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Weekday Nature Programs at Greenbrier State Park
Throughout the summer, we will have afternoon programs by Greenbrier Lake every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. These programs are designed to connect participants with the natural world through interactive lessons, guided hikes, recreational activities, and nature arts and crafts. All ages welcome! Learn more and see the schedule on our website.
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Roving Junior Rangers: A Junior Ranger Program
Didn't make it to our scheduled Junior Rangers programs? Join the Roving Rangers!
Children ages 3-17 will participate in six or more regular programs at our parks that cover a range of topics. These park programs will be labeled with a “green hat” symbol in the schedule. Then, complete an “Earth Hour” on your own or participate in a volunteer activity in the park.
Participants will receive their badge after completing all the requirements. Email us to find out more or to register!
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Sunset Yoga Practice at Washington Monument State Park
7:30 - 8 p.m. every Thursday in July
Watch the sun dip in the sky as you stretch and strengthen your body and mind. This free yoga practice takes place in the great outdoors at Washington Monument State Park. Meet the class at the upper parking lot to walk to the monument together. All experience levels are welcome. Please bring a yoga mat or towel, and a drink, if desired.
In the event of bad weather, the program might be cancelled or relocated to a pavilion; please call 301-791-4767 to confirm. Pre-registration is not required.
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July 5 and 19: Walking for Wellness
9 a.m. at various trail heads
Do you like to walk but need walking partners? Would you like to improve your health and well-being? Then these hikes are for you!
Join us in a summer series of Appalachian Trail day hikes. We will walk at a leisurely pace to our destinations:
July 5: High Rock to Devils racecourse (6.0 miles round trip)
July 19: Weverton to Harpers Ferry (6.2 miles round trip)
These hikes will take place every two weeks, each time at a different location.
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Available All Month on the Greenbrier Story Trail:
How to Find a Bird
Daily from 8 a.m. to sunset on Greenbrier's Green Trail (starts by the visitor center, 0.8 miles, moderate/easy)
How do you find a bird? There are so many ways! Begin by watching. And listening. And staying quiet...so quiet you can hear your own heartbeat. Soon you’ll see that there are birds everywhere—up in the sky, down on the ground, sometimes even right in front of you just waiting to be discovered! Bird lovers will adore this beautifully-illustrated introduction to how to spot and observe our feathered friends.
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Our museums are open on weekends!
The two museums at Gathland are open every weekend from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum at Washington Monument is open weekends and also Fridays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The museum at Washington Monument explains the history of this first monument commemorating the life of George Washington and provides an introduction to the September 14, 1862 Battle of South Mountain.
At Gathland, one museum is dedicated to the life and literary career of George Alfred Townsend. The other discusses the Battle of South Mountain in more depth.
Both museums are housed in surviving buildings from Townsend's Gapland estate.
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Washington Monument State Park
July 1: Like a Great Tidal Wave. Life in Pennsylvania Reserves During the Maryland Campaign
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Discover the daily life of Federal soldiers during the Maryland Campaign, and the actions of the Pennsylvania Reserves at Turner’s Gap. Learn about the role field musicians played during the Civil War and hear how field music sounded.
July 2: Thunder on the Mountain
Cannon firing demonstrations are presented at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Discover the significance of artillery during the Battle of South Mountain and the important role that cannons played in the attack and defense of the mountain.
July 4: To the Memory of George Washington
1-2 p.m.
A hike through the history of Washington Monument State Park. While you hike, discover the fascinating story of the first monument completed in honor of the first President of the United States, George Washington. At the monument, enjoy the view and learn how the young men of the Civil Conservation Corps restored the monument and created the park we visit today.
July 22-23: Like a Great Tidal Wave. Life in Pennsylvania Reserves During the Maryland Campaign
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Discover the daily life of federal soldiers during the Maryland Campaign, and the actions of the Pennsylvania Reserves at Turner’s Gap. Learn about the rifles and equipment used by soldiers during the Civil War.
