Greenbrier State Park | Frederick

Greenbrier State Park, located near Boonsboro, Maryland, covers approximately 1,000 acres within the scenic Appalachian Mountains. It is a multi-use park that blends natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and historical significance, making it a popular destination for families, hikers, campers, and nature lovers.

Natural Features and Landscape

The centerpiece of the park is Greenbrier Lake, a 42-acre man-made freshwater lake surrounded by forested hills and rolling meadows. The lake is notable for its clean, clear water and sandy beach area, offering a picturesque setting ideal for swimming, fishing, and picnicking. The park’s landscape consists of mixed hardwood forests dominated by oak, hickory, and maple trees, supporting diverse wildlife including white-tailed deer, songbirds, and small mammals.

The terrain varies from gently rolling hills near the lake to more rugged, steep slopes along the hiking trails, reflecting the Appalachian foothills’ characteristic topography. The park is part of the larger South Mountain Recreation Area, which features similar forested ridges and valleys.

Recreational Activities

Swimming and Beach:
Greenbrier Lake offers a designated swimming area with a white sandy beach that is open seasonally, typically from the first weekend of May through the last weekend of September. During this period, lifeguards are on duty daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The beach is family-friendly and includes restroom facilities and changing areas. A beach wheelchair is available to provide accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges.

Fishing:
The lake is regularly stocked with fish species such as trout, largemouth bass, and bluegill, providing excellent angling opportunities. Fishing is permitted year-round but requires a valid Maryland fishing license for individuals aged 16 and older. The calm waters and accessible shoreline make it suitable for both novice and experienced anglers.

Hiking Trails:
The park contains approximately 11 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous, catering to all skill levels. Trails weave through wooded hills, along the lake, and connect to the nearby Appalachian Trail via the Bartman Hill Trail. Hikers can enjoy scenic overlooks, varied terrain including rocky ridges, and abundant flora and fauna. The trails are well-maintained with clear signage and offer opportunities for birdwatching, nature photography, and peaceful woodland walks.

Camping:
Greenbrier State Park offers 164 campsites divided into several loops, accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs. Campsites include amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and nearby bathhouses with showers. Some loops are pet-friendly, and others provide electric hookups. Reservations are required and can be made online or via phone. The campground is popular during the summer months and on holiday weekends.

Picnicking and Facilities:
Numerous picnic areas with tables and grills are scattered throughout the park, many with shade provided by large trees. Four lakefront gazebos are available for rent, ideal for family gatherings, celebrations, or corporate events. The Visitor Center is open year-round, offering park information, maps, and a small gift shop.

Reservation System and Visitor Management

Due to increased visitation, particularly during peak summer weekends and holidays, Greenbrier State Park enforces a reservation system from Memorial Day through Labor Day on weekends and holidays. Visitors must secure a day-use reservation online in advance; walk-up or same-day entries are not permitted during this period. Each visitor pays a $3 day-use fee, with reservations confirmed through a QR code scanning system at the entrance. This system helps manage capacity and reduce traffic congestion.

Accessibility and Recent Improvements

The park emphasizes accessibility, providing facilities such as a beach wheelchair, accessible restrooms, and paved pathways around key areas like the beach and picnic grounds. In 2025, the park’s entrance road was repaved to alleviate traffic bottlenecks, enhancing visitor safety and convenience.

Location and Access

Greenbrier State Park is situated at 21843 National Pike, near Boonsboro, Maryland, approximately 10 miles south of Hagerstown and within a one-hour drive of Frederick and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The park is accessible via Interstate 70 and Route 40, with ample parking available at the lake, campground, and trailheads.

Summary

Greenbrier State Park offers a well-rounded outdoor experience combining swimming, fishing, hiking, camping, and picnicking in a tranquil mountain setting. Its family-friendly beach, extensive trail network with Appalachian Trail access, and well-maintained campground cater to a broad range of visitors year-round. The park’s reservation system ensures a balanced and enjoyable visitor experience during busy seasons. Nestled in the Appalachian foothills, Greenbrier is a natural retreat that highlights Maryland’s scenic beauty and recreational diversity.