New Germany State Park camp/hike/Tree identification (PQ)

Since all of our quests were a 3-4 hour drive from home this weekend, we did our quest and camped out at New Germany State Park. The camping here was so/so. We stayed in the Hemlock loop, which is pet friendly. But we found the sites to be a little too close together (at least in this loop), but it was clean and quiet.  There was a lake & camp-store nearby, and you could buy $5 bundles of firewood from the camp host in the center of the loop which was convenient. If we had our choice to camp up near this area of NW Maryland again, we would without a doubt camp up near Deep Creek Lake State Park (click here for info regarding this PQ that we also completed this weekend.) Although there were some large cabins that held big group gatherings here. It certainly looks like a good place for a family reunion!

Colt enjoying New Germany

unidentified caterpillar

Our park quest here consisted of a hike/walk near the lake area where we were required to identify several trees based on their characteristics. We identified 8 trees in all consisting pines and hardwoods. At each stop, we were given an information sheet containing the history, use, & factual information about that particular tree. We then used a tree identification guide to determine the name. At the end, we had to solve a final puzzle phrase using certain letters from the trees that we had identified in order to get our PQ stamp.

New Germany Lake

PQ tree identification station

The walk itself was easy. We trekked about 2 miles, and our 2 year old did it entirely on foot. We saw a lot of insects here, but very little wildlife. The area around the lake was very populated with swimmers & boaters.

Below is our PQ passport stamp:

And for our memories, the original PQ

If A Tree Falls In The Forest

Introduction To Quest

This quest allows teams to explore the natural features of New Germany State Park, specifically to learn about one of our most precious natural resources—trees!

Quest Information

The quest begins at the Nature Center, where teams may obtain their “Park Quest Pack” containing the items that are used to complete their exploration. Teams should use the provided information in the pack to help them find their stations along the way. A numbered wooden post will mark the stations. Each stop along the way features interesting and educational information.

There are options (not required) at the completion of the quest. Teams may choose to do a bonus at the end, or they may do a “tree cookie craft.” To receive verification of the completed quest, teams must show the worksheet to the snack bar attendant who will stamp their passport.

Don’t forget the usual hiking supplies, such as water, bug repellant, and sunscreen.

Teams may print the worksheet off the website, or they may pick one up at the Nature Center, Ranger Station, or Snack Bar.

Print the New Germany State Park Quest Worksheet here.

Quest times are available daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The best mode of transportation for this Quest is walking. Strollers can be used if they are the jogging-type with large wheels.

Park information

New Germany State Park’s visitors frequently call it a “best kept secret.” This mountain gem is nestled between the 2,900 ft. Big Savage Mountain to the east and the eastern Continental Divide along Meadow Mountain to the west. Named by early settlers due to its resemblance to their homeland, New Germany has diverse forests with ten miles of multi-use trails and a small lake suitable for fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating. This park is ideal for families and individuals looking to “unplug” from a tech-reliant society and escape from the busy pace of life in cities and suburbs.

New Germany State Park is within Savage River State Forest, the largest state forest in Maryland, with over 54,000 acres. New Germany’s 400 acres are comprised of various ecosystems, including a man-made lake, natural swamp, and a native brook trout stream. The woodlands of the park are primarily mixed hardwood and coniferous forest, which consists of oak, hickory, maple, as well as stands of mature eastern hemlock, and plantations of 70+ year-old spruce, pine, and fir.

The New Germany Snack Bar, located in the Lake House, is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The Snack Bar is the perfect resting spot after a fun day of “questing!”