Greenridge state park conditions????

[jvanbrecht]

Has anyone been there in the recent past. Last time I was there was spring last year or fall the year before, I forget. I made it about 2 miles before I had to turn back as the trail had overgrown significantly.

I am heading back this weekend for a camping trip, and curious if I should bother trying to bring the bike.

[BikerMiker]

There is a race loop and plenty of riding. Check the DNR site for maps. I know I have one at home.

mk

[hophead]

There is a race loop and plenty of riding. Check the DNR site for maps. I know I have one at home.

mk
You sure that's Greenridge and not Greenbriar?

[tomn]

Inquiring minds want to know... I'm also going to be camping in Green Ridge State Forest with my riding buddies next month, and we were planning on riding the 12-mile loop. So yeah, if anyone has an update on trail conditions that would be great. (And any tips on camping spots would be appreciated too -- I believe there are a few camp sites near the trailhead but we'd like some privacy if possible.)

[hophead]

Inquiring minds want to know... I'm also going to be camping in Green Ridge State Forest with my riding buddies next month, and we were planning on riding the 12-mile loop. So yeah, if anyone has an update on trail conditions that would be great. (And any tips on camping spots would be appreciated too -- I believe there are a few camp sites near the trailhead but we'd like some privacy if possible.)
I was there last summer, but did not ride, so I can't comment on the trail conditions.

As for campsites, the further from 68, the better. We camped at one of the sites on Sugar Bottom Rd and that was too close. Here's the map: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/forests/pdfs/greenridge_ORVmap.pdf

[jvanbrecht]

I will not give out my campsite number till after I have gone camping :) Otherwise yes, Greenridge, not GreenBriar. The last time I was there the trail built by the boy scouts was so over grown I could not get past the 2 or 3 mile mark, and then turning around I could not find the return trail.. so took the road back to the campsite.

However, I just hit up the DNR web site and found this gem...
\========================
The Green Ridge State Forest ORV Trail will be closed on Saturday June 26 from 0800 -1200 hrs.

The Bond’s Landing area including Campsites 65,66 and 90 – 98 will be closed June 25 & 26 for ADVENTURE RACE! Mountain Maryland.
========================

So hopefully, that means some trailwork has been done to clear the overgrowth.

[tomn]

Any update? I'll be heading up there in a couple weeks. Planning on riding the 12 mile loop but I'm working on plan B if the trail is overgrown.

We'll probably be camping in one of the sites near the mtb loop (41-45).

Thanks! :thumbsup:

[jvanbrecht]

Well, I did not check the trails this past weekend as the weather threatened rain (and there was a ton of it). I did chat with the park ranger who stated he is the one who clears the trails, and he said they were clear, take that for what its worth as I cannot provide proof :)

But like I said earlier, based on the greenridge DNR site, there is some sort of adventure race going on in the future, so I imagine that the trails would be somewhat clear.

[DirtyLucas]

Well, I did not check the trails this past weekend as the weather threatened rain (and there was a ton of it). I did chat with the park ranger who stated he is the one who clears the trails, and he said they were clear, take that for what its worth as I cannot provide proof :)

But like I said earlier, based on the greenridge DNR site, there is some sort of adventure race going on in the future, so I imagine that the trails would be somewhat clear.

I am one of the (25) volunteer 4WD transport vehicles that will be taking competitors through the ORV trail/puzzle portion of the race. As I understand it, while I am on the ORV trail with 3 members of a team, the 4th member will be going on a 8 mile ride and we all meet at the water's edge for the finish at the aforementioned closed campsites. It's a Habitat for Humanity benefit race, and I concur that the 12 mile MTB trail should be cleared for this.

[tomn]

Well, I did not check the trails this past weekend as the weather threatened rain (and there was a ton of it). I did chat with the park ranger who stated he is the one who clears the trails, and he said they were clear, take that for what its worth as I cannot provide proof :)

But like I said earlier, based on the greenridge DNR site, there is some sort of adventure race going on in the future, so I imagine that the trails would be somewhat clear.

