Beginner Off-Road Trails
Near Spring Gap, Maryland

This is an awesome dirt road in Green Ridge State Forest. There are several deep rutted mud holes (smelly mud!) and a historic cemetery along the way. It's rated a 3 just because of the unavoidable mud holes. This is fun in either direction and one you don't want to miss on your trip to Green Ridge!
Learn more about Poly Neil

This gravel and dirt trail connects Wallitzer Road to Mertens Avenue and features tight switchbacks along with overgrown vegetation during the spring and summer months. Wider vehicles may experience pinstriping. Four-wheel drive is recommended due to the inclines and declines, which can become slick...
Learn more about Gordon Road

This is a scenic route through Green Ridge State Forest. It features steep inclines and declines as well as mild ruts. At the top of this trail, you can find Banner Overlook with beautiful views, as well as group campsite seven. Four-wheel drive is recommended during the winter months as the incline...
Learn more about Mertens Mainline

Named for the Merten family who owned orchards in this region during the late 19th and early 20th century, the majority of Mertens Avenue is a rough but generally well-maintained gravel road. The road surface is primarily rough rock in almost a cobblestone orientation, which can give a washboard-lik...
Learn more about Mertens Avenue

This is a fun rutted dirt climb with lots of puddles (none very mucky). This beautiful trail can be enjoyed by any vehicle with good tires and ground clearance, though the climb at the beginning could be very slick after a recent rain or snow! There are no real obstacles to speak of, other than pote...
Learn more about Have a Piclic

This is an unmaintained forest road running along the Potomac River in a loop, with access to numerous camp sites. It passes through Bonds Landing, which is an access road to the C&O Canal bike trail, as well as the Potomac River. The trail itself is a mix of small rocks and dirt, and 4WD is recomme...
Learn more about Kasecamp Loop

This gravel and dirt road connects Frank Davis Road with Carpenter Road on the northern side of Green Ridge State Forest. Dispersed camping sites are located along the route, and a swimming hole can be found at the intersection of Carpenter Road and 15 Mile Creek Road. Four-wheel drive is not needed...
Learn more about Frankie Carpenter

This is a short but fun out-and-back trail off of Dug Hill Road, ending at a gated off field. The trail is all dirt, with numerous ruts and washouts. There are a few very secluded campsites along this trail. During the wet season, there are many mud holes and deep ruts. 4WD is recommended for this t...
Learn more about Howards Trail

This dirt and gravel trail runs through Green Ridge State Forest and includes a few small washouts along with several steep climbs and descents. Multiple dispersed campsites can be found along the route, and the area is popular for hunting. Four-wheel drive is only recommended during the winter mont...
Learn more about Treasure Road

This is a wide, freshly graded gravel road with massive incline changes. Portions of the trail can be steep at times. As you follow the gorge, you will pass the camp spots along the river. There are beautiful overlooks and multiple creekside camp spots. It is not recommended doing this trail in wint...
Learn more about MD Green Ridge to Gorge Trail

This trail is an unmaintained forest road consisting mainly of gravel and dirt. It is the connecting road from Old Cumberland Road to 15 Mile Creek Road. There are multiple dispersed camping sites along this road, as well as hunting options. 4WD is not required for this trail.
Learn more about Double Pine

This trail is a mainly dirt/gravel forest road. There are a few offshoots with dispersed camping sites and hiking options. During the winter months, 4WD is recommended due to the inclines and declines, which can be slick with snow or ice on the ground. During Spring, Summer, and Fall, this can be dr...
Learn more about Perrin Road

This trail is a short scenic route through Buchanan State Forest with options for hiking, camping, and sightseeing. On this trail, you can find beautiful views the entire time. The trail is mostly packed dirt, rocks, and gravel. 4WD is recommended throughout the winter months, as there are a few inc...
Learn more about Mount Zion

This trail consists of a few overlooks as well as an observation tower. You can begin the trail at Town Hill overlook, and down the mountain until you reach the intersection of Mountain and Cat Point Road. This is an extension of the already existing trail, “MD Green Ridge to Gorge”. Four-wheel driv...
Learn more about Tower Road

