Green Ridge State Forest

Green Ridge State Forest is a large protected woodland in Allegany County featuring varied landscapes, rivers, and abundant wildlife along the Potomac River. The land contains dense forest areas, open meadows, and waterways that together support a range of plants and animals throughout the seasons.

The Maryland Forest Service established this protected area in 1931, transforming former timber and mining lands into a nature conservation zone. This shift represented a broader effort to restore overworked landscapes and preserve them for the future.

The forest holds memories of former apple orchards that shaped the lives and livelihoods of people in the region for generations. This agricultural past remains visible in how the landscape is organized and in local stories about the land.

The area offers many hiking trails, camping spots, and fishing locations accessible from several entry points. Interstate 68 runs along the northern boundary and serves as a major landmark for visitors trying to find their way around.

An abandoned railway path cuts through the land with several tunnels and old bridges from the era when trains crossed the region. These structures offer a glimpse into how people once moved goods and traveled through this area.

Location: Allegany County

Inception: 1931

Operator: Maryland Forest Service

Website: https://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/Pages/publiclands/western_greenridgeforest.aspx

GPS coordinates: 39.66528,-78.44306

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:04