Garrett State Forest

5.5 Mile Trail

A hand-built trail at Garrett State Forest.

TodayPrime RidingTrail Conditions

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Distance
5.4 mi
Difficulty
Moderate
Climb
312 ft
Descent
279 ft
Hunting
Hunting Area

Good For: Mountain Bike, Hike, Trail Running, Snowshoe, Nordic Ski

About This Trail

Local Note: Bluebird fall day! Trails are dry and awesome!

Elevation Profile - 5.5 Mile Trail (Herrington Manor State Park)

5.5 Mile Trail is a moderately popular, 5-mile blue singletrack trail near Oakland, Maryland. This multi-use trail is open in both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with a 311-ft blue climb. On average, it takes 43 minutes to complete this trail.

 

Ace's Run Restaurant and Pub
Property Owners' Association of Deep Creek Lake
Fox's Pizza Den Oakland

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 29, 10:03 AM. 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.

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.
Fee
Free. No trail fee.
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).
Get DirectionsOfficial Trail MapForest WebsiteHerrington Manor State Park

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.

Make a Day of It

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Visitor details checked by Deep Creek Times in October 2026. Fees and hours can change; confirm with the managing agency.

More Trails at Garrett State Forest

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Hunting AreaGarrett State ForestBlue - Brier RidgeEasy0.6 miMountain Bike, Hike, Trail RunningHunting AreaGarrett State ForestOrange Blazes Cont.Easy1.4 miMountain Bike, Hike, Trail Running, Snowshoe, Cross-Country SkiHunting AreaGarrett State ForestOrange Spur - Brier RidgeEasyMountain Bike, Hike, Trail Running