Trail Overview

Notice: Sideling Hill Creek is home to the State and Federally Endangered plant, Harperella (Ptilimnium nodosum). Crossing this creek should be done only as necessary, and in a slow controlled fashion observant of Tread Lightly Principles. DO NOT make multiple crossings or cross at speed. This county maintained gravel road is the main entrance to the northern section of the Sideling Hill Wildlife Management Area, whose goal is to maintain forest wildlife habitat and protection for water quality in Sideling Hill Creek. For those hiking and exploring the area, you can witness rocky outcrops of Devonian shale and Chemung and Hampshire sandstone cliffs, hardwood forest, and many species of bird and wildlife. Be aware of open hunting season and visit accordingly.

Photos of Riser Road

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Difficulty

The difficulty rating is strictly for the Sideling Hill Creek water crossing, which will be at least 18 inches deep. You will need a capable 4x4 and know where your engine's air intake is to cross this creek! There are no other obstacles of any consequence on this track.

Technical Rating

Colin McPheeters

Dec 21, 2025

Open

Water was iced over, up to the top of my wheels at one point. Wouldn’t cross without high clearance.

Luke P

Dec 05, 2025

Open

Seems couple trees have fallen and been cleared what level is up bit higher up to center of wheels on stock bronco

Sam Pope

Nov 19, 2025

Open

Trail is in good shape. A few potholes but nothing to worry about. The water crossing is the highlight! It was a little deeper than expected but my truck had no problem. The bottom is rock with plenty of traction.

johnny stevens

Sep 03, 2025

Open

Jeremy Roberts

Jun 21, 2025

Open

The creek was high. We sent it and made it. Would not try again unless a drought is on.

Eric Porter

Jun 21, 2025

Open

Broken asphalt turned into a well maintained gravel road. I did not attempt the water crossing, water appears high given recent rains.

Dakota Ryan

May 18, 2025

Open

Trail was great! Water was pretty high after the recent rain.

Jim Petersen

Apr 17, 2025

Open

This is an easy trail with a 2 2 1/2 ft. water crossing at the beginning/end of the trail. There were no obstructions and water was at a good level for us.

a a

Mar 16, 2025

Open

Kellen Bogardus

Mar 02, 2025

Open

Mostly a very roughly maintained gravel road with minimal passing areas, nowhere you would need lockers. The additional road up to the WMA is rougher and you have to dodge or run over a lot of branches. Water crossing was probably over a foot but was no issue. Can probably be done by an average Subaru if you’re careful.

Ron Karper

Dec 28, 2024

Open

Mostly gravel, deteriorating pavement on the East side. On the West is a water crossing maybe about 40-50’ wide and 1’ deep, almost all river rock except for near the sides. Not much else to see.

James Johnson

Dec 26, 2024

Open

Peter Schaible

Nov 09, 2024

Open

The water crossing was just over a foot at the deepest point, after that the trail is easy and presents little to no challenge.

Curtis S

Oct 29, 2024

Open

Quiet trail leading back to multiple areas advertised for MD state public hunting as well as some interesting areas to stop and relax or explore. Trail was in good condition, minimal opportunities for pinstriping, with a fresh coating of newly fallen leaves adding to the sounds of the drive. Fun part of this trail is of course the creek crossing, which at the time was only 12 inches at its deepest point. There are a couple spots to turn around, but coming up on a vehicle from the other direction would prove a challenge in most spots.

John W.

Oct 27, 2024

Open