10 Best Scenic Drives in Maryland
Auto repair

10 Best Scenic Drives in Maryland

Maryland may be a small state, but it is very diverse. From the mountains in the west to the Atlantic Ocean in the east, the terrain and sights are varied enough to keep even the most weary traveler on their toes. Historic sites dating back to the Civil War era abound, and there are several pristine state parks that bring visitors closer to Mother Nature. Discover what Maryland has to offer and travel along one of our favorite scenic routes:

No. 10 - Scenic Blue Crab Lane.

Flickr User: Eric B. Walker.

Start Location: Princess Anne, M.D.

Final location: Ocean City, Maryland

Length: Mile 43

Best driving season: All

View this drive on Google Maps

Water lovers will be delighted with this trip, as there are plenty of places from where you can get to both the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Stop for lunch at Crisfield, the "Crab Capital of the World" and then take a ferry to the middle of the bay at Smith Island. Once in Ocean City, be sure to take pictures on the boardwalk and delight young people with rides on the rides.

No. 9 - Roots and Tides Picturesque Lane

Flickr user: Charlie Stinchcomb.

Start Location: Huntingtown, Maryland

Final location: Annapolis, Maryland

Length: Mile 41

Best driving season: All

View this drive on Google Maps

This scenic drive along the Chesapeake Bay provides plenty of waterfront views and the opportunity to spy on local waterfowl. Browse the many antique shops in North Beach for hidden treasures, or check out the Chesapeake Railroad Station, now a railroad museum. Once in Annapolis, see the many historic 18th-century buildings in the state capital.

№ 8 – Falls Road

Flickr User: Chris

Start Location: Baltimore, Maryland

Final location: Alesya, MD

Length: Mile 38

Best driving season: All

View this drive on Google Maps

This scenic itinerary, with a mix of rural and urban highlights, provides a glimpse of the diversity found in the area. Travelers should stop by The Cloisters, a historic mansion built in 1932 using an unusual masonry technique, for a photo. Thereafter, the walkways and views in Gunpowder Falls State Park encourage a closer connection with nature.

No. 7 - Katoktinovy ​​mountainous region.

Flickr User: Pam Corey

Start Location: Point of Rocks, Maryland

Final location: Emmitsburg, Maryland

Length: Mile 66

Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn

View this drive on Google Maps

Part of the Sacred Land Journey, this trip passes through the Catoctin Mountain region of the state. Stop at Cunningham Falls State Park to see the region's natural beauty up close, or have a picnic. After that, drive past the Camp David Presidential Residence and the mountain resort of Pen Mar.

No. 6 - Mason and Dixon Scenic Lane.

Flickr User: Sheen Darkley

Start Location: Emmitsburg, Maryland

Final location: Appleton, Maryland

Length: Mile 102

Best driving season: All

View this drive on Google Maps

This route runs along the northern border of Maryland and where the Mason/Dixon Line once passed, and passes through the outback and rural areas of the state. Stop at Prettyboy Reservoir between Manchester and Whitehall for fun on the water like fishing or swimming during the warmer months. For those looking to stretch their legs on a hike, the best option is at the Rocks State Park in Harkin.

No. 5 - Old Main Streets

Flickr User: Jessica

Start Location: Emmitsburg, Maryland

Final location: Mount Airy, Maryland

Length: Mile 84

Best driving season: All

View this drive on Google Maps

This winding, scenic route takes travelers through the state's countryside, past farmland and old Victorian buildings in quaint towns. Thurmont has several covered bridges from which you can take great photos. Libertytown has several vineyards to explore, and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy recreational activities such as hiking and fishing, where the trail ends at Mount Airy.

No. 4 - Antietam Campaign

Flickr User: MilitaryHealth

Start Location: Whites Ferry, Maryland

Final location: Sharpsburg, Maryland

Length: Mile 92

Best driving season: All

View this drive on Google Maps

History buffs will probably enjoy this route with all the historical markers of the Civil War, especially the Battle of Antietam, the bloodiest day of the war. It starts at Whites Ferry, where General Lee entered Maryland from Virginia, and ends at Sharpsburg, not far from where the actual battle took place. The region is also full of panoramic views that travelers don't need to learn to enjoy.

No. 3 - Historic National Road.

Flickr User: BKL

Start Location: Keysers Ridge, Maryland

Final location: Baltimore, Maryland

Length: Mile 183

Best driving season: All

View this drive on Google Maps

This ride follows part of the historic route that once connected Baltimore to Vandalia, Illinois and was known as the National Road. Those who travel this way can easily turn it into a weekend getaway because historical landmarks are dotted along the road, including La Vale Tollgate House and Frederick's National Civil War Medicine Museum. Nature lovers will also not be disappointed by the many scenic views at places like Rocky Gap State Park and Mount Airy.

No. 2 - Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.

Flickr User: Random Michelle

Start Location: Cumberland, Maryland

Final location: Hancock, Maryland

Length: Mile 57

Best driving season: All

View this drive on Google Maps

This part of the route between Cumberland and Hancock skirts the border between Maryland and West Virginia, going around and out of the two states, and along the edge of Green Ridge Forest. It also crosses the North Branch Potomac River, which may be of interest to all anglers present. At the end of this trip, travelers can stop to learn more about the Hancock area, at the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Museum and Visitor Center, from where they can return to Cumberland via Highway 68 if desired.

No. 1 - Maryland Mountain Road

Flickr User: Troy Smith

Start Location: Keysers Ridge, Maryland

Final location: Cumberland, Maryland

Length: Mile 90

Best driving season: All

View this drive on Google Maps

This scenic route winds through the western mountains of Maryland, making a tight loop to maximize the magnificent sights along the way. There is something for everyone here, from Backbone Mountain for serious backpackers to Wisp Ski Resort for thrills. Travelers are encouraged to stretch their legs in the historic city of Auckland and learn more about the state's coal mining history in Lonaconing or Midland.

Add a comment