The forest contains a diversity of trees, abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery. In 1906 this forest was given to the state of Maryland and was the beginning of our present public lands system. This vast forest stretches across the mountains of Western Maryland and occupies portions of Town Hill, Polish Mountain and Green Ridge Mountain.
Wildlife is plentiful and includes wild turkey, grouse, squirrel and deer.
There is an accessible overlook at the forest headquarters with a trail. The Potomac River has its headwaters in this rugged mountain forest where wildlife abounds and there is excellent trout fishing. Savage River State Forest is a strategic watershed surrounding the Savage River Reservoir. This forest is classified as a northern hardwood forest. About 2,700 acres of the forest have been designated as the Big Savage Wildland.