New Germany State Park Trails

Directions:

New Germany State Park is located in Garrett County, 5 miles southeast of Grantsville, Maryland. West on I-70 to Hancock. Pick up I-68 through Cumberland, Maryland. Continue west to Exit 22. Turn left off exit ramp onto Chestnut Ridge Road. Pass Holiday Inn and follow Chestnut Ridge Road for three miles to New Germany Road. Turn left and travel two miles to New Germany State Park on left.

General Description:

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

Garrett County’s 400 acre New Germany State Park is surrounded by the larger 54,000 acre Savage River State Forest. 19th century settlers established a farming community here that reminded them of their German homeland. Hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing on the park’s 12 mile trail system make this a four season outdoor adventure destination.

New Germany's 13-acre lake, formed when Poplar Lick Run was dammed for a booming mid-nineteenth century mill operation, is great for swimming, kayaking, canoeing and fishing. Public boat launches are located at New Germany Lake and Savage River Reservoir. Rowboats, paddle boats and kayaks may be rented for use on the lake.

Diverse habitats within the park include a man-made lake, natural swamp,  trout stream, stands of mature Eastern Hemlock and plantations of  50-70 year old spruce, pine and fir. Wildlife includes black bear, bobcat, coyote, white-tailed deer and a variety of bird species. Rhododendrons along the banks of Poplar Lick are in full-bloom from the end of June through mid July. There are wildflowers in the spring and summer, and colorful foliage in the fall. New Germany State Park is the closest park to Washington and Baltimore with a history of consistent snow cover. During the winter you can ski below the towering hemlocks. (Mountain bikes are prohibited from New Germany's trails once the trails become snow-covered).

Camping: Campsites are available from late spring through early fall and cabins (winterized with woodstove and electric heat) are available year-round. Camground facilities include a central bath house with hot showers, a perimeter trail, and a nearby nature center that was once a one-room school house.

Campfire talks are presented throughout the summer by Park Rangers. Accounts of early settlers, mountain life, the days of the Civilian Conservation Corps, and many more stories will fascinate young and old listeners alike.

Nearby attractions include the historic Casselman River Bridge, near Grantsville and Big Run State Park at the north end Of the Savage River Reservoir. (see Area Attractions below)

New Germany State Park Trails:

The well-marked color coded trail system at New Germany State Park although designed primarily for cross-country skiing, offers some of the most scenic mountain biking in western Maryland. The trails are considered non-technical although more challenging terrain with steep hill climbs can be found on the trails that climb either side of the stream valley.

Green Trail: 1.6 miles. Beginner
The Green Trail, just south of parking lot #5, is a flat, scenic trail that runs along the Poplar Lick. During the winter season expect heavy two-way ski traffic on weekends. Consult posted maps before checking out the many side trails.

Pink Trail: .8 miles. Beginner
Turn left just past the contact station when entering the park and pick up the trail from parking lot #2. The trailhead is just above the apple orchard at the back of the lot. This short loop takes you through a shaded forest of spruce, pine and fir. Snow  and ice can linger here until late spring. Old foundations of a house, barn and outbuildings can be spotted from the trail.

Yellow Trail: .25 to .75 miles. Beginner / Intermediate
Check out a rocky southeast slope facing Poplar Lick along this old easy CCC trail. Continue on the Green Trail for 1/2 mile to another section of the Yellow Trail that that circles uphill before ending at the contact staion. This section is rated intermediate.

Three Bridges & TSI Trail  : 1.1 miles. All ability levels.
This trail follows the old railbed of a narrow-gauge railroad that used to haul lumber In the late 1800s. It runs along the Poplar Lick and is havily shaded. You can turn around and head back to the Green Trail or take the more difficult uphill Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) Trail.

Blue Trail / Orange Trail / Cabin Trail: 1.5 miles. Intermediate
These trails are generally double track and grass covered. Combine these trails for a 1 1/2 mile ride between the Red and Green Trails. It runs at a higher contour over rolling terrain, making it more challenging than the Green. 

Red Trail: 1.0 miles. Intermediate / Advanced
The Red Trail runs uphill before looping around and dropping steeply downhill to the cabin road. One-way signs along this trail apply to cross-country skiers.

Dynamite Shack Trail: .6 miles. Intermediate / Advanced
This trail is all uphill and is named for the building used by the CCC for storing dynamite. About half-way up the hill the remnants of the building are on your left. Expect a good workout climbing this steep hill by bike or on skis, and be careful on the way down.

Dog Leg Trail: .5 miles. Intermediate / Advanced
Mountain bikers will love this trail named for all the twists and turns along the way.

Area Attractions:

Casselman River Bridge: Located east of Grantsville in Garrett County on U.S. Route 40. A single arch stone bridge was originally constructed in 1813-14 once served the old National Road which linked Cumberland, Maryland with the Ohio River.

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

New Germany State Park
349 Headquarters Lane
Grantsville, MD 21536

Phone: (301) 895-5453
Website: New Germany State Park

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