There are plenty of scenic drives in Maryland to set off on when you’re spending time in the Old Line State. From fall foliage adventures to the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants – the options are endless.

For those of you who like your adventures short and sweet, we put together a smaller trek too. The following trip covers a mere 10 miles but still leads you to three historic covered bridges in Frederick County. The views are stunning — especially during autumn. So, what are you waiting for? Read on to learn more about the fun you’ll have on one of the best scenic driving roads in Maryland.

Frederick County is home to three historic covered bridges. You can visit them all in under an hour when you take what's considered one of the best scenic drives in Maryland.
Google Maps
Check out the route on Google Maps. You can customize your trip by visiting the bridges in the opposite order, or take more back roads for even more scenic views.
Along this journey, you'll drive by sprawling farmland and through charming towns. So, if you're in the area and looking for scenic drives near me, head to Old Frederick Road to begin your adventure.
Old Frederick Road, Old Frederick Rd, Catonsville, MD, USA
Flickr / John Brighenti
Just off the road is the Utica Mills Covered Bridge. This historical structure on one of the most scenic drives in Maryland is also the oldest in the state.
Utica Covered Bridge, 7720 Utica Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA
Flickr / Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Park your vehicle and feel free to check out the surrounding sights. Utica Mills Covered Bridge dates back to 1850 and crosses Fishing Creek. Hence, another reason this is one of the best driving roads in Maryland.
Fishing Creek, MD 21634, USA
Flickr / James Walsh

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Continue along Old Frederick Road and you'll arrive at Loys Station Covered Bridge.
Loys Station Covered Bridge, 13506 Old Frederick Rd, Rocky Ridge, MD 21778, USA
Flickr / Mike Procario
This covered bridge on one of the top scenic drives in Maryland spans Owen's Creek. It still contains some of its original wood, which is impressive considering it was built in 1880.
Owens Creek, Maryland, USA
Flickr / Jamie A
Next, turn onto Rocky Ridge Road and a few more streets, passing through the town of Thurmont. Roddy Road Covered Bridge is the third and final structure on this route, and it's stunning.
Rocky Ridge Road, Rocky Ridge Rd, Maryland, USA
Flickr / Rain0975
This covered bridge on this scenic drive in Maryland was constructed in 1856 and it's perfectly situated for fall foliage photos. This is a great spot to end the journey with a picnic among historic views.
Thurmont, MD 21788, USA
Flickr / Rain0975
Take in the sights, history, and charm of this covered bridge route in Frederick County. At around 10 miles in length, there's always time for this rural road trip when you're in Maryland and looking for scenic drives near me.
Frederick, MD, USA
Flickr / Jamie A

 

Have you had a chance to take this short and sweet drive in Maryland to these stunning covered bridges? Let us know in the following comments section. And, to help you prepare for your fun outing, we recommend checking out our guide to unique staycations. In this useful resource, we’ve highlighted activities to do when you want to get away, but don’t want to travel far.

If you’d like to explore more best driving roads in Maryland, we recommend taking your car along Hooper’s Island Road too.

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More to Explore

Scenic Drives in Maryland

Marla S. | August 20, 2023

What are some of the best scenic drives in Maryland?

In addition to what you just learned, take a look at the following best scenic drives in Maryland.

  • Interstate 70 through Western Maryland: As you zip along this highway, we hope you'll enjoy the picturesque mountain views that are even more stunning in the fall.
  • Route 5: In addition to taking in farm country, stop at Point Lookout State Park to enjoy some water views when you drive along this scenic road in Maryland.
  • Interstate 68 through Sideling Hill: We think you'll be impressed by the dramatic rock structures along one of the best driving roads in Maryland.

 

Are there scenic drives near me featuring covered bridges in Maryland?

Aside from the bridges highlighted above, here are some more covered bridges in Maryland to check out when you're looking for scenic drives near me.

  • Gilpin's Falls Covered Bridge:  Along with being impressive to look at, this happened to be the longest covered bridge in Maryland as well.
  • Jericho Covered Bridge: When you're in the Baltimore area, we recommend you check out the last remaining bridge of its kind in this part of the Old Line State.
  • Foxcatcher Farms Covered Bridge: You'll stumble across this charming site when you visit Fairview Hill Natural Resource Management Area in Maryland.

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