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Greenbrier State Park, MD


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Length Difficulty Streams Views Solitude Camping
4.7 mls N/A
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2.5 hours plus a half hour for lunch
710 ft
Greenbrier State Park State Park
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After entering Greenbrier State Park take the right at the juntion and park at the far right of the lake. 39.54049, -77.61602
 

Greenbrier State Park, just off I270, is another of Marylands wonderful recreation areas, with everything from picnicking, camping, watersports, hiking, and much more. The hiking is on the easy side, with a multitude of interconnecting trails. The hike we have here follows the 4.7 mile Big Red Trail circuit.

Navigating the the labyrinth of trails at the park is made easy with excellent intersection singe. For this hike all you have to do is stay on the Big Red Trail.

From the parking area, walk along the raised burn on the edge of Greenbrier Lake to the treeline where a Information Kiosk marks the beginning of the Big Red Trail.

Enter the forest as the big Red Trail gradually climbs over the first small hill and passes the green blazed Copperhead Trail. Follow the trail to the left where it makes a switchback at the intersection of blue blazed Rock Oak Fire Trail, then continue for a short distance to a four way intersection.

Turn left at the intersection remaining on the Big Red Trail as it passes thought the quieter western section of Greenbrier State Park. You will pass two more intersections before the Big Red Trail makes a sharp right uphill for the steepest section of the loop.

There is another intersection that leads to a parking area at the top of Short Hill. Remain left on the Big Red Trail as it follow the ridge of Short Hill and passes the Snelling Fire Trail on the left, and shortly thereafter passing the opposite end of the blue blazed Rock Oak Fire Trail.

The Big Red Trail will make a gradual ascent, before descending and passing the orange blazed Camp Loop Trail, that as the name implies, goes to the camping area.

Arrive back at Greenbrier Lake and stay left as the trail passes over the dam before making its way back around to the start of the loop and Information Kiosk. Cross back over the burn returning to the parking area.

Mid August
Greenbrier Lake
Greenbrier State Park Hike Comments
Archived Comments


By: westmdlady Rating: Date of Hike: Thursday, February 1, 2018
Greenbrier trails offer many options for difficulty and length of time so I'm able to choose a new circuit each time I go depending on how much time I have. Personally I like the red circuit--it's quiet and offers the peace I prefer to reflect and get a workout.

By: DisforDaniel Rating: Date of Hike: Saturday, November 25, 2017
This hike was not very challenging and overall boring. The big red trail borders a hunting area, had we known there were going to be hunters in the area, we may have not gone on this hike. There were various areas strewn with trash and camping remnants, possibly from hunters. We only saw a few people total during this hike, but that may be due to the late date in the season. I would not rate this hike as a level 3 difficulty, it's probably closer to 1. There are no good views during this hike. Annapolis rock, just down the road is a much better, but also much busier hike. The lake is pleasant to see at the end of the hike. Parking is ample because it is a state park, but requires a $3 admission fee per vehicle.

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