13 Top Places To Visit In Maryland This Fall
As summer fades into memory across Maryland, September and October transform natural landscapes into a stunning display of autumnal color. Gold, orange, and red leaves cloaking the Appalachian foothills create a crisp canopy while an array of family-friendly festivals take over the state. Popular destinations like Cunningham Falls and Gunpowder Falls showcase brilliant panoramas enjoyed through hiking, biking, or scenic drives.
Meanwhile, charming small towns welcome guests to county fairs and festivals, celebrating the season's harvest with parades, live music, and apple butter cook-offs. Whether planning to witness the changing foliage in the state's sprawling wilderness or attend a time-honored tradition welcoming the season, here are some of the best places to visit in Maryland this fall.
Deep Creek Lake
Deep Creek Lake is famous for displaying brilliant fall colors when the transition peaks between late September and early October. The dazzling hues on the surrounding forest leaves reflect in the lake's clear waters, resulting in a wondrous setting and exciting photo opportunities.
Along the lake shores, Deep Creek Lake State Park harbors isolated woodland tracks ripe for exploration. Hiking the Cherry Creek Loop is an excellent way to soak up the rich scenery and discover the rocky outcrops along the way. The fresh air also invites excursions on the water for a unique perspective of the area. A laid-back boat ride is a popular activity for newcomers and seasoned expeditioners in the area.
Swallow Falls State Park
Home to Maryland's highest waterfall, Swallow Falls State Park boasts a fair share of visual spectacles. However, the stakes are higher in the second week of October as the changing foliage puts on its best show. Endless hiking trails across the refuge allow visitors to immerse in the autumn splendor. Options abound, and you can start with the 1.25-mile Canyon Trail to peep the leaves on a dense network of old-growth Hemlock oaks lining the pathway.
Meanwhile, the Youghiogheny River flows along the region's border, offering vacationers a chance to enjoy the moderate conditions with a wild rafting adventure. Finally, remember to check out the free-falling 53-foot-high Muddy Creek Falls and capture it on your camera.
Wisp Resort
Wisp Resort may better be known as a skiing getaway, but this four-season lodge remains just as exciting during autumn. As a spectrum of fall colors take over the forested mountains of western Maryland, the location proves to be an excellent stop for observing the scenes play out. Riding the resort's chairlift provides a distinct perspective of the wonderland below and creates an opportunity for superb aerial photography. Also, visitors can enjoy a thrill on the mountain coaster or take the Flying Squirrel Canopy Tour for more awesome glimpses from above.
Wisp Resort organizes fun excursions for guests, ranging from rafting trips inside Deep Creek Lake State Park to boating cruises on Deep Creek. The best part is that you can access luxurious accommodation on the spot.
Cumberland
This charming community in the mountains of Maryland puts on a magnificent show of colors as its rolling landscapes gradually transform from a deep green to a dazzling blend of yellow, red, and orange. A leisurely ride on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad provides front-seat views of the scenery as the vintage train weaves through the Allegheny Mountains.
If you miss the ride, you can hop on two wheels for an adventurous jaunt along the Great Allegheny Passage. This biking path snakes around 150 miles of mountains, over valleys, and through forests, thrusting you into the heart of the autumn wonderland synonymous with Western Maryland. Finally, Cumberland hosts the Heritage Days Festival during this time of the year, celebrating the season with a weekend of live music, great food, pretty crafts, and other kid-friendly activities.
Seneca Creek State Park
Seneca Creek State Park promises a 6,300-acre playground for leaf peepers and outdoor enthusiasts planning to experience autumn in Maryland. It has 50 miles of forested trails crisscrossing the preserve, inviting sightseers to witness the changing leaves up close. These passageways can also accommodate bikes and horses for a less strenuous way of discovering the area. While doing this, remember to stop by Kingfisher Viewpoint to savor the best panoramas in the area.
You can access the Clopper Day-Use Area within the park, whose highlight is the 90-acre Clopper Lake. This scenic reservoir is encircled by a thick forest that reflects in the lake waters, exposing a dazzling spectrum of autumn hues.
Sugarloaf Mountain
Sugarloaf Mountains is a small but beautiful park where you can observe fall scenes from a vantage point. It sits about 800 feet higher than the farmland surrounding it, which puts you in the perfect position to enjoy the foliage. Despite its relatively small size, the area provides exciting activities to fuel your vacation.
It is a recognized biking and hiking spot, and most visitors like to challenge themselves along the 6.7-mile Sugarloaf Mountain and Northern Peaks Trail. While the route is breathtaking all year round, the crisp air and transitioning colors make the journey more rewarding. The wilderness also hosts a fair share of native wildlife, so don't be surprised to encounter raccoons, flying squirrels, and red-tailed deer when scanning the trails.
Liberty Reservoir
Located about 30 miles northwest of Baltimore, Liberty Reservoir welcomes you to experience the season away from the commotion in the city. This 9,200-acre nature area promises endless recreation opportunities, from fishing and hiking to picnicking, which you can engage in while admiring the foliage. Some trails to check out in the area include the Liberty Dam Trail. It is manageable and accommodating to all skill levels.
