Historic National Road - Maryland
Green Ridge State Forest, MD

Part of the Allegheny Mountain chain, Green Ridge State Forest covers 40,000-acres of mountainous terrain known for its network of unpaved roads and scenic overlooks. An autumn drive through the park allows you to take in nature’s most spectacular show of color. From hiking, biking, and canoeing to picnicking and primitive camping, this second largest of Maryland’s forests is a place for outdoor adventures. Elevations within the forest vary from 475-feet at its western border along the C&O Canal to 2,039-feet above sea level. Because of its unique topography, the forest experiences the lowest precipitation in the state, only 36-inches annually, which creates desertlike habitats, known as shale barrens. So don’t be surprised if you see unusual flowering plants, like the prickly pear cactus.