Posted in Maryland Road Trips September 19, 2021 by

Take A Beautiful Fall Foliage Road Trip To See Maryland Autumn Colors

That special time of year is here! Time for pumpkins, scarves, and jumping in the leaves. While the entire state of Maryland is pretty gorgeous during autumn, today we’re highlighting some of the best spots to view the fall colors in Maryland. Driving time for this road trip to the best fall foliage in Maryland is a little over 4.5 hours. To give yourself enough time to explore each spot, you may want to make this a weekend trip. To follow along with the Google Map, click here.

Ready to see all the best yellows, reds, and coppers throughout the state? Let’s go!

Google Maps
1. Deep Creek Lake
Flickr / Bethany King
Recently named one of the best places to see fall foliage in the entire country, Deep Creek Lake is vibrant with autumnal hues. Whether you're hanging by the lake or driving around the scenic mountain roads, you're sure to be blown away by this special spot, especially during peak fall foliage.
Deep Creek, MD, 21541
2. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
Facebook / Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
On the hunt for fun things to do in fall in Maryland? Previously, we wrote about this gorgeous train ride through the mountains, and we just can't get enough of it. Tickets must be booked in advance but hurry, the autumn tours sell out FAST.

You can purchase tickets for the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad by visiting their website here.
13 Canal St, Cumberland, MD 21502, USA
3. Rocky Gap State Park
Flickr / Javcon117*
Not only does this state park have some of the bluest water in Maryland, but it also offers a plethora of scenic trails. You can explore this park by day to see some of the best fall colors in Maryland or even camp here by night.

12900 Lake Shore Dr, Flintstone, MD 21530, USA
4. C & O Canal (Williamsport)
Trip Advisor / Sonia M
Although the C & O Canal is 184.5 miles in length, this particular stretch in Williamsport is popular with locals. It offers views of the canal, Cushwa Basin, and has the perfect amount of history to keep visitors intrigued. The fall foliage here isn't too shabby either.
205 W Potomac St, Williamsport, MD 21795, USA
5. Walkersville Southern Railroad
Flickr / Karl Kyhl
The Walkersville Southern Railroad is another favorite train ride through Maryland. Although the views along the railroad are spectacular year-round, it truly glistens during fall.

Make sure to purchase tickets in advance by visiting the website here.

34 W Pennsylvania Ave, Walkersville, MD 21793, USA
6. Patapsco Valley State Park
Flickr / Nicolas Raymond
This Maryland state park has everything an adventure lover needs, especially during autumn. The above photo shows the swinging bridge, which is a unique and picturesque experience in the Old Line State.

8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043, USA
7. Brookside Gardens
Flickr / Hillel Steinberg
Brookside Gardens has so much to offer year-round, from the butterfly garden during summer, to the Christmas lights during winter. In the fall, the sweeping gardens are transformed into brilliant hues of orange, yellow, and crimson. Visiting this magical spot is a must at least once in your life, especially during peak fall foliage.

For more information, visit their website here.
1800 Glenallan Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902, USA
8. Cedarville State Forest
Flickr / F Delventhal
This underrated spot in Maryland is like a real-life enchanted forest. Filled with easily accessible trails that are lined with stunning foliage, you may want to spend an entire day exploring this woodland paradise. Click here to learn more about Cedarville State Forest.
10201 Bee Oak Rd, Brandywine, MD 20613, USA

What would you add to this road trip to the best fall foliage in Maryland? Remember, you can click here to follow along with the Google Map. Happy fall, and happier travels!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Fall Foliage In Maryland

August 23, 2019
Beth Price-Williams

What is the best time to see peak fall foliage in Maryland?

The fall colors in Maryland are gorgeous no matter when you catch them. However, for the best views, head outdoors during the peak fall foliage. Fall foliage in the western part of the state generally begins around the third week of September, with the peak fall foliage arriving in early October. The rest of the state, however, sees the leaves changing color in early October with the peak fall foliage arriving around the third week of October.

Where are the best places in Maryland to see fall foliage?

Not sure where to see fall colors in Maryland? You have a ton of options – from a stroll around your neighborhood to a hike around Deep Creek Lake. For simply sensational, sweeping views of the fall foliage, plan a visit to one of Maryland’s many overlooks, including Chimney Rock in Thurmont, Washington Monument State Park near Boonsboro, and Sugarloaf Mountain in Frederick County.

If you’ve got time for an overnight or a weekend getaway, reserve a room at Antietam Overlook Farm in Keedysville. The picturesque farm, which spans 95 acres, promises spectacular views of the fall colors.  

What are the best Maryland hikes to take in the fall?

On the hunt for fun things to do in fall in Maryland? How does a picturesque hike sound? Discover an abundance of fall hikes that promise some of the best fall colors in Maryland. For an easy hike, set off on the Falling Branch Trail in Jarrettsville, the Grist Mill Trail at Patapsco Valley State Park, or the Red Trail at Calvert Cliffs State Park.

If you’re not in the mood for hiking, embark on a day trip to the Autumn Glory Festival in McHenry; drink a refreshing glass of apple cider at Weber’s Cider Mill Farm in Parkville; or escape from The Maryland Corn Maze in Gambrills.