July 29-30: Progress in every direction: The CCC in Maryland.
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The Civilian Conservation Corps is one of the most fondly-remembered programs of the 1930s. Discover how the CCC operated and the work it performed across Maryland. Learn about the lives of the young men in the CCC camps and how the program has left a lasting legacy in our state parks.
Gathland State Park
July 8: Now, Pennsylvanians, do your duty!” Life in 96th Pennsylvania Infantry During the Maryland Campaign
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Discover the daily life of federal soldiers during the Maryland Campaign, and the actions of the 96th PVI at Crampton’s Gap. Learn about the role field musicians played during the Civil War and hear how field music sounded.
July 9: The Battle for Crampton’s Gap - Living History and Battlefield Hike
Living History: 10 a.m. - 4p.m .
Battlefield Hike: 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Learn about the Battle of South Mountain and Crampton’s Gap and field musicians who participated in it. Discover how the battle unfolded and the role of the fifes and drums before, during, and after the battle.. Hike begins at the Gathland State Park Museum. The hike will take place over rough, uneven ground. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, insect repellent and wear comfortable walking shoes. Hike will start at 1 p.m. and last about one hour. Living History will be active from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
July 15 – 16: Twilight’s Last Gleaming
Cannon firing demonstrations are presented both days at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Discover the significance of Crampton’s Gap and Brownsville Pass during the Battle of South Mountain and the important role artillery played during the battle.
July 12: Lake Cleanup
5:30-6:30 p.m. Meet at the boat ramp
Bring your own boat or canoe or hop on one of our canoes to help us clean up trash at the lake.
July 19: Trail Work
6-8 p.m. Meet at the boat ramp parking lot
We will provide all the tools needed. Please bring work gloves.
For ages 15 and older. Minors must be accompanied by parent/guardian.
July 22: Invasive Plant Removal
10 a.m. - noon. Meet at the upper parking lot
Help us remove invasive plant species at the Monument Trail. We will provide all the tools needed. Please bring work gloves.
 Volunteer Camp Hosts: Sign Up Now!
Are you looking to visit and explore Western Maryland? Or maybe you want to stay near friends or family in the area? Are you interested in learning new skills or trying a new outdoors experience? Do you like talking to people and making new friends?
Becoming a Volunteer Camp Host at Greenbrier or Washington Monument State Parks is one of the easiest, most exciting ways to do these things and much more!
As a camp host, you will be the friendly face greeting new campers, answer questions that they may have, and help them when they need it. You will also keep campsites clean and help rangers clean the day use area on weekends.
If interested, you may also work on maintenance projects and even present interpretive programs!
Camp hosts need to commit to at least one month and are required to work 20 hours per week. In exchange of that, campsite fees are waived for the duration of the host's assignment.
Unless otherwise noted, events are free and fun for all ages; donations are always welcome. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
Dress for the weather/activity, wear sunscreen and insect repellent, wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water and snacks, and check for ticks.
Some events might be cancelled due to weather. Please call 301-791-4767 or email greenbrier.statepark@maryland.gov for additional information or to register.
South Mountain Recreation Area includes Gathland, Greenbrier, South Mountain, and Washington Monument state parks, as well as the South Mountain State Battlefield.
Save Our Pollinators!
Donate today to support butterfly and bumblebee
habitat and education in state parks!
Donations in any amount are a helpful way to make a difference. Thank you!
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 Annual Pass Available for Purchase
$75 for Marylanders; $100 for out-of-state visitors
Our annual State Park and Trail Passport grants unlimited day-use admission and boat launching at state parks, and a 10 percent discount on state-operated concessions and boat rentals.
To enhance convenience and value, this year's pass will arrive in a self-contained packet with a detachable hang-tag, and will be valid for a full year from the month of purchase.
Our network of state parks include more than 900 miles of trails for biking, hiking and horseback riding, as well as unique water access and camping facilities.
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