 Greenwell State Park |
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Greenwell State Park |
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Greenwell is a 596-acre State Park located on the Patuxent River in St. Mary's county, Maryland. In 1971, John Phillip Greenwell, Jr. and his sister, Mary Wallace Greenwell, donated their 166.6 acre farm to the State of Maryland for use as a public park for everyone. The state subsequently purchased the adjacent 430-acre Bond property and joined the two to form the existing park.
Features
- Hiking/Equestrian/Cycling - Ten miles of marked trails are open to the public year around.
Blue Trail - Difficulty Level: Easy
Passage to the blue trail (1.75 miles) requires use of the Gray Access Trail. The Gray Access is approximately .45 miles through the soy fields. From the Gray Access Trail, the Blue Trail turns right and travels into an open crop field. A grassy path loops around the edge of the field with forest on one side. Through the trees, you may view the Patuxent River. While on the trail, you may see wildlife such as ground hogs, song birds, and white tailed deer. Horses, mountain bikes, and hikers are welcome.Red Trail - Difficulty Level: Moderate
From the Gray Access Trail (.45 miles), turn to the left for the Red Trail which stretches .73 miles. It travels mainly through deciduous forest. Keep an eye out for a family of gray squirrels hopping through White Oak and Red Maple trees. This trail is suitable for hikers, mountain bikers, and horses.Yellow Trail - Difficulty Level: Easy
The Yellow Trail (1.15 miles) is accessed by following the Gray Access Trail (.45 miles) and part of the Red Trail. It veers to the left of the Red Trail. While traveling the trail, a grassy field is to your left. This field is home to mice, moles, ground hogs and rabbits. On your right, an inviting forest is filled with raccoons, owls and American Holly trees. Hikers, horses and mountain bikers are permitted.White Trail - Difficulty Level: Moderate
The White Trail requires passage along the Gray Access Trail (.45 miles), and across Steer Horn Neck Road. This trail is predominantly a hardwood forest. You will find a variety of vegetation such as American Beech, Red Oak, Spice Bush, Mountain Laurel, and many types of grasses. At one point, Cuckold Creek can be viewed from the trail. Hikers, horses and mountain bikers are welcome.Orange Trail - Difficulty Level: Hard (not in hunting area)
This is a 1.1 mile trail which touches the Patuxent River shoreline and loops around through a deciduous forest and crop fields. Occasionally you may come across ducks splashing in the water or, if you are lucky, a Great Blue Heron wading in the wetlands. Because this area is environmentally sensitive and the terrain through the forest is challenging, the trail is available for foot traffic only.Green Trail - Difficulty Level: Easy (not in hunting area)
This trail may be accessed either by Rosedale Manor Road or the River Trail. It winds through crop fields and woods. There are many side spurs allowing the visitor to overlook a tidal pond that hosts a great variety of wildlife and birds.River Trail - Difficulty Level: Easy
This delightful .75 mile trail runs its entire length along the shore of the Patuxent River. It may be accessed at various spots along the river as well as the Green Trail. This is a pedestrian only trail.Sleigh Ride Hill Trail - Difficulty Level: Easy
.25 mile trail along fields and hedge rows connects the White Trail to the Gray Access Trail.Gray Trail - Difficulty Level: Easy (not in hunting area)
.45 mile long path connecting the trail system with Manor House complex.Historic Barn Trail - Difficulty Level: Easy
.15 mile path past two historic tobacco barns. One is the oldest barn in St. Mary's County.The Rosedale Manor House
A focal point of the property is Rosedale Manor, circa 1880, which is situated on the shoreline of the Patuxent River. The Manor features a Victorian-style rose garden, a family chapel and a spectacular view of the river. The Manor may be rented for weddings, family reunions and company picnics.
The Francis Knott Retreat Lodge
This facility is available to rent for meetings and retreats. The facility features sleeping quarters for 17 people, four bathrooms and a full-service kitchen. Contact the Greenwell Foundation at 301-373-9775 for further details.
- Fishing - Visitors may fish from the pier or from the revetment year around. A sportfishing license is required for persons 16 years and older.
- Picnicking - Visitors are invited to picnic on the grounds. Pavilion can be reserved by calling the Greenwell Foundation at 301-373-9775. Please remember we are trash free. Take only memories, and leave only footprints.
- Hunting - Hunting is permitted during established seasons. Contact Point Lookout State Park for further details.
- Canoeing and Kayaking - Non-motorized craft can be walked in and launched from the beach area.
- Swimming - Swimming is permitted from the beach area only. Be advised that there is No Lifeguard on duty, swimming is at your own risk.
- The park has an honor system, with service charges ($3/vehicle) benefitting the Greenwell Foundation to help operate the park.
- Francis Knott Lodge sleeps groups of up to 16 participants.
- The Manor House, rose garden and lawn can be reserved for events such as weddings, reunions, meetings and conferences.
Trail Guide
Check out a copy of the Greenwell State Park Trail Guide. This trail guide, complete with a topographical map of the hiking, biking and equestrian trails, is available for sale at park headquarters.
Self-Guided Recreational Activities
Maryland Conservation Corps
Greenwell State Park is supported by a Maryland Conservation Corps Program. The Maryland Conservation Corps (MCC) is an AmeriCorps program that engages young adults, ages 17-25, who want to dedicate a year of service to natural resource conservation. Over a ten to 11-month period, MCC members work as crews to complete 1,700 hours of service. Conservation service activities include: trail maintenance, environmental education, stream & wetland restoration, park facility improvements, invasive species removal and Bay grass planting. Extensive member training is provided, including: First Responder certification, Wildland Fire Fighting certification, Search and Rescue certification, Park Operations, Environmental Education and Interpretation, Chainsaw Safety, Leave No Trace and Canoe Trip Leading.No minimum qualifications are required other than transportation to the designated job site and a desire to serve. Low-cost State Housing is available at certain crew sites. Benefits include a living allowance of $7.00/hour, health care benefits, child care assistance (if eligible) and a $4,725 education scholarship award for those members that complete $1,700 hours of service. MCC employs a Zero Tolerance Policy for any member who uses alcohol or illegal drugs while attending an MCC project, training or event.
For more information or to apply, contact the park manager or download an application from the Maryland Department of Natural Resource’s Maryland Conservation Corps website: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/mcc/yearround.htm
The Greenwell Foundation
For current events and activities, please contact:Kendall Sorenson-Clark
Executive Director
Greenwell Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 198
Hollywood, MD 20636
Phone: 301-373-9775
Fax: 301-373-4375
Location - Located in Southern Maryland, take Route 235 towards Hollywood. Turn on to Route 245 East (Sotterley Gate Road) and travel 2.5 miles. Make a right on to Steerhorn Neck Road. The park entrance is the second drive on the left (approximately 8/10 of a mile).
Greenwell State Park
25420 Rosedale Manor Lane
Hollywood MD 20636
(301) 373-9775
Funding for Maryland's State and local parks and conservation areas is provided through The Department of Natural Resources' Program Open Space. Established in 1969, Program Open Space symbolizes Maryland's long term commitment to conserving natural resources while providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities.
Greenwell State Park is operated in partnership with the Greenwell Foundation, 301-373-9775. Patuxent River Photo by Rosedale Yannayon
Last Updated on October 7, 2008
