Posted in Maryland Natural Wonders, Nature, Road Trips February 02, 2023 by

This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You Maryland Like You’ve Never Seen It Before

It’s time for another road trip and this is one that anyone is sure to enjoy, especially lovers of the outdoors. Plan to spend a few days tackling this journey because although travel time is a little under thirteen hours, you’ll want to spend a few hours at each spot. Consider staying at a nearby bed and breakfast, or keep it rustic by pitching your tent at a Maryland campsite.

You can start at any part of the journey. View the Google Map and customize to your heart’s desire. Google Maps limits trips to 10 destinations, so listed below are 10 of the most impressive natural sites you’ll ever see. And with a little extra planning, you could most definitely make several more stops along the way, as there are many natural wonders in Maryland to explore.

Are you ready to discover some of the most amazing and scenic spots in the state? Here is the ultimate Maryland natural wonders road trip. Let’s go!

Google Maps
1. Swallow Falls State Park - Oakland
Flickr / Doug Kerr
This Garrett County park is home to Muddy Creek Falls and Swallow Falls. Spend a bit of time hiking between these two natural wonders along the Youghiogheny River.
Swallow Falls State Park, 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550, USA
2. Dans Rock Overlook - Rawlings
Flickr / Javcon117*
Located atop Dans Mountain, this scenic overlook is popular with locals. You can see miles of mountains and the views are especially picturesque during autumn.
Dan's Rock Overlook, 17600 Old Dans Rock Rd SW, Rawlings, MD 21557, USA
3. Crystal Grottoes Caverns - Boonsboro
Wikimedia Commons / Jklispie
This natural cave is overflowing with spectacular rock formations and the temperature remains at 54 degrees year-round. It's quite the other-worldly experience. Note:
Crystal Grottoes Caverns, 19821 Shepherdstown Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713, USA
4. Cunningham Falls State Park - Thurmont
Flickr / Fauxto_digit
This park and campground is home to Cunningham Falls, which is Maryland's highest cascading waterfall. Whether viewing the falls from the bottom or climbing to the top, this natural wonder is sure to impress.
Cunningham Falls State Park, 14274 William Houck Dr, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA
5. Patapsco Valley State Park - Woodstock
Flickr / Forsaken Fotos
Patapsco Valley State Park is filled with several things to see, including the pictured Cascade Falls. You could spend days wandering this massive area and still find more places to explore.
Patapsco Valley State Park, Woodstock, MD 21163, USA
6. Billy Goat Trail - Potomac
Flickr / cranky messiah
One of Maryland's most popular hikes is Billy Goat Trail. There are several different sections you can choose to hike but most people prefer Section A for its scenic water views.
Billy Goat Trail Section A, Potomac, MD 20854, USA
7. Calvert Cliffs State Park - Lusby
Flickr / David Heise
This park offers a gorgeous 1.8-mile hike to Calvert Cliffs. This majestic place is also ripe for fossil hunting ancient species, including megalodon sharks.
Calvert Cliffs State Park, 10540 H G Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD 20657, USA
8. Rocks State Park - Jarrettsville
Flickr / Jay
There are several scenic overlooks at this Harford County park, but by far, the most popular is the King and Queen Seat. This natural rock outcropping was once the gathering place of Susquehanna Indians, and the view from this spot is positively breathtaking!
Rocks State Park, 3318 Rocks Chrome Hill Rd, Jarrettsville, MD 21084, USA
9. Elk Neck State Park - North East
Flickr / Mike
Elk Neck State Park is located on a peninsula and boasts spectacular water views all around. If you're feeling extra adventurous, hike the 3-mile loop around the white clay cliffs for a unique and unforgettable experience.
Elk Neck State Park, 4395 Turkey Point Rd, North East, MD 21901, USA
10. Assateague State Park - Berlin
Flickr / Fred Schroeder
You can't have a list of Maryland's natural wonders without including the barrier island of Assateague. Splash in the water, snap photos of the wild ponies, or simply relax on the beach and give yourself a pat on the back for a road trip well done.

Assateague State Park, 6915 Stephen Decatur Hwy, Berlin, MD 21811, USA

Have you ever seen any of these natural wonders in Maryland up close and in person? If so, please share your experience(s) with us in the comments below. If you can think of any other Maryland natural wonders, feel free to share those with us as well.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Maryland Natural Wonders

February 06, 2023
Jennifer Young

What are the natural wonders of Maryland?

Maryland is home to many incredible natural wonders. In fact, there are 7 Wonders Of The World That Are Actually Right Here In Maryland. Listed below are three of these Maryland natural wonders, and they belong on everyone's outdoor bucket list.

1. Assateague Island

Assateague Island is a barrier island that's not only grgeous, but it's also home to wild ponies. For anyone wishing to visit Assateague Island, they can either do so for the day or reserve a camping spot to experience some unforgettable star gazing.

2. Crystal Grottoes Caverns in Boonsboro

Crystal Grottoes Caverns is a natural cave in Maryland with more formations per foot than any other cave in the world. Even though Crystal Grottoes Caverns isn't well known, it still offers a unique, one-of-a-kind experience.

Note: Crystal Grottoes Caverns is temporarily closed and will reopen in Spring 2023.

3. Calvert Cliffs in Lusby

The Calvert Cliffs were formed more than 10 million years ago, making it the perfect spot for fossil hunting. Who knows? You might even find the remains of prehistoric creatures during your visit.

What's one of the most beautiful natural wonders in Maryland?

It's no secret that there are many beautiful natural wonders in Maryland. With that being said, one of Maryland's most beautiful natural wonders is Cunningham Falls, which happens to be the main attraction of Cunningham Falls State Park in Thurmont. Cunningham Falls is 78 feet high, making it the tallest waterfall in Maryland. This waterfall is such an impressive sight to see, which is why it attracts thousands of people each year. If you've never had a chance to see Cunningham Falls up close and in person, make plans to do so.