Birding is a popular pastime at the reservoir, which provides a habitat for numerous species. Carry your binoculars to spot the red-tailed hawk, bald eagles, great horned owl, and more. Finally, the expansive lake shoreline allows anglers to try and catch bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, and other species.
Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge
Besides watching the colors come to life, Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge visitors can catch a glimpse of cute native species in the air and on land. This 2,200-acre destination sits at the junction of the Chesapeake Bay and the Chester River. It is home to forested stretches that display red, yellow, and orange shades, best explored along the several hiking routes in the area. Popular options include the Boxes Point Trail and the Bayview Butterfly Trail, which expose you to a wildflower meadow. Fall coincides with the migration of the late fowl, tundra swan, and duck, increasing sounds across the sanctuary. Other recreational activities to partake in range from biking and fishing to marsh kayaking.
Loch Raven Reservoir
A charming blend of serene atmosphere, soothing water views, and brilliant fall leaves makes Loch Raven Reservoir one of the best places to visit in Maryland during the season. The biodiverse space covers 1,600 acres and turns into a stunning display of hues as the surrounding maples, poplars, beeches, oaks, and raspberries reflect in the water. Guests can access miles of hiking passages to admire the beautiful scenery and stake out the thriving bird population calling the region home.
With binoculars in tow, you may be able to spot woodpeckers, bald eagles, ravens, bluejays, and cardinals. Alternatively, you can opt for a slow-paced cruise on the lake's clear waters or even a fishing expedition.
Thurmont
Popularly known as the "Gateway to the Mountains," this lovely community in Frederick County offers plenty of ideal spots to receive the autumn tint. Catoctin Mountain Park is an easy choice if you are up for a challenge. This rocky location with aged trees harbors 25 miles of hiking trails leading up to the mountain summit. It also has several overlooks, including Blue Ridge Summit and Chimney Rock, that let you pause and soak up the sights.
Cunningham Falls State Park is a worthy alternative, famous for its 78-foot waterfall. It also harbors a cozy open space with a small lake where people converge to enjoy a dip, surrounded by wooded mountains that glow with color. Another popular activity in Thurmont involves visiting Catoctin Mountain Orchard for family-friendly fun at this beautiful pumpkin patch.
Gunpowder Falls State Park
Straddling about 18,000 acres, Gunpowder Falls State Park is among Maryland's largest state parks. Its endless wilderness area is riddled with forestland that turns into a leaf peeper's wet dream from late September. With so much area to cover, guests can choose to explore the different sections of the park on different itineraries. For instance, the Hammerman Area, closest to Baltimore, is famous for kayaking and fishing on the Gunpowder River.
Meanwhile, the Central Area harbors most of the preserve's visual delights. You will find the Big and Little Gunpowder Falls here, so be sure to bring your camera for spectacular photo ops. Finally, the Sweet Air Area is tailored for hikers, promising 18 miles of trails across 1,000 acres of terrain.
Tuckahoe State Park
Tuckahoe State Park, on Maryland's Eastern Shore, spans about 4,000 acres and is a go-to location for fall-related activities. The area is stacked with wooded marshlands that appealingly display gold, mustard, and crimson shades come October, presenting the perfect show for sightseers. Over 20 miles of trekking pathways weave through the park, enabling you to explore at your own pace. A 60-acre lake surrounded by woods and marshes inside the reserve attracts boaters and anglers with water-based recreation.
Those seeking the ultimate experience of sleeping under the stars can access multiple campsites at Tuckahoe State Park. Holiday Park Campground is among the more popular options. It stretches 200 acres and has 33 wooded campsites with amenities like water and picnic tables.
South Mountain State Park
South Mountain State Park is a delightful nature area in the Blue Ridge Mountain Range that separates the Cumberland and Hagerstown valleys. Its high altitude, with some sections reaching over 2,000 feet, makes it a prime location to enjoy the radiant sights in autumn. While there are many hikes in the park, the Annapolis Rock trail is among the most popular. This 5-mile route may be challenging for some, but it delivers magnificent views of the Cumberland Valley and Greenbrier Lake in their radiant splendor.
Besides hiking and leaf viewing, the park hosts two hunting areas. However, you need a license to make use of this resource. Finally, the park has designated shelters and camping areas for those on overnight itineraries.
Final Thought
Whether witnessing the brilliant foliage of Seneca Creek State Park or indulging in pumpkin spice and traditional fall flavors in Thurmont, Maryland, offers no shortage of picturesque places to soak up the autumnal atmosphere. The seasonal splendors on display transform the scenic landscapes into natural works of art treasured by visitors. By centering your itinerary around the highlighted places to visit in Maryland, residents and travelers alike can discover the allure of the Old Line State during one of the year's most vibrant and nostalgic times in the United States.
