Self-Guided Opportunities
 
Hiking
Location Greenwell State Park trails
Greenwell Foundation, 301-872-5688
St. Mary's County
Trail Access Passage to the Red, Blue, Yellow and White Trails requires the use of the Gray Trail to access. The White Trail requires that hikers cross Steer Horn Neck Road. Orange Trail is accessible from the parking lot.
Distance Gray Access Trail: .45 mile
Red Trail: .73 mile
Blue Trail: 1.75 miles
White Trail: 1.25 miles
Yellow Trail: 1.15 miles, after leaving the Gray Trail
Orange Trail: 1.2 miles
Time Varies with routes selected and hikers' conditioning
Trail Woods paths
Field edges
Service roads and park roads
Skill Level Easy to moderate
Suitable For Families? Yes, taking into account the ages and experience of the children
Hazards/Restrictions Motorized vehicles, including ATV's, are not permitted on any of the trails. Red trail for foot traffic only. Greenwell does have a managed hunting program. White trail crosses a public hardtop roadway. Horses and bikes are also welcome to use these trails. Proper care must be used by all users of multi-use trails. Ruts may be found on steeper trails. Watch trail to avoid tripping. Greenwell is a trash free park; which requires users to carry out everything they carry in.
Potable Water None
Natural Features Diverse habitats including: deciduous forest, pine forests, open fields, wetlands, Patuxent River and Cuckold Creek offer abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
Historic/Cultural Features Rosedale Manor, the mansion at Greenwell State Park, and the Sotterly Mansion are nearby.
Camping None available
Point Lookout State Park has camping available and is 40 minutes south by vehicle.
Other Points of Interest This park has a mission to be all-accessible to all physically challenged visitors. If special needs are anticipated, call the park for further information and assistance.
Other Accommodations Hotels and motels are located in California, Maryland
Fees or Permits $3 donations are accepted via a donation box
Description From the Gray Access Trail, turn to the left for the Red Trail. Most of the time it travels through deciduous forest. Keep an eye out for a family of gray squirrels hopping through the White Oak and Red Maple trees. As you start using the Gray Trail, you will go through some farm fields.
The Blue Trail then turns right and travels into an open crop field. A grassy path loops around the edge of the field, with the forest on one side. Through the trees you can view the Patuxent River. While on the trail look for wildlife such as groundhogs, song birds and white tailed deer.
If you stay on the Gray Trail, you will cross Steer Norn Neck Road and begin on the White Trail. This trail is predominately 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, Cuckhold Creek can be viewed from the trail.
The Yellow Trail is also accessed by following the Gray Trail and part of the Red Trail. It then veers to the left off the Red Trail. Fields are home to mice, moles, groundhogs and rabbits. Forests are habitat for raccoons, fox, white tailed deer and many birds. Several barns along the trails also provide birds with habitat including: owls, swallows and wrens.
The Orange Trail touches the Patuxent River shoreline, then 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. This is an environmentally sensitive area and the terrain through the forest is challenging.


Resources

Recommended Gear and Safety Tips

  • Small first aid kit
  • Water and a snack
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Adequate footwear
  • Compass
  • Rainwear
  • Watch for horses and bikes who are also using the trails