An hour and a half from Washington, D.C., on a peninsula where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay, sits one of southern Maryland's most overlooked state parks. Greenwell State Park covers 596 acres in St. Mary's County, and unlike the crowds at Sandy Point or Assateague, you may have the waterfront trails largely to yourself.
The land has an interesting backstory. It was once a family farm, donated by the Greenwell siblings in 1971 on the condition that it become a park open to everyone, regardless of ability. That spirit still shows: the Greenwell Foundation, a nonprofit that manages the park, runs inclusive recreation programmes, from adaptive kayak outings to guided trail rides. The historic Rosedale Manor House, dating to the 1880s, still overlooks the river beside a small white-painted chapel, though neither is open to the public.
Hiking here is gentle rather than dramatic — no mountains or waterfalls — but around 10 miles of colour-coded multi-use trails wind between the river, farm pastures and bottomland forest, shared with horseback riders. The one-mile River Trail is the favourite, passing the manor house and hugging the waterfront; the 2.5-mile Blue Trail loops longer through fields and woods. Wildlife watchers can spot white-tailed deer, great blue herons and rabbits. One caveat: signage is patchy, so download the trail map and pair it with AllTrails before you set out, or sidestep navigation entirely by booking a guided horseback ride. Those walk-only rides require advance booking, and riders must weigh under 200 pounds.
Water is the other draw. Anglers rate the long wooden pier into the Patuxent as one of the area's better fishing spots — reports of 25-fish days with perch, croaker, spot and the occasional striped bass — plus blue crabbing. Anyone 16 or older needs a Maryland sportfishing license. Kayakers can bring their own non-motorised craft and launch at the designated put-in, or join a foundation-led tour, including sunset paddles. Swimming is permitted only at the beach, without lifeguards, so check county health advisories for algal blooms first.
The park is open year-round, daily from 7 or 8 a.m. to sunset, and parking runs about $5 — bring cash, since it's an honour-system box. Picnic spots, small hidden beaches and grazing farm animals round out a very low-key day out.
For D.C. locals craving an uncrowded alternative to Maryland's headline parks, Greenwell hits the sweet spot: easy trails, river views, a fishing pier and horseback riding, all within a morning's drive. It suits families, casual hikers and anyone who wants nature access without a strenuous workout — and its inclusive programming makes it a genuinely welcoming option for travellers with disabilities.