Big Savage Mountain Trail
~2 days · 16.6 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Big Savage Mountain Trail is known for
A 17-mile point-to-point ridge walk along the crest of Big Savage Mountain in Maryland's Savage River State Forest, from St. John's Rock to the Savage River Reservoir. The tread is rocky and brushy with few reliable water sources; primitive-camping permits are available from the state forest. Usually 2 days.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 4,380 ft to 9,764 ft over 16.6 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 8.4 mi · 51%
- Downhill 5.2 mi · 31%
- Flat 2.8 mi · 17%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Big Savage Mountain Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Big Savage Mountain Trail in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 16.6 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Big Savage Mountain Trail?
The Big Savage Mountain Trail climbs roughly 2,638 ft total — about 159 ft per mile, topping out near 2,982 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.