--- GREEN RIDGE STATE FOREST ---

Talk about Maryland's hidden outdoor gems. This place has them, even surprising this outdoors explorer. The area is remote, and when you think you are looking at nothing but rocks and trees, these magnificent, breath taking views force you to stop, look and feel overwhelmed. If you have been to the Grand Canyon, this is the feeling.

The 44,000 acres of forest are part of the Allegheny Mountain chain. The elevation variations help create the views, from 475 feet (Potomac River) to 2,039 feet (Town Hill). There are five views: No Name Overlook, Logroll, Warrior Mountain, Barners, and Point Lookout (a Civil War lookout). And because of the elevations, you have to work a bit to reach them.

Understand you are in a state forest on unimproved roads, which can be "dusty, full of ruts and strewn with rocks." It is not your Skyline Drive, and for that reason, it is a beautiful place. I recommend directions and maps. Go to the DNR Webb site, click on the "Fall Color Driving Tour," which gives good directions and descriptions of a 30 mile self-guided tour.

Camping is available at 100 designated primitive campsites located throughout the forest. One of the best campsites I have seen is the featured cover photo of the DNR brochure "Maryland State Forest and Parks." The camper at the picnic table has a view of the Potomac River Valley below enveloped by the mountains. The picture is good, but misses the vastness you sense with Green Ridge views.

There is mountain biking on a 12 mile circuit and off road vehicle driving on an 18 mile circuit. For hiking and backpacking, there is a 24 mile linear trail. You may obtain a copy of the Green Ridge State Forest Trail Guide at the visitor's center or on line.

The Forest is located off of I-68 at Exit 64, 22 miles east of Cumberland.

Contact: 301-478-3124, www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/greenridge/html