Hunting Alert
Muzzleloader Season: Oct. 22–24 (Starts Tomorrow)
On a handful of days it’s better to be safe than sorry by simply staying out of hunting areas. Trails in no-hunting areas include Broadford Lake and Fork Run. Wear blaze orange if you head out anywhere else.
Hunting Alert
Bear Season: Oct. 26–31 (Starts Tomorrow)
On a handful of days it’s better to be safe than sorry by simply staying out of hunting areas. Trails in no-hunting areas include Broadford Lake and Fork Run. Wear blaze orange if you head out anywhere else.
Hunting Alert
Youth Hunt Weekend: Nov. 14–15 (Starts Tomorrow)
On a handful of days it’s better to be safe than sorry by simply staying out of hunting areas. Trails in no-hunting areas include Broadford Lake and Fork Run. Wear blaze orange if you head out anywhere else.
Hunting Alert
Rifle Season Opening Week: Nov. 28–Dec. 5 (Starts Tomorrow)
On a handful of days it’s better to be safe than sorry by simply staying out of hunting areas. Trails in no-hunting areas include Broadford Lake and Fork Run. Wear blaze orange if you head out anywhere else.
Garrett State Forest · Hand-Cut Trail
Wilderness Ranch Trail
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Activities
- Hike
Local Note: Bluebird fall day! Trails are dry and fast. Watch for slick leaf cover on descents and frosty spots early tomorrow morning.
Trail Type & Etiquette
Hand-cut trail: drains well and rides fine with a little rain.
Leave a Track, Turn Back. If your tires or boots are leaving a track, pick another trail. Don't Walk in Set Ski Tracks.
Updated Thu, Oct 22, 6:43 PM. These ratings come from DCAB riders who are out on these trails all week. They are rated for mountain biking, so hikers, runners and skiers can use them as a general guide. Conditions can change fast, and trails are rarely closed; use your judgment.
A hiking trail blazed in lavender, which can be hard to spot, with several rock outcroppings along the way.
Plan Your Visit
The Snaggy Mountain trails are in Garrett State Forest, right next door to Herrington Manor State Park, and the two trail networks connect. Herrington's yellow and blue trails are inside the state park; the orange trail and the 5.5 Mile Trail are in the forest. Snowmobiles ride the green-blazed Snaggy Mountain trails; they are not allowed inside the park itself.
- Trailhead
- Next to Herrington Manor State Park, 222 Herrington Lane, Oakland, MD 21550. Forest headquarters: 1431 Potomac Camp Road, Oakland, MD 21550.
- Hours & Season
- The forest is open year-round. The headquarters office keeps limited hours and staff are often in the field, so call ahead.
- Restrooms
- None on the forest trails. The nearest are at Herrington Manor State Park.
- Dogs
- Allowed on a leash at all times.
- Hunting
- Open to hunting, including Sunday deer hunting Sept. 13, 2026 to Jan. 31, 2027. Wear blaze orange in hunting season.
- Managed By
- Maryland Forest Service, Potomac-Garrett State Forest · 301-707-6539
- Emergency
- Call 911. Nearest hospital: Garrett Regional Medical Center, 251 N. 4th Street, Oakland (301-533-4000).
Know Before You Go
- Snowmobiles and off-road vehicles are allowed only on designated green-blazed forest sections such as Snaggy Mountain Road, and must be registered with Maryland DNR.
- Snaggy Mountain Trail Guide: sold through Herrington Manor State Park.
- Wear bright colors from fall through winter. This is working forest and hunting land.
- Leave No Trace. Pack out what you pack in, stay on the trail, and if you're leaving a track, turn back.
More Trails at Garrett State Forest (10)
See All Garrett State Forest Trails
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Visitor details checked by Deep Creek Times in October 2026. Fees and hours can change; confirm with the managing agency.