![[Greenbrier State Park Trail Guide]](/publiclands/art/abouthead.gif)
 Thousands of visitors every year enjoy Greenbrier State Park, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Western Maryland. The park's extensive trail system is enjoyed for hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing and as a convenient connection to the Appalachian Trail. The park is one of four areas enjoyed in the South Mountain Recreational Complex. While in the area, visit historic sites at Washington Monument State Park, South Mountain State Battlefield or Gathland State Park. Geology of the Appalachian Mountains Greenbrier State Park is located in the Appalachian Mountain chain, one of the oldest in the world. These heavily forested mountains extend from Quebec, Canada to northern Alabama and run nearly parallel to the Atlantic Coast. These mountains consist mainly of sedimentary rocks, which are eroded remnants of a large mass formed by folding. The mountains also contain deposits of iron ore, bituminous coal, zinc and limestone. The principal uplift of the Appalachians runs through Maryland beginning at South Mountain and extending to the Great Smoky Mountains in southwest Georgia. Wildlife and Nature Appreciation The Appalachian Mountain chain of the Eastern United States contains some of the most diverse assemblages of plants and animals found within the world's temperate forests. The region's diversity is due largely to its wide variety of landforms, climate, soils and geology, coupled with a long evolutionary history. Visitors to Greenbrier State Park can enjoy aspects of the Appalachian Mountain's renowned and rich ecology. Hickory and sassafras trees shade a forest floor of may apples, mountain laurel, several species of orchids and jack-in-the pulpit. White-tailed deer are commonly seen, while frequent visitors may discover other animals less often observed, such as turkey, fox, raccoon and box turtles. An occasional black bear has also been spotted in the park. Interpretive wildlife exhibits are available at the Greenbrier State Park visitor center. While hiking the trails in the spring, remember to bring a camera and capture the flowering trees and shrubs. The white blooms of the native dogwood trees sprinkle the forest, as well as the pink flowers of mountain laurel. Maryland is home to two venomous snakes, the northern copperhead and the timber rattlesnake, both of which can be found at Greenbrier. Always be aware of snakes when hiking in rocky areas or near streambeds. Snakes are part of the natural world and should be left unharmed.
Enjoy wildlife exhibits at the Greenbrier State Park visitor center. Lake Recreation Greenbrier State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities in addition to trail recreation. The 50-acre lake offers swimming and a 1,000 foot sandy beach, with lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Rowboat and paddleboat rentals are available during the summer season. A boat ramp on the lake is available for visitors who bring their own electric powered boats. Gasoline motors are prohibited. Anglers can fish for trout, bass, bluegill, sunfish, crappie and catfish. Anyone over the age of 16 years must possess a Maryland Freshwater Fishing license. For more information about fishing in Maryland, visit www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries Greenbrier has four lakefront gazebos available for rent. For additional information or to make a gazebo reservation, call the park at 301-791-4767. Trails Please Play Safe! The Greenbrier trail system varies in terrain and can be very rocky. These trails can become slippery after rain or have obstacles blocking paths. Remember, you are responsible for having the necessary skills, knowledge and equipment for a safe and environmentally friendly visit.
Appalachian Trail The idea to establish a linear trail from Maine to Georgia was conceived in 1921 by Harvard-educated forester and self-styled philosopher Benton McKaye. Thousands of volunteers and many elected officials helped to make it a reality. By 1937, with the help of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Appalachian Trail's (A.T.) 2,168 miles were essentially in place. In 1948, the first person hiked the entire trail in one season. Today, between three and four million people hike at least a section of the A.T. each year. While the majority of A.T. users are day hikes or short distance backpackers, there are plenty of folks ready, willing and able to take on the challenge of the entire trail.
Annapolis Rock The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club and the Mountain Club of Maryland maintain the 40 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Maryland. Hunting The hunting area at Greenbrier encompasses 500 acres. A Maryland hunting license and careful review of the hunting regulations and seasons is required. Please make sure your weapon is unloaded in the safety zones and near your vehicle. For more information on hunting in Maryland visit www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide Camping There are 165 campsites offering conveniently located bathhouses with hot showers. Each campsite is equipped with a table, fire ring and parking area. Fires must be kept inside the fire rings. A dump station is available. Campfire programs are held on weekends Memorial Day through Labor Day. Forty sites have electric hookups. Guides and Outfitters To obtain information about outdoor adventures in Maryland or guides and outfitters in your area, contact the park at 301-791-4767 or visit www.dnr.state.md.us/outdooradventures Pets on a leash are not permitted in the developed areas of the park. Pets on a leash are welcome on the trails accessed from the parking lots on Greenbrier Road and Mountain Laurel Road. Fishing Anglers with a Maryland Non-tidal Fishing License can fish for bass, bluegill, catfish and sunfish in the pond. Consult a Maryland Freshwater Sportfishing Guide for additional information or visit www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries Leave No Trace Leave No Trace, Inc. is a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. Leave No Trace builds awareness, appreciation and respect for our wildlands. For more information visit www.lnt.org 
Directions From Washington, D.C./Baltimore: (Travel time approx. 2 hours.) Take I-70 west from the Baltimore Beltway (I-695) or I-270 west from Washington, D.C. to I-70 west to exit 42. Bear right onto Rt. 17 north (follow signs). Go into the center of Myersville and Rt. 17 will turn right. Follow Rt. 17 to the flashing lights at the intersection of Rt. 40. Turn left onto Rt. 40 west. Follow for three miles and the park is on the left. From points west: Take I-70 east to exit 35. Bear right on Rt. 66 (follow signs). Go straight to the stoplight at the intersection of Rt. 40. Turn left onto Rt. 40. Follow for two miles and the park is on the right.
Greenbrier State Park
State Forest and Park Service General Information: 1-800-830-3974 Greenbrier State Park is open year-round from 8 a.m. to sunset.
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