Poplar Lick ORV Mountain Bike Trail

Savage River State Forest
Western Region, Maryland

Directions & Trail Description

Location: 3 hours west of Baltimore and Washington, D.C., 2 hours from Pittsburgh, PA. 5 miles southeast of Grantsville, MD, in the heart of Savage River State Forest. Garrett County.

Length/Configuration: 6 miles (one-way). 12 miles round trip out and back trail.

Terrain/Surface: Old woods dirt road with sections of small loose stones.

Technical Difficulty: Beginner, intermediate mtb skill levels

Elevation Change: Gradual downhill for most of trail.

Trail Use : hiking, mountain biking, off road ATV vehicles.

Caution: Multi-use trail system. Trail prone to flooding after wet periods. Trail closed during winter months (Jan-Mar).

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:

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 several miles past the New Germany State Park entrance (2 miles). Look for the Poplar Lick ORV Trail sign and parking area.

General Description:

See Savage River State Forest for trail regulations and other important information.
See New Germany State Park for general area descriptions and prevalent flora and fauna as well as more mountain bike trails.

Poplar Lick Trail:

The Poplar Lick ORV Trail begins at New Germany State Park and travels 6 miles to the Savage River. It can be accessed from a trailhead several miles past the park entrance on New Germany Road. This old forested dirt road was originally built by the CCC in 1934 and runs along the Poplar Lick, a small native brook trout stream flowing from New Germany Lake.

The trail is a popular recreation trail for a wide variety of users from ORV's to hikers and mountain bikers. With 13 stream crossings and only 5 bridges, you will be getting your feet wet! The trail travels through a canopy of Hemlock and is edged with big Rhododendrons that are in full-bloom at the end of June through mid-July. The trail descends gradually for most of its length so expect a long gradual uphill climb on the return trip. The grade is gentle, but its length and surface of dirt and loose stone make this ride more easily handled by the intermediate mountain biker.

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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