Mt. Davis Natural Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
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Summary
Davis Natural Area is located in Garrett County, Maryland, and is the highest point in the state, standing at an elevation of 3,360 feet. The natural area is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and various recreational opportunities.
One of the main reasons to visit Mt. Davis Natural Area is to enjoy the scenic trails that run through the area. The trails offer visitors a chance to explore the beautiful forests, meadows, and wetlands that make up the natural area. Some of the popular trails include the Mt. Davis Trail, the Meadow Mountain Trail, and the Big Savage Trail.
In addition to hiking, visitors can also enjoy camping, fishing, boating, and wildlife watching in Mt. Davis Natural Area. The area is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, coyotes, bobcats, and more than 200 species of birds.
Some of the other points of interest in Mt. Davis Natural Area include the Savage River Reservoir, which is popular for fishing and boating, and the historic town of Grantsville, which is known for its rich history and charming architecture.
The best time of year to visit Mt. Davis Natural Area depends on visitors' interests. Spring and early summer are great times to explore the many hiking trails and witness the area's vibrant wildflowers. Fall is a popular time for leaf-peeping, as the forests are ablaze with color. Winter is ideal for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and enjoying the area's winter wonderland.
Overall, Mt. Davis Natural Area is a fantastic destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of the great outdoors. With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless recreational opportunities, it's no wonder that this natural area is one of Maryland's top tourist destinations.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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