Description: Located in the Savage River State Forest, this 14-mile long trail runs along the crest of Meadow Mountain, following the Eastern Continental Divide in some areas with great views to both the east and west. It is an integral part of the ECDL, with the latest trail construction completed in autumn of 2021. The trail has multiple access points that allow shorter sections to be enjoyed, with limited parking at some locations.
One of the best overlooks in the county is found at the southern terminus, .75 miles south of Frank Brenneman Road trail head. The trail is primarily packed gravel, 6'-8' wide, with the exception of the section between the Rt. 495 and the overlook. Leaving the 495 parking lot it is gravel for 0.5 mile, and then becomes a forest trail on a former logging road. A hybrid bike may or may not be suitable for this section depending on you ability.
During late fall hunting seasons some sections become handicap accessible hunting routes, with the gates opened to vehicles traffic. Please contact the Savage River State Forest Headquarters for more information about rules and regulations concerning the MMT. Follow this link for a 3D virtual tour! Disclaimer: This video was paid in part with funds from the Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West and Maryland Heritage Areas Authority.
Use: Mountain Biking, Hiking, Horseback Riding, OHV & snowmobiles on northern sections (OHV Permit Required, check with the forest service office to determine which section OHV are allowed on)
Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Directions to Multiple Trail heads:
One of the best overlooks in the county is found at the southern terminus, .75 miles south of Frank Brenneman Road trail head. The trail is primarily packed gravel, 6'-8' wide, with the exception of the section between the Rt. 495 and the overlook. Leaving the 495 parking lot it is gravel for 0.5 mile, and then becomes a forest trail on a former logging road. A hybrid bike may or may not be suitable for this section depending on you ability.
During late fall hunting seasons some sections become handicap accessible hunting routes, with the gates opened to vehicles traffic. Please contact the Savage River State Forest Headquarters for more information about rules and regulations concerning the MMT. Follow this link for a 3D virtual tour! Disclaimer: This video was paid in part with funds from the Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West and Maryland Heritage Areas Authority.
Use: Mountain Biking, Hiking, Horseback Riding, OHV & snowmobiles on northern sections (OHV Permit Required, check with the forest service office to determine which section OHV are allowed on)
Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Directions to Multiple Trail heads:
- Northern Trail Head at East Shale Road- Take I68 exit for 219 N. Turn south (this is Chestnut Ridge Road); Take left between I68 ramp and gas station. Follow this for .8 miles. Last .2 miles 4WD recommended. (Google Map Directions)
- West Shale Trail Head- Follow Chestnut Ridge Road south for 2.5 miles “”T”” intersection. Turn left on New Germany. Go .5 miles and trail head is directly across from West Shale Road. Parking area on left just past trailhead. (Google Map Directions)
- Otto Lane Trail Head- Follow New Germany Road south approximately 1.5 miles past the entrance to New Germany State Park. Turn right on Otto Lane and travel to the top of the hill. Small gravel parking area is on left just past West Shale Road. (Google Map Directions)
- Maynardier Ridge Road Trail Head- Easiest to access this trail head from Rt. 495 at Bittinger. Turn opposite Bittinger Store on Brenneman Road. Bear left after 1/4 mile onto Maynardier Ridge Road. Follow road for approximately 2 miles to roadside parking on right. (Google Map Directions)
- Frank Brenneman Road Trail Head- Take New Germany Road South from I-68; turn right (west) on Frank Brenneman Road; go approximately 1 mile to top of hill and look for trail. Parking is limited. (Google Map Directions)
- Rt 495 Trail Head- Located approximately one mile north of the intersection of New Germany Road and RT 495, or approximately 2 miles south of the intersection of Mosser Road and RT 495, this trail head access the MMT from the south. There is parking available for 3-5 vehicles.
