Cedarville State Forest - Hiking trail near Brandywine, Maryland, United States - Description

The Piscataway Indian Tribe made this section of Southern Maryland its winter camping ground because of the mild climate and abundance of game. Legend says there is an Indian Burial ground in Cedarville State Forest, but to date it has not been found. The headwaters of the Zekiah Swamp are located in Cedarville. The swamp extends Southward through Charles County for 20 miles, emptying into the Wicomico River. The Swamp is one mile wide, and serves as a haven for wildlife. The surrounding land is mostly agricultural fields. In colonial times and there after efforts were made to drain the swamp for cultivation. Drainage ditches are still evident. To this day, the swamp remains wooded bottom land.

In 1930, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Forest, Park and Wildlife Service purchased 2,631 acres of land for a forest demonstration area. Later 879 more acres were added to bring the total to 3,510 acres. Cedarville was the postal address for the area, hence the name given to the State Forest. In 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps, under the direction of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, developed roads and trails for fire protection and future access for the development of the area.

Hiking, Biking and Equestrian Trails--There are 19.5 miles of marked trails. The trails wind past the loblolly pine plantations planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's, by a charcoal kiln, and through farm areas where springs and streams were used to make "moonshine." Trails may be wet at times. For safety, visitors using trails located in designated hunting areas should wear bright orange during the hunting season.

From Annapolis:
Follow Route 50 West to Route 301 South. From Route 301 South travel to Cedarville Road (at the very end of Prince George's County). At traffic light, take a left on Cedarville Road. As a landmark there will be a large white warehouse located on the left hand side. Take Cedarville Road to Bee Oak Road (on you right) which will be the main entrance to the forest.

From Prince George's County:
Travel Route 301/5 South and take a left on Cedarville Road. Follow directions above from Cedarville Road.

From Waldorf (Charles County):
Follow Route 5/301 north into Prince George's County. As soon as you cross into Prince George's County turn right onto Cedarville Road. Follow Cedarville Road to Bee Oak Road (on your right) which is the main entrance for the forest.

From Washington, D.C.:
Follow either Branch Avenue (Route 5) or Pennsylvania Avenue (Route 4). If using Route 5, follow Route 5 for directions from Prince George's County above. If using Pennsylvania Avenue (Route 4), follow Route 301 south from Prince George's County. At the end of Prince George's County and before you enter Charles County, turn left onto Cedarville Road. Follow Cedarville Road to Bee Oak Road (on your right) which is the entrance to the forest.