trout fishing. Mountain forests, streams and valleys make up nearly 12,000 acres in Potomac State Forest. The forest drains into the Potomac River Basin, and features the highest point in any Maryland state forest - Backbone Mountain, elevation 3,220 feet. Another high point in the forest is the rock outcropping near the intersection of Maryland Route 135 and Walnut Bottom Road which overlooks a portion of Potomac State Forest, Savage River State Forest and Crabtree Creek.
Potomac State Forest is a very picturesque state forest encompassing nearly 12,000 acres where trail exploration is supreme. Visitors use the trails all year for cross-country skiing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling. Off-road-vehicles are welcome. There is a designated hunting area, fishing waters and picnic ground. River swimming and camping are popular summertime activities.
Potomac State Forest outdoor recreation opportunities and amenities include cross-country skiing, camping and shelters, fishing, hiking trails, hunting, picnicking, equestrian trails, and snowmobiling. In addition, the forest has several Potomac River swimming holes, popular with locals.
Maryland has four distinct seasons with spring and fall being particularly pleasant with low humidity and mild temperatures. The average January temperature ranges between 30 and 34 degrees F (-1 to 1 C) with July averages ranging between 74 degrees F and 80 degrees F. Typically, coastal temperatures are slightly warmer then the western Appalachian Plateau area. Travelers should be aware that winters can become miserably cold and summers can be hazy, hot and humid with afternoon thundershowers.
