Very near to Gathland lies Greenbriar state park. We've visited and camped at this park previously, although this time we were there to do a Park Quest. The quest consisted of a 2 mile hike around Greenbriar lake, and through the hike we had to follow "big foot", and answer a series of questions relating to the very important Leave No Trace principle. This conceptin hiking was reiterated here after our most recent trek through Patapsco, were our family also learned about the importance of hiking ethics. A. was a key player in this quest, first, because he loves big foot. Second, because his mind is like a sponge at this age -- he loves guessing for answers and learning from them.
Along the hike, while following the big blue footprints, we talked about the importance of leaving only our footprints, taking only pictures away, staying on the trail, litter, and wild animal safety. After finding and following all 7 of big foot's footprints (Corresponding to the 7 principles of leave no trace), we had the opportunity to play on a natural play area where we spotted big foot! A. was a little disappointed that it was not the real big foot...This weekend at Greenbriar was horrifically populated especially near the beach areas, so the wildlife here was fairly scarce. We had the opportunity to see a turtle sunning itself on a quiet end of the lake. We also saw a variety of small fish and lots of insects. This quest was absolutely kid friendly and very informative and fun!
I was very excited to see a view of Annapolis rock overlook from the lake, a point that we had hiked to on one of our early trips over a portion of the Appalachian Trail last year. The view from the lake was a great change in perspective from the one that we got as we were actually hiking the trail on the mountain. Below is a photograph I took of Annapolis Rock from the lake. Click on the photograph to enlarge. On the mountain in the center, you can see an outcropping of rocks near the top. That's Annapolis Rock, a beautiful overlook that allows you to see the valley for miles and miles. Along those mountains lie the section of Appalachian trail that we hiked last summer!
Below is our PQ passport stamp for Greenbriar
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And for our memories, the original park quest:
What Would Bigfoot do?
Introduction To Quest
Your Park Quest at Greenbrier State Park teaches Questers about the importance of Leave No Trace while participating in outdoor activities. After all, Bigfoot has been doing it for years! Along the way, Bigfoot and his friends Pointer, Trek and Track, Flash, Zoom, Pitch, Sparks and Digger will help Questers learn how to enjoy outdoor activities without hurting the resources and bothering wildlife and other people.
Quest Information
What Would Bigfoot Do? may be completed any day of the week, Questers have a choice of three different check-in and check-out points to pick up their Quest packets and get their passports stamped. The camper registration office is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The visitor center is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The nature center (located at the beach) is open daily noon to 4 p.m. It will take around two hours to complete the entire What Would Bigfoot Do? Quest. The Quest involves an easy hike — less than 1.5 miles around beautiful Greenbrier Lake.
Questers should bring insect repellent, sunscreen, water, a snack, a camera, and wear sturdy footwear. The hike around the lake is stroller-friendly (paved, gravel and grassy surfaces)! Pets are not permitted in the lake area of Greenbrier during summer months. Pets on leashes are permitted in two of our campground loops, but not on the actual Quest route.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Greenbrier State Park is an extremely popular park, often filling to capacity on summer weekends and holidays. If you are Questing on a weekend, it is suggested that you make reservations to camp at Greenbrier and use it as a base camp to complete the Greenbrier, Gathland, Gambrill, Western Maryland Rail Trail and Fort Frederick Quests. If you are not camping at Greenbrier, it is suggested that you do this Quest on a weekday. If you do come on a weekend, traffic may be stopped at the front entrance if the park is filled to capacity. If so, present your passport to the ranger at the gate and we will do our best to find a parking spot for you!
Park Information
Greenbrier is a popular park featuring a 42-acre lake with a 1000-foot white sand swimming beach. Lifeguards are on duty daily during the summer. There are 165 wooded campsites, many within walking distance of the lake. Shaded picnic sites are located near the lake and eight miles of trails are open to hikers and mountain bikers. A concessionaire rents boats.
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