Last updated: October 1, 2026
Place
Cedarville State Forest (NPS Chesapeake Gateways)
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Quick Facts
Location:
10201 Bee Oak Rd, Brandywine, MD 20613
Significance:
Cedarville State Forest preserves vital Chesapeake Bay headwaters and honors the legacy of the Indigenous Piscataway tribe through rich ecological and cultural landscapes.
Designation:
Maryland State Park; Chesapeake Gateways Network Site
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
4 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Pets Allowed, Restroom - Accessible
Located within the Chesapeake Bay watershed, Cedarville State Forest is a treasured part of the Chesapeake Gateways Network, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. This forested landscape was historically inhabited by the Piscataway Tribe, whose deep connection to the land and waterways shaped the region’s history. Under the direction of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the renowned Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) developed Cedarville’s roads and trails for fire protection and future recreation development. From 1933 to 1935, approximately 160 men of the CCC, mostly African Americans from Baltimore and Washington, D.C., worked at Cedarville.
Visitors can explore peaceful trails through diverse habitats, including hardwood forests and wetlands, that support a variety of wildlife vital to the Bay’s ecosystem. The forest provides opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, with interpretive signage and seasonal programs that invite visitors to learn about forest ecology, conservation efforts, and the enduring legacy of the Piscataway people. Hands-on educational activities foster a deeper appreciation for stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay watershed’s natural and cultural resources.
Cedarville State Forest enriches the broader experience of Chesapeake Gateways by connecting visitors to the landscape’s Indigenous history and ecological significance, complementing affiliated programs such as the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. These connections deepen understanding of the region’s past and ongoing efforts to protect its environment.
Discover the stories and landscapes that make Cedarville State Forest a vital gateway to the Chesapeake Bay. For more information, please visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website.
Visitors can explore peaceful trails through diverse habitats, including hardwood forests and wetlands, that support a variety of wildlife vital to the Bay’s ecosystem. The forest provides opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, with interpretive signage and seasonal programs that invite visitors to learn about forest ecology, conservation efforts, and the enduring legacy of the Piscataway people. Hands-on educational activities foster a deeper appreciation for stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay watershed’s natural and cultural resources.
Cedarville State Forest enriches the broader experience of Chesapeake Gateways by connecting visitors to the landscape’s Indigenous history and ecological significance, complementing affiliated programs such as the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. These connections deepen understanding of the region’s past and ongoing efforts to protect its environment.
Discover the stories and landscapes that make Cedarville State Forest a vital gateway to the Chesapeake Bay. For more information, please visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website.
This location does not accept the America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. Entrance fees and ticket policies are set independently by the managing partner, as detailed on their website.