2024's Towns In Maryland That Come Alive In The Fall
Maryland's scenic landscape transforms into a splendid display of color each autumn, and the state's charming towns set an especially picturesque scene as seasonal celebrations come alive. Visitors can look forward to pumpkin patches and craft markets, leaf-peeping opportunities in historic districts, and tasting seasonal ciders while strolling along harborfronts ablaze in reds and oranges. These small cities showcase the Old Line State's natural beauty and community spirit.
Small towns are perfect for embracing fall's festive atmosphere by venturing outside to witness the changing foliage and joining different communities in welcoming the season with annual traditions. From the forested mountains of Cumberland to the lakeside woodlands in Oakland, you can't go wrong in the following destinations of the United States.
Havre De Grace
Between September and November, this quaint community along the Susquehanna River radiates with color as tree leaves transform with the onset of fall. Fortunately, tourists have numerous options to watch the superb landscapes in Havre de Grace. At the peak, a sea of gold, ambers, and mustard hues takes over the foliage in Susquehanna State Park, inviting leaf peepers to the scene as they step on crunchy fallen leaves along the trails underneath. The atmosphere is just as impressive on the Havre de Grace Promenade, with a therapeutic walk to savor the crisp air and spectacular panoramas of the Susquehanna River.
On October 19, 2024, Havre de Grace hosts the annual Fall Harvest, spreading autumn cheer throughout the downtown streets with live music, crafts, jewelry, pumpkins, baked goods, and apple cider donuts.
Oakland
This small town in Garrett County puts on one of Maryland's most impressive fall shows due to its rich natural spaces. When the foliage color peaks in early October, Swallow Falls State Park explodes into a spectrum of reds, oranges, and yellows, culminating in breathtaking scenery. The mild conditions are perfect for hunting waterfalls, and guests can take on the 1.2-mile Muddy Creek Falls trail to watch the spellbinding cascades with the transformed herbage reflected in the falling waters.
The 365-acre Herrington Manor State Park is an exciting alternative to peep the leaves. The calm waters of Herrington Lake allow for easygoing kayaking, canoeing, and boating excursions to enjoy the scenery from the water. Meanwhile, you can join the locals in ushering in the season at the annual Autumn Glory Festival with parades, live music, craft shows, a farmers market, and other events.
Swanton
Swanton is one of the best towns in Maryland to observe the transforming leaves of autumn due to Deep Creek Lake State Park. The sprawling nature space is home to Maryland's largest reservoir, which also acts as a recreational hub for boaters, kayakers, swimmers, and paddleboarders. A dense network of woodlands surrounds the lake and bursts into an array of colors, reaching its climax in mid-October. Numerous trails traverse the 1,000-acre wilderness, and you immerse in the great outdoors to watch the leaves and spot wildlife such as black bears and wild turkeys.
Deep Creek Lake also hosts the Autumn Glory Festival, providing five days of non-stop fun and attracting over 60,000 festivalgoers to revel in the season's shades. Meanwhile, you can enjoy the crisp and beautiful views during a round of golf at Thousand Acres Lakeside Golf Club.
Hampstead
This tiny Carroll County is a gateway to the massive Prettyboy Reservoir Park, which offers a front-seat pass to experience the glory of fall in Maryland. The fall foliage peaks in the second week of October, turning the reserve into a kaleidoscope of bright shades. Tourists can make the most of endless recreational opportunities, from hiking and birdwatching to hunting and fishing for crappie, perch, smallmouth bass, and carp in the lake.
Visitors can also find pumpkin-picking adventures at Deep Run Farm Stand for the ideal family day out. Additionally, the Hampstead Fall Festival brings the village to life with an array of kid-friendly activities, including scarecrow making, hayrides, pumpkin painting, food vendors, and a petting zoo.
Cumberland
Rugged landscapes with mountainous forests surround the tiny town of Cumberland. This extensive wilderness turns into a sea of color when the herbage reaches its climax in mid-October. The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad conveniently takes vacationers on an easygoing tour through the Allegheny Mountains between the town and Cumberland.
But if you want to be closer to the transition, you can head to Rocky Gap State Park. The 3,000-acre preserve is full of walking paths that let you discover the fall wonderland. Meanwhile, Habeeb Lake fuels several water-based adventures, including swimming and boating. Finally, visitors can harness the temperate conditions to hike or bike the Great Allegheny Passage, which stretches 150 miles through colored woods.
Thurmont
Thurmont invites autumn travelers to escape into the mountains and witness the seasonal hues from multiple vantage points. When the foliage is best pronounced in the last weeks of October, the opportunity is prime to venture into the wilderness of Catoctin Mountain Park. Scenic drives, picturesque overlooks, and numerous passages dot the region, and you can climb to Blue Ridge Summit Overlook to soak up 360-degree panoramas of the landscapes.
Additionally, Cunningham Falls State Park holds its own, displaying crimson, gold, and rust hues across its forested territory. However, the highlight is Maryland's longest cascade. The 70+-foot Cunningham Falls presents an exciting photo opportunity with the spectrum of colors reflecting in the dripping water. Elsewhere, Catoctin Mountain Orchard delights families with pumpkin patches and displays for the perfect fall activity.
Mount Airy
Mount Airy has a wealth of park spaces, farmland, and vineyards that transform into a wonderland of bright shades when the fall foliage reaches its summit in October. This is an excellent time to hit the trails of Audrey Carroll Audubon Sanctuary and explore the outdoor setting. Besides admiring the transitioning leaves, bring binoculars to spot different bird species.
Mount Airy has several orchards and farms, including Gaver Farm, which welcomes travelers for family-friendly fun in its pumpkin patches and corn mazes. The farm also hosts the Fall Fun Festival, which runs until November 5, 2024. This festive gathering celebrates the crisp air and autumn colors with everything from hayrides and giant slides to apple picking and farm animal encounters.
Rock Hall
This waterfront community in Kent County is known for its magnificent vistas of the Chesapeake Bay. However, in autumn, the focus changes to the Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge. As the tree leaves gradually transform from rich green to red, yellow, and brown patches, the 2,200-acre sanctuary busts into life with over 240 bird species and other small mammals to spot. Vacationers can take the Chester River Kayak Adventures tour for an easygoing cruise and take in the fabulous sights from the calm river waters.
October 2024 is also a time to mingle with townspeople during the Fallfest celebration. This annual extravaganza sees a variety of events to entertain locals and visitors alike, including live music, great food, and beautiful arts and crafts, among others.
Final Thought
From apple picking and festivals honoring the region's agricultural heritage in picturesque Mount Airy to enjoying craft shows in Thurmont's historic downtown, these quintessential Maryland towns exude warmth and hospitality during autumn's festivities. Though new seasons will change their hues, places like these stay true to time-honored traditions that bring neighbors together to celebrate life's simpler pleasures. Any of the discussed towns in Maryland promise lasting memories and reinforce why some consider fall America's most vibrant time of year in the Old Line State.
