Savage River State Forest deserves a spot on your itinerary during your Deep Creek Lake getaway. Maryland’s largest state forest spans more than 54,000 acres of rolling mountains, hardwood forests, and winding streams in Garrett County. Whether you’re chasing a quiet hiking trail, a mountain biking route, or just a few hours of fresh air away from screens and schedules, the state forest delivers.
Of course, Savage River is just one piece of the puzzle. There’s a long list of other things to do near Deep Creek that round out a great long weekend getaway, from boating and paddling on the lake itself to browsing local shops and breweries in McHenry and Oakland.
After a day spent on the trails in the Savage River State Forest, you’ll want a comfortable, welcoming place to land, and that’s exactly what Lake Pointe Inn offers. As one of the most established Deep Creek Hotels and lodging options on the lake, this arts-and-crafts-style Bed and Breakfast offers a waterfront setting and personalized hospitality. Book your stay today!
Visit the Beautiful Savage River State Forest
Savage River State Forest sits in the north and northeastern part of Garrett County, and at over 54,000 acres, it’s the largest property in Maryland’s state forest and park system. Roughly 12,000 acres of that land is designated as wild lands, left mostly untouched, while the remaining acreage is open for hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, and camping. It’s a lot of ground to cover, so most guests end up picking a focus for their visit rather than trying to see it all in one trip.
Pick one or two activities for your day in the Savage River State Forest, and save the rest for your next stay, you will want to return.
Hikers have plenty of options in the Savage River State Forest, no matter what kind of day they’re after. The Asa Durst Trail is a popular choice at 4.5 miles, rated moderate, and it winds through rolling forestland with stands of pine, spruce, and rhododendron lining the stream valleys. For something more relaxed, the Mount Aetna loop is a local favorite too, a 4.3 mile trail with a gradual ascent that’s manageable for most fitness levels. If you’re craving a view without committing to a full day hike, the trail up to High Rocks is worth the trip, just over 2 miles with a lookout tower and stone chimney at the top, and sweeping views of the surrounding ridges.
For anyone chasing a real challenge, the Big Savage Trail runs through upland oak and hickory forest and old farmsteads for over 17 miles, making it one of the most demanding backpacking routes in the state. Whichever trail you choose, sturdy shoes and a few liters of water are non-negotiable, especially since cell service is unreliable once you’re deep in the forest.
Mountain bikers will also find plenty of terrain to tackle in Savage River State Forest. Non-motorized bikes are allowed on most of the forest’s trail system, including sections around Margraff and Mt. Aetna, where gravel roads offer an easier ride and more technical single-track challenges for advanced riders. Just take it slow around blind curves, since hikers often share the same paths.
The wildlife in the Savage River State Forest is another reason to slow down and pay attention. Black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and ruffed grouse all call this forest home, along with bald and golden eagles that nest near the waterways. Birders in particular will want to bring binoculars, since the forest interior supports species that are harder to spot elsewhere in the state. The brook trout population in the Savage River is also considered one of the healthiest in Maryland, making this a worthwhile stop for anglers, who can also catch brown trout, rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass that share the same waters.
If horseback riding is more your speed, the forest allows it throughout most of its acreage, except within designated foot trails and park boundaries. Areas like Meadow Mountain and the Asa Durst Homestead are commonly recommended for a scenic ride. It’s worth checking with the forest office ahead of time, since trail conditions and access can shift seasonally.
Indulge in Luxury at Deep Creek Hotels
After a day of hiking ridgelines or pedaling through Savage River State Forest, the right place to unwind makes all the difference, and Lake Pointe Inn was built for exactly that kind of day. Each of our guest rooms and suites comes with a private bath and a gas fireplace, so you can warm up, rest your legs, and let the lake’s quiet settle around you. The Arts and Crafts architecture gives our whole property a warm, timeless feel that fits right in with the surrounding mountains, while the waterfront location means you’re never far from the water if you want to squeeze in a paddle before dinner.
Mornings here are just as good as the evenings. Every stay includes a gourmet, made-fresh breakfast, with a continental option available for guests who want to get an early start on the trails. Compared to the other Deep Creek Hotels in the area, Lake Pointe Inn offers something a bit more personal, a place where the hosts know your name and your stay feels less like a transaction and more like a visit with old friends. If Savage River State Forest is on your itinerary this season, reserve your room and let us take care of the rest.
