--- GREENBRIER STATE PARK ---

Greenbrier is one of Maryland's all around best parks. It is not too big, and not too small, with plenty of activities, and conveniently located. Spend a day or stay overnight.

The central feature of the park is the 44-acre fresh water lake with 1,000 feet of sandy, lifeguarded beach for swimming. There is adequate wading room for small children as the swim area is a gradual incline to a 6 foot depth. A special feature is the availability of free of charge submersible wheelchairs. You will enjoy swimming here as there is a special exhilaration to a fresh water lake in a mountain setting.

The lake area has picnic tables, grills, a food concession, and is well shaded. The restrooms are modern, handicap accessible, with a shower room for changing.

For small boating, there is a launching facility. You are able to rent rowboats and paddle boats. You may fish from a boat or the shore, with the exception of the beach area. If you are over 15, you need a fishing license.

A word of caution. Because the lake area is that nice, and is close to the Baltimore -Washington areas, it can be crowded on weekends.

There are 8 miles of trails for hiking or off-road biking within the park's 1,500 wooded acres. You are able to connect to the Appalachian Trail through the park's trails or from US Rt. 40. A short (strenuous) hike north on the Appalachian Trail will take you to Annapolis Rock with a scenic view of the Cumberland Valley and Greenbrier Lake.

For camping folks, there are 165 developed sites. The camping loop closest to the lake is handicap accessible. All four camping loops are easy walks to the lake, as contrast to the nearby Cunningham Falls State Park where you have to hike down the mountain to swim.

To reach the Park, take I-70 west from Frederick to Md. Rt. 17, exit 42, north to Myersville, to US 40, for 3 miles, left to the park.

Contact: 301-791-4767, www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/greenbrier.html