I am one of the (25) volunteer 4WD transport vehicles that will be taking competitors through the ORV trail/puzzle portion of the race. As I understand it, while I am on the ORV trail with 3 members of a team, the 4th member will be going on a 8 mile ride and we all meet at the water's edge for the finish at the aforementioned closed campsites. It's a Habitat for Humanity benefit race, and I concur that the 12 mile MTB trail should be cleared for this.

Thanks to both of you. I saw the adventure race info but I thought they were using the ORV trails and not the MTB loop. In any case, I'm sure we'll manage.

[mountaindan]

I have a cabin near Greenridge and usually ride the mountain bike trail (as opposed to the ORV Trail) a couple times a year. Most recent was about a month ago when I did the entire loop. It is in decent shape with the exception of the longest downhill section approximately 7 miles from the start; this part runs along an old roadbed that is eroded and still covered with last year's leaves. It is passable but an anticlimatic descent after the long climb you just endured.

Don't worry too much about recent rain - Greenridge is exceptionally dry and well-draining. Many times when it rains here or even in Cumberland no rain falls there. The Greenridge State Forest Vistor's Center has an excellent trail map available for about $5. Take the MV Smith Road exit. I will say I've never had trouble finding/following the trail.

[jvanbrecht]

Also, if you are camping, try to get campsite 82, its awesome, on the river, reasonably flat, somewhat secluded (although we had a bunch of people park nearby and walk through the site to go fishing.. slightly annoying). It is one of the better ones, but a distance from the mtb trailhead, so you have to drive there.

[hophead]

It looks like I may be heading to Greenridge this weekend too. I'm not sure if I'm gonna bring a bike yet. I might just fish.

BTW, a word of warning: Alcohol has been banned from MD state forests & parks since November of 2009. You can get a permit for certain areas in parks, but your screwed at Greenridge so keep the beers on the DL if you plan on bringing any.

[jvanbrecht]

It looks like I may be heading to Greenridge this weekend too. I'm not sure if I'm gonna bring a bike yet. I might just fish.

BTW, a word of warning: Alcohol has been banned from MD state forests & parks since November of 2009. You can get a permit for certain areas in parks, but your screwed at Greenridge so keep the beers on the DL if you plan on bringing any.

We noticed that, all the camping permits had no alcohol written by hand. If you do bring booze, keep it to the beer variety, and use cups that are not clear, and don't get toasted..

[hophead]

I think that the "no alcohol" policy is going to change pretty soon. I'm actually surprised that it hasn't been suspended yet. There are a lot of people pissed off about it including the ones that make law. There is no actual law on the books prohibiting alcohol consumption in the parks and forests. It's an administrative decision made by DNR that was enacted without a public forum or even any formal announcement.

[hophead]

Just got back from Greenridge and if alcohol is still banned, they are certainly keeping it a secret--Nothing posted, no mention of a "no alcohol" policy at check in or on any of the documentation. DNR paid my campsite a visit and in clear view was a box-o-wine and I was drinking a beer. They didn't say a word about it.

[jvanbrecht]

This came into the newsroom last week, I forgot to post it. My wife sent it to me.


Posted at 10:34 AM ET, 05/27/2010
Alcohol ban at Md. campsites reversed

Maryland's Department of Natural Resources says it is reversing a ban
on alcoholic beverages at state forest campsites.

DNR Secretary John Griffin cited citizen complaints about the ban,
which was implemented in November with little public notice.

Much of the criticism came from outfitters, beverage retailers and
other tourism-related businesses in western Maryland. The two
westernmost counties, Allegany and Garrett, are home to 83 percent of
state-owned woodlands.

Griffin says a prohibition on alcohol in Maryland state parks will
remain in effect.

-- Associated Press

[DirtyLucas]

quick note:
The Adventure Race that was slated for June 26th has been postponed until 2011.

[tomn]

Just got back from Greenridge and if alcohol is still banned, they are certainly keeping it a secret--Nothing posted, no mention of a "no alcohol" policy at check in or on any of the documentation. DNR paid my campsite a visit and in clear view was a box-o-wine and I was drinking a beer. They didn't say a word about it.

This came into the newsroom last week, I forgot to post it. My wife sent it to me.

Posted at 10:34 AM ET, 05/27/2010
Alcohol ban at Md. campsites reversed...

Awesome guys, thanks! :thumbsup: