Maryland's Pretty Peninsular State Park Offers Scenic Bayside Trails, Fishing, And Kayaking

Maryland is well-known for its Chesapeake Bay crabs, waterfront towns, and dozens of state parks. While popular spots like Sandy Point State Park and Assateague Island may attract millions of visitors, there's a far more underrated destination just begging to be discovered: Greenwell State Park, a hiking and horseback riding retreat hugging the Patuxent River.

Covering 596 acres in southern Maryland's St. Mary's County, this state park is about an hour and a half outside Washington, D.C., occupying a peninsula where the Patuxent empties into the bay. It's the kind of place you could go years without finding and wonder how you ever gave it a pass. Once a family farm, the land was donated by the Greenwell siblings in 1971 under the condition that it become a park for all — regardless of ability. Here, visitors can still take horseback rides along 10 miles of multi-use trails or peek at farm animals grazing in the pastures. Adding to the bucolic scene, Rosedale Manor House overlooks the river and surrounding oak and poplar woods. Although not open to the public, the historic home, complete with a tiny chapel dressed in the same peeling white paint, is a reminder of what the area looked like in the 1880s.

Open year-round, Greenwell State Park is a peaceful place for picnicking, fishing, kayaking, or discovering hidden beaches along the Patuxent River. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. or 8 a.m. to sunset, and parking costs around $5. Past visitors on Google Maps have reminded others to bring cash to pay the entrance fee via the honor system box.

If you're looking for an uncrowded hiking destination near D.C. with lots of trail options, this is it. You won't find challenging routes like the ones through Cunningham State Park's mountains and waterfalls in northern Maryland, but you could easily spend a morning or afternoon here. The trails are color-coded and extend between Patuxent River and the rich bottomland forests near the creek. Here, visitors can look for white-tailed deer, great blue herons, rabbits, and other native animals.

The River Trail is a particular favorite among visitors. Measuring a little over a mile, it passes the manor house and winds along the waterfront. If you're looking for a longer route, set out on the Blue Trail, a 2.5-mile path that passes the fields and heads through the woods. Unfortunately, many hikers have taken to Google Maps to complain about the poor directional signage throughout the park. Before visiting, make sure to download the trail map and consider using it in combination with the AllTrails maps.

A surefire way to avoid getting lost is to book an hour-long guided horseback ride through the Greenwell Foundation, a nonprofit that manages the park and offers recreation for visitors regardless of ability. Some visitors mention not being able to take a horse ride, but the key is to check the calendar and book your experience in advance here. Trail rides are walking-only (no trotting or galloping) and available for riders under 200 pounds.

Besides horseback tours, the Greenwell Foundation also offers guided kayak adventuring, including sunset paddles, outings for seniors or individuals who require adaptive assistance, and daytime tours. Like the horseback rides, these tours should be booked in advance. Visitors can also bring their own craft (non-motorized only) and drop it in at the designated kayak launch.

Although the Maryland Department of Natural Resources lists swimming as a park activity, there are no lifeguards on duty. In addition, swimming is only allowed at the beach. Always check the park's bulletin board for advisories and visit the St. Mary's County Department of Health for warnings about algal blooms or other red flags that should make you turn around before swimming.

Anglers report excellent crabbing and fishing at Greenwell State Park from a long, wooden pier that extends into the Patuxent River. The pier can be reached via the River Trail or a shorter access trail that leaves directly from the parking lot at the end of Rosedale Manor Lane. "This is a great fishing spot there is many species there. I had caught over 25 fish one day. Full of good sized spots, perch, croakers, and maybe if your lucky some stripped bass," shared an angler on YouTube. Other possible catches include blue crabs. As always, make sure anyone 16 or older in your party has a valid Maryland sportfishing license. For another fishing getaway in the Old Line State, plan a trip to Snow Hill, Maryland's gateway to the Pocomoke River.