Big Run State Park

Big Run State Park
Maryland State Park
Big Run River
Country United States
State Maryland
County Garrett
Elevation 1,483 ft (452 m) [1]
Coordinates 39°32′42″N 79°08′14″W / 39.54500°N 79.13722°W / 39.54500; -79.13722Coordinates: 39°32′42″N 79°08′14″W / 39.54500°N 79.13722°W / 39.54500; -79.13722 [1]
Area 300 acres (121 ha) [2]
Established Unspecified
Management Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Location in Maryland
Website: Big Run State Park

Big Run State Park is a state-owned, public recreation area in Garrett County, Maryland. The state park occupies 300 acres (120 ha) in Savage River State Forest at the mouth of the Savage River Reservoir.[3] The park is accessible on New Germany Road from Interstate 68, Exit 24.[4] Park activities include boating, fishing, hiking, picknicking and camping.

Ecology

Climate

The climate in Big Run State Park is similar to mountain weather; cold winters accompanied by mild, humid summers. The park is located within the Western Appalachian Plateau, which gives rise to these colder temperatures.[5] This type of weather guarantees great weather conditions for showshoeing during the winter, and breezy hiking days throughout the summer. The Savage River Reservoir rests in a canyon that experiences high winds, contributing to the weather changes.[6]

Wildlife

Red-tailed hawk, broad-winged hawk,great-horned owl, screech owl, songbirds, indigo bunting and other forest interior dwellers can be spotted within Big Run.[7] Black bear, bobcat, white-tailed deer and raccoon are just a few of the inhabiting mammals in the park. Depending on the season, grouse, great blue herons, minks and ducks may be seen along the Reservoir edge.[6]

Flora

Oak,hickory and native hardwood trees are seen throughout the forests in the park.[6] Trout lilies and spring beauties bloom in April, while rhododendrons, bee balm and cardinal flowers bloom in July. In the fall, visitors can observe changes in the appearance of the native hardwood trees. It is possible to catch glimpses of trilliums and pink lady slippers in the months of May and June.[7]

Recreation

Camping and Picnicking
Pavilion in Big Run

Big Run State Park offers 29 primitive style campsites, two group campsites, a youth group campsite, and a pavilion. Picnicking facilities are located in the park's day use area.[3]

Boating and Fishing

Big Run State Park is located on the north end of the Savage River Reservoir, which is used for non-motorized boating, electric motoring, and fishing. Facilities include a boat ramp. Fisherman may find walleye, largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, bluegill, suckers and trout.[3]

Trails
Hiking Entrance

The Monroe Run hiking trail and other trails are accessible from Big Run State Park.[3] The adjacent Savage River State Forest has trails for multi-purpose use including snowshoeing or snowmobiling.[6]

References

  1. 1 2 "Big Run State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
  2. ↑ "Fiscal Year 2014 DNR Owned Lands Acreage" (PDF). Maryland Department of Natural Resources. December 18, 2014. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Big Run State Park". Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved May 3, 2013.
  4. ↑ "Big Run State Park". Wildernet. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
  5. 1 2 "Overview for Big Run State Park". The Weather Channel. Archived from the original on December 14, 2013. Retrieved April 24, 2013.
  6. 1 2 3 4 "Savage River State Forest Trail Guide". Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
  7. 1 2 "Savage River State Forest Mt. Aetna Tract Trail Guide". Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved July 14, 2015.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Big Run State Park.
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Tuesday, July 14, 2015. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.