Rambling through the scenic Martin Hill Wild Area and bridging the Evitts and Tussey Mountains, Blankley Road is a quiet, scenic and relaxing ride through a beautiful part of the state. The picnic area, with restrooms, is a former CCC camp is very nice and well worth stopping at even just to see it....
Learn more about Blankley Road

This trail is a nice scenic drive through Buchanan State Forest. There are many dispersed campsites as well as hiking trails. The trail runs along a ridge, with views of the valley below all throughout the trail. There are a few steep inclines and declines, as well as washed-out areas that could be ...
Learn more about Big Mountain Trail

Runs north/south along the ridge of the Tussey Mountain. It passes through part of the Martin Hill Wild Area and along the border of the Sweet Root Natural Area. The north end is notable for a large, beautiful stone planter with wild flowers growing in it. It has one very nice vista looking into the...
Learn more about Martin Hill Road

This is a scenic gravel/dirt drive along the Potomac River! This is one road you'd truly never know existed if you didn't find it on a map. The route begins paralleling the C&O Canal trail, but briefly diverts as it winds up and over some of the gnarly topography of this region. At one point, the ro...
Learn more about Pearre Road

This trail is a short dirt road through Buchanan State Forest. This trail is all dirt and rock, and could be slick during the winter months as it is unmaintained. This trail is ideal for someone passing through Buchanan or anyone who is new to exploring the area. There are a few inclines and decline...
Learn more about Raccoon Ridge

The Coal Haul Road is a green trail that connects the Potomac River and North Hill Riding Areas of Wolf Den Run State Park. Wolf Den Run State Park has a good mix of green and blue, and black trails. It also has a slag pile playground. There are also a few narrow-width trails specifically just for S...
Learn more about Coal Haul Road

The Coal Haul Road is a green trail that connects the Potomac River and North Hill Riding Areas of Wolf Den Run State Park. Wolf Den Run State Park has a good mix of green and blue, and black trails. It also has a slag pile playground. There are also a few narrow-width trails specifically just for S...
Learn more about Coal Haul Road

Moss road or T-318 cuts through the southern Game lands. Reaching elevations of 1166 Ft traversing the forest and meadows. There is no public camping allowed on this route. Several parking locations are along the trail. If coming from the south look for a sharp turn heading up a gravel road.
Learn more about Moss Road - T-318

Trail 1107 is a green trail located within the North Hills Riding Area of Wolf Den Run State Park. North Hill is the northernmost of the three riding areas at Wolf Den Run. North Hill has a good mix of green and blue trails. It has one black trail as well. There are also a few narrow-width trails sp...
Learn more about 1107 Green

Trail 1108 is a green trail located within the North Hills Riding Area of Wolf Den Run State Park. North Hill is the northernmost of the three riding areas at Wolf Den Run. North Hill has a good mix of green and blue trails. It has one black trail as well. There are also a few narrow-width trails sp...
Learn more about 1108 Green

The Coal Haul Road is a green trail that connects the Potomac River and North Hill Riding Areas of Wolf Den Run State Park. Wolf Den Run State Park has a good mix of green and blue, and black trails. It also has a slag pile playground. There are also a few narrow-width trails specifically just for S...
Learn more about Coal Haul Road

Moss road or T-318 cuts through the southern Game lands. Reaching elevations of 1166 Ft traversing the forest and meadows. There is no public camping allowed on this route. Several parking locations are along the trail. If coming from the south look for a sharp turn heading up a gravel road.
Learn more about Moss Road - T-318

Trail 1107 is a green trail located within the North Hills Riding Area of Wolf Den Run State Park. North Hill is the northernmost of the three riding areas at Wolf Den Run. North Hill has a good mix of green and blue trails. It has one black trail as well. There are also a few narrow-width trails sp...
Learn more about 1107 Green

Trail 1108 is a green trail located within the North Hills Riding Area of Wolf Den Run State Park. North Hill is the northernmost of the three riding areas at Wolf Den Run. North Hill has a good mix of green and blue trails. It has one black trail as well. There are also a few narrow-width trails sp...
Learn more about 1108 Green