We love a rural drive, especially when it involves hidden gems along the way. The following road trip includes stops at delicious restaurants, hiking spots, and even a secluded winery. You can follow along with the map, and enjoy this countryside adventure that's sure to be one of the greatest road trips in Maryland.
To help you fit all adventures into one day, we made driving time for this trip about an hour in length. Prepare for hidden gems in Maryland along the way, such as...
Bear Branch Nature Center covers 320 acres, including 5 miles of trails, a scenic lake, and a historic homestead. The onsite nature center is a fascinating place to learn about local wildlife and more.
If you're taking this trip during warmer months, be sure to add The Sunflower Garden to your route. This place is bustling with sunflowers and other colorful flowers, and they're perfect for picking and creating your own bouquet.
You may be feeling parched at this point so why not whet your whistle at Gallping Goose Vineyards? Reviewers love how peaceful this place is, and the wines are a must-try. Keep in mind, however, that this winery is open seasonally so check the website before you visit. This stop alone will make this one of the best road trips in Maryland.
Time for some comfort food! Friendly Farm Restaurant is known for its sprawling rural scenery, but most of all, its hearty cuisine. The fried chicken and sugar biscuits are practically famous.
Take a look at this video of Friendly Farm Restaurant by @WNST:
It's dinner time along one of the best Maryland road trips! Hiking at the previous stop probably worked up an appetite, so consider ending your day at Freeland Crab & Seafood. Grab some carryout, including crab cakes, shrimp, oysters, and more. Yum!
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What other stops would you add in the area? What are some of your favorite road trips in Maryland? Let us know in the comments!
Who's ready for an adventure around the Old Line State? With all the amazing places this state has to offer from Baltimore to Annapolis, the Chesapeake Bay, and beyond, there's just so much to see. Well, we're here to help with our ideas for the best road trips in Maryland. So gas up your car or charge your EV, pack some road trip snacks, and hit the road!
Route: Kilgore Falls > Turf Valley Resort > Great Falls / Billy Goat Trail > Bay Farms Bed & Breakfast > Swallow Falls State Park
Distance: 285 miles
Trip Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
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How does a three-day road trip to three waterfalls sound to you? There's even an overnight destination in this Maryland road trip itinerary. There's nothing prettier than a waterfall. There's one you can even see along the Potomac River.
Route: Sang Run State Park > Casselman River Bridge State Park > Fort Frederick > Gathland State Park > Patuxent River State Park > Palmer State Park > Rosaryville State Park > Chapel Point State Park
Distance: 346 miles
Trip Time: 7 hours
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How many of Maryland's state parks have you visited? Well, we suspect you haven't visited many or even any of the ones on this road trip through Maryland. The route takes you to nearly every corner of the state, and there's a lot to see!
Route: Blue Goose Fruit Market & Bakery > Pennsylvania Dutch Market > Deb's Artisan Bakehouse > Baugher's Fruit Market > Dangerously Delicious Pies
Distance: 145 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours
How about a sweet road trip to some of the best pie shops in the state? This is one of the best Maryland road trips that will keep you on a sugar high the entire time. What kinds of pies will you try along the way?
Route: Kilgore Falls > Cascade Falls > Clyde's Towers Oaks Lodge > Cunningham Falls State Park > Paw Paw Falls > Mountain State Brewing Co. > Swallow Falls State Park
Distance: 296 miles
Trip Time:5 hours 46 minutes
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This Maryland road trip takes you to some of the state's most majestic waterfalls. These natural wonders are gorgeous year-round, but a trip in early spring offers the most water flow. If you just so happen to wait until after a rainfall, you'll likely see the best waterfalls around. Check out the Maryland road trip map for directions.
Route: Witch's Grave > Crybaby Bridge > Decoursey Bridge > Pocomoke Forest > Witch's Tree > Ocean City Life-Saving Museum
Distance: 234 miles
Trip Time: 4 hours 51 minutes
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This creepy Maryland road trip will take you to eerie eastern shore spots. Now it may not seem like a very summer-worthy road trip to do, but you will be spending the majority of your time outdoors and you'll be by the beach. It's one spooky Maryland road trip itinerary!
Route: Mallows Bay > Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House Museum > Historic Sotterley > Point Lookout State Park
Distance: 90 miles
Trip Time: 2 hours
If you're up for a spooktacular scenic drive in Maryland, then you're sure to love this one, which takes you to eerie abandoned spots and places that are known to be haunted. Use caution when entering the abandoned buildings, as some might be marked on private property and those signs should be respected. Also, make sure that when you tackle the spooky road trip, you bring your wits! Some of these spots are not for the faint of heart. This is one of our favorite Maryland road trip ideas!
Route: Miracle on 34th Street, Baltimore > Ellicott City Lights > Symphony of Lights, Columbia > Winter Lights Festival, Gaithersburg > Festival of Lights, Upper Marlboro > Lights on the Bay, Annapolis
Distance: 137 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours
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When winter arrives it's all about holiday lights and family gatherings. So, we think you should gather your family, hop in the car, and take this Maryland Christmas lights road trip. With so many impressive displays of twinkling lights, you'll feel the spirit of the season!
