Mt. Aetna Tract Trails

Savage River State Forest Mountain Biking
Western Region, Maryland

Directions & description

Location: 3 hours west of Baltimore and Washington, D.C., 2 hours from Pittsburgh. 7 miles west of Frostburg, MD, in the Savage River State Forest. Garrett County.

Length/Configuration: A 7.6 mile network of interconnecting loop trails.

Terrain/Surface: Varied terrain, from gravel roads to challenging dirt singletrack.

Technical Difficulty: Intermediate level mountain bike skills

Elevation Change: Rolling terrain, with short steep climbs and descents. The largest elevation gain, 315 ft., is on the Mt. Aetna Trail hiking trail.

Trail Use : hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing. Off-road vehicles are not permitted in the Mt. Aetna Tract.

Caution: Multi-use trail system. Paved Mt. Aetna Rd turns into a gravel road just before the bridge. The gravel road leads to the Savage River Lodge, a private facility. There is a posted 150-yard safety zone around all occupied structures on the Savage River Lodge property during fall hunting season.

Savage River State Forest Trails

Other Area Rides

Local Resources: Bike shops, bike clubs, adventure travel, bike tours, bike events, trail maps, bike safety, camping, historical places, where to stay and other related sources visit our Resource Hub.


Note: The trail maps on this website have been simplified to provide an overview with approximate locations of trails and special features. Read Full Disclaimer.

Directions:

Take I-68 west through Cumberland, Maryland. Continue to Exit 29. Travel south on Beall School Rd. 1 mile to “T” intersection. Turn right onto Frostburg Rd. Travel .1 mile to a “Y” intersection and bear left on Frostburg Rd. Continue 2.6 miles, turn right onto Mt.Aetna Rd. and proceed to parking at end of paved road.

General Description:

See Savage River State Forest for trail regulations and other important information.

The scenic 700 acre Mt. Aetna Tract area in the northeast corner of the Savage River State Forest offers opportunities for birdwatching, hiking and mountain biking. Heavy winter snowfalls, typical in this area of western Maryland are ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing and other winter sports.

Bird species include the ovenbird, indigo bunting, red-tailed hawk and great horned owl. The hardwood forest and small stream habitat is home to the colorful long-tailed salamander. It's bright orange to red color with black dots make identification easy. If you spot one, please do not disturb this sensitive creature. Spring beauties and trout lilies bloom in April, pink lady slippers and trilliums during May and early June and the white blossoms of the Rhododendrons in July. The native hardwoods make a spectacular show of red, orange, yellow and purple color in the fall.

The Savage River Lodge owns 45 acres of land within the Mt. Aetna Tract. The lodge has 18 luxury cabins, a gourmet restaurant and bar, gift shop, fly fishing shop, Nordic Ski Center and access to professional guide services. The facility is only open to guests who are staying, dining or using an outdoor service. Visitors should register at the front desk.

Mt Aetna Tract Trails

Mt Aetna Trail: 3.2 miles. Intermediate
Elevation ranges from 2285 to 2600 ft. Biking is allowed only on the 1/4 mile section between the two ends of the Tall Oaks Trail. Try to spot white-tailed deer, bobcats and gray squirrels along this scenic trail.

Cabin Trail:2.3 miles. Intermediate
This is a scenic multi-use trail that is popular for birdwatching. Look out for wild turkey and the great-horned owl. This is a great trail for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during the winter months.

Tall Oaks Trail: 1.2 miles. Intermediate
Except for two short steep hills this is a relatively easy ride. Most of the hardwoods typical of Savage River State Forest can be seen here including red oak, white oak and hickory.

Savage River Trail: .2 miles. Beginner
For a quick ride or hike try this short trail. This is a good trail if you are new to riding or winter sports.

Mudlick Run Trail Trail: .6 miles. Intermediate
This trail allows you to enjoy all the scenic aspects of the longer forest trails in a short distance. It follows a stream bed and includes a downhill section.

For more information:

Topographical, water and rip resistant detailed trail maps (recommended) can be purchased via phone, online or in person at:

Savage River State Forest
349 Headquarters Lane
Grantsville, Md 21536

Phone: (301) 895-5453
Website: Savage River State Forest
TTY Users: ATT Relay 711

Savage River Lodge
1600 Mt. Aetna Road
Frostburg, MD 21532

Phone: (301) 689-3200

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