Maryland is full of state parks and some are definitely more well-known than others. While you may be familiar with Swallow Falls State Park or Patapsco Valley State Park, today we're featuring the underrated gems that deserve more attention. Hop in the car and check out this local road trip that leads to some of the least-visited state parks in Maryland. They have more to offer than you may think!
Drive-time for this road trip is nearly 7-hours. You'll of course want to plan for time at each park as well, so consider making this a weekend trip with camping in between if possible.
This state park in McHenry has a short and sweet 1.4-mile trail. It's also great for fishing, picnicking, or simply taking in the views of the Youghiogheny River.
Home to one of the most beautiful (and historic) bridges in Maryland, this Grantsville area park is a must-see at least once. Bring lunch and relax among the charming scenery and marvel at the bridge, which was once an important link to the old National Road.
Maryland's defense during the French and Indian War, this centuries-old fort is now a fascinating place to explore. Along with learning about life long ago, you can also go on a hike, visit the playground, picnic area, go fishing, or camping.
The Civil War Correspondents Arch at this historic park is a must-see. The park is also home to several other structures, some of which are interactive museums. You can also hike or relax at the onsite pavillion.
Covering parts of Howard and Montgomery counties, this Maryland park is mostly used for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and hunting. The woodland paths also include footbridges and plenty of plants and foliage.
This Harford County park features beautiful views of Deer Creek and a handful of hikes, which are all under 4-miles in length. You'll also find historic ruins along the trails, such as an old mill and foundations remaining from former buildings and bridges.
This state park in the Upper Marlboro area is great for hikers, bikers, and equestrians. Along with trails, you'll also find a historic mansion onsite as well as old barns that are oh-so photo-worthy.
You can't beat the river views at Chapel Point State Park. Located in Port Tobacco, this pretty park is fit for hiking, fishing and boating, and hunting. With an abundance of shoreline, you'll definitely want to bring your camera and capture the serene sights.
What's your favorite state park in Maryland? Have you visited any of the underrated gems above? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
The best scenic drives in Maryland highlight what's amazing about the Old Line State. From fall foliage adventures to the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants to covered bridges in Maryland - the options are endless.
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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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Have you had a chance to take this short and sweet Maryland road trip 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 road trip packing guide. In this useful resource, we've highlighted all the essentials you'll need.
If you'd like to explore more of the best scenic drives in Maryland, we recommend taking your car along Hooper's Island Road too.
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:
