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, we’re highlighting some of the best spots to view the fall colors. 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. We’ve made it easy to follow along by providing you with this interactive Google Map. Ready to see all the best yellows, reds, and coppers throughout the state? Let’s go!

Google Maps
1. Deep Creek Lake
Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, USA
Flickr / Bethany King
Once 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.
2. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, Maryland, USA
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Facebook page
On the hunt for fun things to do in fall in Maryland? We reviously wrote about this gorgeous train ride through the mountains, and we just can't get enough of it! Tickets for the autumn tours sell out FAST, so be sure to get yours as soon as possible on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad website.
3. Rocky Gap State Park
Rocky Gap State Park, 12900 Lake Shore Dr, Flintstone, MD 21530, USA
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.

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4. C & O Canal (Williamsport)
Williamsport C&O Canal, 205 W Potomac St, Williamsport, MD 21795, USA
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.
5. Walkersville Southern Railroad
Walkersville Southern Railroad, 34 W Pennsylvania Ave, Walkersville, MD 21793, USA
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 Walkersville Southern Railroad website.
6. Patapsco Valley State Park
Patapsco Valley State Park - Avalon Area, 5120 South St, Halethorpe, MD 21227, USA
Flickr / Nicolas Raymond
Patapsco Valley State Park has everything an adventure lover needs, especially during autumn. The above photo taken at this beautiful Maryland state park shows the swinging bridge, which is a unique and picturesque experience in the Old Line State.
7. Brookside Gardens
Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902, USA
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 the Brookside Gardens website.
8. Cedarville State Forest
Cedarville State Forest, 10201 Bee Oak Rd, Brandywine, MD 20613, USA
Flickr / F Delventhal
We think that the Cedarville State Forest is a very underrated spot in Maryland, and its really more 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.

Remember, you can follow along with this interactive Google Map. Happy fall, and happier travels!

If you were to do a search for “fall drives near me,” one of these spots would most certainly pop up at the top of the list!

What would you add to this road trip to the best fall foliage in Maryland? What other places do you like to explore at this time of the year? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

And if you like to hike, and you can get information about trails along the way by going to the AllTrails app or website.

For another great Maryland trip, be sure to read We Took A Day Trip To Annapolis, Maryland, And Discovered Everything You Absolutely Must Experience.

If you’re still in the mood for more Maryland adventures, take a look at this video:

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More to Explore

Exploring Beautiful Maryland

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | October 05, 2023

What are some small towns in Maryland?

  • Leonardtown is a big draw for those interested in the arts as well as entertainment, drawing like-minded folks here from all over the state.
  • Saint Michaels is where you’ll find the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum which features a great deal of history about this beautiful coastal town.
  • Cambridge features a historic downtown district and is one of the oldest established towns in Maryland.

Read on to learn more about some of the many charming small towns in Maryland.

Where can we find flea markets in Maryland?

  • The Hancock Antique Mall & Indoor Flea Market in Hancock is popular with those looking for antique items, furniture, and more.
  • The Patapsco Flea Market in Baltimore is a popular indoor and outdoor market that also has a food court.
  • The Chesapeake MarketPlace-Action House in St. Leonard features over 100 shops selling a wide array of unique items.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other popular flea markets in Maryland.

Where can we find museums in Maryland?

  • The William P. Didusch Center for Urological History in Linthicum is quirky but important as the headquarters of the American Urological Association.
  • Port Discovery in Baltimore is an interactive children's museum that’s fun for the entire family.
  • The Glenstone in Potomac features post-World War II works of art from artists around the world.

Read on to learn more about some of the many wonderful museums in Maryland.

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