Route: Delmarva Discovery Museum > Mad Hatter Cafe > Salisbury Zoo > The Mermaid Museum > Frontier Town > Baja Amusements > Dead Freddies Island Grill
Distance: 66 miles
Trip Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
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One of the best Maryland road trips happens to be a family-friendly one. Full of fun and adventure, kids and adults alike will love every stop along the way. From a zoo to a mermaid museum to a western-themed attraction to amusement parks, you'll have a blast!
Route: Swallow Falls State Park > Dans Rock Overlook > Crystal Grottoes Caverns > Cunningham Falls State Park > Patapsco Valley State Park > Billy Goat Trail > Calvert Cliffs State Park > Rocks State Park > Elk Neck State Park > Assateague State Park
Distance: 645 miles
Trip Time: 12 hours 41 minutes
This Maryland natural wonders road trip will take you from close to the West Virginia border, east past Washington D.C., and terminates close to Delaware at Assateague State Park. From cliffs to overlooks to astounding caves, this natural wonders road trip is one of the most scenic drives in Maryland. This trek will fuel your need for adventure. Visit Maryland's most majestic spots in one delightful trip. You'll enjoy a little bit of a coastal adventure along this trek, but also a few of the best inland natural spots, too.
Route: Solomons > North Beach > Annapolis > Havre de Grace > Chesapeake City > Chestertown > Rock Hall > St. Michaels > Ocean City > Crisfield
Distance: 368 miles
Trip Time: 8 hours
For this road trip through Maryland, we head to the coast. Explore the quaint waterfront towns along Maryland's eastern shore and beyond. Do some shopping, take in the sights, and dine at one of the many restaurants. These towns are as charming as can be!
Which of these Maryland road trip ideas are you most excited about? Do you prefer weekend road trips in Maryland or quick road trips in Maryland? Tell us in the comments! And, if you're looking for more places to explore, check out our list of the most impressive natural wonders in Maryland:
Are you feeling adventurous, Maryland? Today's road trip includes the best waterfalls in Maryland. That's right - eight waterfalls in seven locations. Most require a quick trail hike, so make sure to dress appropriately for the journey. Driving time for this Maryland waterfalls road trip is just over 6 hours, and that doesn't include exploring each location, so you may want to consider making this a weekend or multi-day trip. Start at either end of the route and use the Google Maps link for this road trip.
Our first stop is a two-for-one deal with Muddy Creek Falls and Swallow Falls both lying in Swallow Falls State Park. Many people consider these Maryland's most impressive waterfalls. The two waterfalls sit just one mile apart, although be prepared for a somewhat challenging hike between the two. (You may have to climb over boulders and logs.) If you're visiting during the summer, don't forget your swimsuit. A swimming hole sits near Swallow Falls, providing the perfect opportunity to cool down on a hot summer day.
Searching for "waterfalls near me?" Paw Paw Falls is located at the C&O Canal, on the Maryland side of the Paw Paw tunnel. This entire section of the canal is quite scenic so make sure you take a few hours to explore, including the Paw Paw Tunnel. Stroll through the dark tunnel (bring a flashlight) that spans 3,118 feet. Legend says the tunnel might be haunted, so be prepared to experience the paranormal.
Next stop on this waterfall road trip in Maryland we head to Thurmont to check out Cunningham Falls, tucked in Cunningham Falls State Park. This is the highest cascading waterfall in Maryland. You can even climb the rocks (just be careful) and sit next to the water as it gushes down. While you're at Cunningham Falls State Park, embark on one of the hiking trails, or go for a swim in Hunting Creek Lake (from Memorial Day to Labor Day annually.)
This is part of the powerful Potomac River and the current changes often due to weather patterns. It's almost a different experience each time you go. Even better? You don't have to hike to get to the majestic waterfall. Stop by the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, where you'll set off on a short stroll to a viewing area that promises sensational views of the waterfall.
Located near Elkridge in Patapsco Valley State Park, Cascade Falls is always a beautiful sight. The way the water trickles down the rocks is something to behold. For the fastest way to the waterfall, park in the Avalon area. There, you'll see a sign for Cascade Falls Trail, which spans three miles. Follow the trail markers to get to one of the best waterfalls in Maryland.
Gunpowder Falls is a series of smaller waterfalls located in Gunpowder Falls State Park. It's also an excellent place to hike. Once you've relaxed by the series of waterfalls, grab your inner tube and head to the water for a tubing adventure down the natural lazy river. (If you need to rent a tube, stop by Monkton Bike Rental first.)
Sometimes called Falling Branch Falls, Kilgore Falls is nestled in a beautiful wooded area of Rocks State Park. Lace-up your hiking boots for the 1.2-mile hike along the Falling Branch Trail, which will lead you directly to the breathtaking waterfall. Definitely plan a visit during all four seasons. When you're visiting during the summer, bring your swimsuit. Kilgore Falls drops into a spectacular swimming hole.
Remember, you can follow the Google Map for this Maryland waterfalls road trip. After you've completed this trip to the best waterfalls in Maryland, you can officially say that you've visited all of the state's major waterfalls! Before you hit the road, take a look at our Ultimate Road Trip Essentials Packing List. Safe travels!
Looking for another adventure, this time a long hike? Take a look at this video on the longest hiking trail in Maryland from OnlyInYourState:
