Exploring the Beauty of Greenbrier State Park

Sunset over Greenbrier Lake

Interview by Scott Grove 

Last summer, more than 500,000 visitors enjoyed swimming, camping and hiking at Greenbrier State Park. Construction on the park began in 1962 and for the next 15 years the Maryland General Assembly spent more than $2 million for land acquisition and development of the park’s facilities, which now include camping and picnic areas, a beach on the 43-acre man-made lake, an interpretive center, and trails. 

Ranger Emily Bard talks about the park’s history and its amenities.   

Greenbrier State Park ranger Emily Bard

HM: What is the park’s history and what was entailed in its development? 

Bard: Throughout the 1950s, the Maryland Department of Forests and Parks (now split into the Maryland Forest Service and Maryland Park Service) began acquiring land on South Mountain to create a forest buffer for the Potomac River watershed. The land that is now Greenbrier State Park was mostly wooded lots owned by area citizens. It was acquired by the state in bits and pieces in order to build the park. 

The original plan was to name the park Tawes State Park, since Gov. J. Millard Tawes was a strong supporter of Maryland state parks. But that fell through, and the park was instead named for one of its native plants, becoming Greenbrier State Park. Original plans included a ski slope with ski tow and a warming hut, as well as a stable and bridle area for horseback riding, but these amenities never materialized. 

Construction began on October 16, 1962, with Tawes taking down the first tree himself. The park had a soft opening in 1966 but officially opened in 1967 when the park entrance was completed. Greenbrier was a popular park right from the beginning and remains so to this day.  

HM: What are the park’s major amenities? 

Bard: The main draw at Greenbrier is the swimming beach. Visitors should plan ahead to avoid crowds. Greenbrier is also home to about 12 miles of trails, which are especially popular with mountain bikers. It is also a good place to access the Appalachian Trail, with a 0.6-mile connector trail located behind the visitor’s center, which includes exhibits about all of the South Mountain Recreation Area’s parks. 

Camping is also popular here, with 163 campsites, and of course fishing and boating on our 43-acre lake. In the summer, paddle boats are available for rent at our concessionaire.  

HM: What is the makeup of your visitors? 

Bard: We see people of all ages and backgrounds here. We are especially popular with families for picnics and swimming in the summer. During the summer, many visitors tell me they’ve traveled from Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia. In the spring and fall, we see a lot more locals who fish on a regular basis, walk their dogs, or exercise. 

HM: How many visitors do you see during peak season? 

Bard: The park is extremely busy from Memorial Day to Labor Day and drew 504,262 visitors in 2024. If possible, I recommend visiting on a weekday to avoid crowds. The park has been reaching its capacity limit almost every weekend day for many years now, which means we are forced to turn away visitors. This year, reservations will be required for weekends and holidays in an effort to reduce traffic problems on U.S. 40 and turning away visitors. We will also be opening our newly renovated camp office and fee station, which should reduce wait times as well.  

HM: Greenbrier Park is one of four state parks in the area.  

Bard: Greenbrier State Park is part of a state park complex called the South Mountain Recreation Area. This area also includes Washington Monument State Park, Gathland State Park, South Mountain State Park, and South Mountain State Battlefield. Rangers all work out of Greenbrier and visit the other parks as much as possible.  

HM: How do they differ or complement one another?  

Bard: Each park provides something different and unique to the mountain: Greenbrier is a family spot for its lake and campgrounds; Washington Monument is a great sunset spot and local landmark; Gathland holds the history of writer George Alfred Townsend; South Mountain State Park features the Appalachian Trail; and there are lots of interesting wayside exhibits and trails on South Mountain State Battlefield. The parks are all connected by the Appalachian Trail and serve as a good place to get on and off the trail.  

HM: What are the fees for entry and camping? 

Bard: On weekends and holidays between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend, day use entry fees at Greenbrier are $5 per person for Maryland residents and $7 for out-of-state residents. On weekdays, Maryland residents pay $3, and out-of-state residents pay $5. Fees are reduced in the off season. Campsites are $21.50 for a basic site and $27.50 for a site with electricity. Gazebos will be closed this year due to construction. Overall, Greenbrier State Park is a family friendly park with great views and lots of activities.  

Emily Bard is a State Park Ranger II, whose duties include supervision of its seasonal rangers and the Greenbrier trails. She earned a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University and is a member of the Maryland Appalachian Trail Management Committee.