![[Greenwell State Park Trail Guide]](/publiclands/art/abouthead.gif)
Acquired in 1971, Greenwell State Park provides beautiful views of the Patuxent River, showcasing the longest river within Maryland's borders. Canoeing and kayaking offer the best views of the park's extensive shoreline. Hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are enjoyed on 10 miles of blazed trails. These trails allow visitors to explore deciduous and pine forests, along with agricultural fields, wetlands, tidal creeks and historic tobacco barns. History and Present Uses Greenwell State Park stands on part of a 4,000-acre tract once known as Resurrection Manor, granted to Captain Cornwaleys in 1650. The Greenwell Family acquired a portion of the land in the 1940s. In 1971, the family donated the estate to the State of Maryland. The Greenwells intended the land to be for public use, with a special emphasis on providing outdoor recreation activities for people with disabilities. The Greenwell Foundation was formed as a non-profit organization to assist the Department of Natural Resources in achieving the Greenwells' vision. The Foundation manages the rental facilities of Greenwell State Park. For more information, visit www.greenwellfoundation.org or call 301-373-9775. Trails Please Play Safe! Please remember that the park is a natural area with certain hazards such as poison ivy, slippery trail surfaces and insects. Trail users are encouraged to wear blaze orange during regulated hunting seasons. Remember you are responsible for having the necessary skills, knowledge and equipment for a safe and environmentally sensitive visit.
Water Recreation Fishing Year-round fishing is permitted from the park's waterfront with the exception of the two beaches that are open for swimming. There is a boating pier, which also serves as a fishing platform. A wheelchair-accessible trail accesses the pier and several fishing spots along the Patuxent River and Quarter Creek. A Chesapeake Bay Sportfishing License is required for persons 16 years and older. Anglers may catch blue fish, sea trout, flounder, hard head, rockfish, spot and perch. For more information about fishing in Maryland visit www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries
Paddling Paddlers should be aware of weather, wind and tide conditions, as well as boat traffic when planning a trip. Staying close to the shoreline helps to avoid hazardous conditions and allows easy access to protected coves. Plan an overnight paddling adventure at the park's primitive canoe campsite, which includes a fire ring and supply of wood. Call the Southern Maryland Recreational Complex at 301-888-1410 for more information about this and other canoe campsites on the Patuxent River.
Paddling Safety Tips
The American Canoe Association advocates for paddler safety, clean water, the preservation of natural resources and paddler access to our waterways. For more information visit www.acanet.org or call 703-451-0141.
Picnicking and Swimming Visitors are invited to picnic on the grounds. The Quarter Creek Pavilion seats 40 people, and has a fireplace, accessible grills and bathrooms. Call the Greenwell Foundation to make a reservation. For those who prefer picnicking in more secluded locations, picnic tables and benches are found along the park's trails. Swimming is permitted from the unguarded beach areas only. Hunting Various hunting opportunities exist in the park for upland game, forest game and waterfowl. Waterfowl blinds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to check with the park for hunting seasons as they change annually. For more information about hunting in Maryland visit www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide Guides and Outfitters To obtain information about outdoor adventures in Maryland or guides and outfitters in your area, contact the park office at 301-373-2320. For self-guided itineraries at Greenwell, visit www.dnr.state.md.us/outdooradventures Pets on a leash are welcome at Greenwell State Park. 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.: (Approx. 1 1/2 hours.) Follow Rt. 4 south/east toward Prince Frederick/Solomons Island. Proceed across the bridge over the Patuxent River into St. Mary's County. At the traffic light, turn right on Rt. 235 north. At the third traffic light, make a right onto Rt. 245 (Slotterley Road). Travel approximately 3 miles and turn right onto Steer Horn Neck Road. Travel 0.8 miles and turn left into the park. From Baltimore: (Approx. 2 hours.) From the Baltimore Beltway (I-695), take Rt. 97 south (not Business Rt. 3). Continue south until the merge with Rt. 301. Follow Rt. 301 south to Upper Marlboro and take Rt. 4 south to Prince Frederick/Solomons Island. Continue with the above directions.
Greenwell State Park Greenwell State Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. To make picnic, pavilion and lodging reservations, call the Greenwell Foundation at 301-373-9775.
Back to the Greenwell State Park page
|
