Approximately 46,000 acres (186 km2) in size, it is situated along Green Ridge and Town Hill in eastern Allegany County.

Camping, hiking, biking, fishing, and boating are all permitted in Green Ridge State Forest.

There are many scenic overlooks, and relaxing spots along the Potomac River.

The right of way of the abandoned Western Maryland Railway weaves in and out of the Green Ridge with numerous tunnels (Stickpile and Kesslers) and several massive bridges crossing the Potomac.

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal parallels the Potomac River on the southern boundary of the Green Ridge Forest while Interstate 68 is considered for all practical purposes to be the northern boundary of the forest.