Here’s a list of scenic drives in Maryland or beautiful road trips in Maryland with starting points, ending points, total distance covered, things to do, scenic stopovers, and overnight places to stay with hotel names:
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Scenic Drives In Maryland – Road Trips In Maryland
Embark on scenic drives in Maryland to discover a diverse landscape that seamlessly blends historic charm, coastal beauty, and picturesque countryside, offering a visual feast for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
From winding coastal highways to mountainous backdrops, Maryland’s scenic drives provide an immersive escape, inviting travelers to unwind amidst breathtaking vistas and explore the rich tapestry of the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
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Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway:
Total Distance: Approximately 180 miles
Overnight Stay: Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa & Marina (Cambridge)
The Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway in Maryland is a captivating journey that unfolds along the Chesapeake Bay, offering panoramic views, quaint waterfront towns, and access to cultural gems like the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.
With its picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and opportunities for maritime exploration, this byway provides a perfect blend of relaxation and discovery for those seeking a quintessential Chesapeake Bay experience.
- Starting Point: Chesapeake City
- Ending Point: Crisfield
Things to Do: Explore Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, visit Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Scenic Stopovers: Chesapeake Bay Bridge, Oxford Historic District
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Historic National Road – Maryland Scenic Drives
Total Distance: About 170 miles
Overnight Stay: The Wayside Inn Bed & Breakfast (Ellicott City)
The Historic National Road in Maryland invites travelers to traverse a storied route, mirroring the path of America’s first federally funded highway.
This scenic drive in Maryland offers a captivating journey through time, allowing explorers to encounter charming towns, historic sites, and natural wonders. It is a must-do for those seeking a unique blend of history and scenic beauty in the heart of Maryland. This is one of the most historic and well-known road trips in Maryland.
- Starting Point: Cumberland
- Ending Point: Ellicott City
Things to Do: C&O Canal National Historical Park, Allegany Museum
Scenic Stopovers: Sideling Hill, Antietam National Battlefield
Harpers Ferry Scenic Drive – Day Trips In Maryland
Total Distance: Around 60 miles
Overnight Stay: Best Western Historic Frederick (Frederick)
The Harpers Ferry Scenic Drive in Maryland beckons with its stunning vistas of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers converging at the historic town of Harpers Ferry.
This road trip in Maryland offers a captivating journey through Civil War history and breathtaking landscapes, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a scenic and historically rich adventure.
- Starting Point: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia (near the Maryland border)
- Ending Point: Frederick
Things to Do: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, visit the National Museum of Civil War Medicine
Scenic Stopovers: South Mountain State Battlefield, Gambrill State Park
Catoctin Mountain Scenic Byway:
Total Distance: Approximately 30 miles
Overnight Stay: Antrim 1844 (Taneytown)
The Catoctin Mountain Scenic Byway in Maryland offers a captivating drive through lush forests and rolling hills, with stops at picturesque waterfalls and state parks such as Cunningham Falls State Park.
This scenic byway in Maryland provides a peaceful escape into nature, making it an ideal choice for those seeking tranquility, outdoor recreation, and a rejuvenating connection with Maryland’s natural beauty.
- Starting Point: Thurmont
- Ending Point: Smithsburg
Things to Do: Cunningham Falls State Park, Catoctin Mountain Park
Scenic Stopovers: Chimney Rock, Hog Rock
Southern Maryland Heritage Area:
Total Distance: About 150 miles
Overnight Stay: Quality Inn Marina (Solomons)
The Southern Maryland Heritage Area beckons with its scenic drive through charming towns, waterfront landscapes, and historic sites, encapsulating its rich cultural heritage.
From the Calvert Marine Museum to the tranquil shores of Point Lookout State Park, this drive offers a unique blend of maritime history, natural beauty, and Southern Maryland’s charm.
- Starting Point: Prince Frederick
- Ending Point: St. Mary’s City
Things to Do: Calvert Marine Museum, Sotterley Plantation
Scenic Stopovers: Point Lookout State Park, Historic Leonardtown
Ocean City to Assateague Island Coastal Highway:
Total Distance: Approximately 25 miles
Overnight Stay: Howard Johnson Plaza by Wyndham (Ocean City)
- Starting Point: Ocean City
- Ending Point: Assateague Island
The Ocean City to Assateague Island Coastal Highway in Maryland offers a breathtaking coastal journey with views of the Atlantic Ocean, sandy beaches, and the iconic wild ponies of Assateague Island.
This road trip in Maryland provides a perfect blend of beachside relaxation, outdoor recreation, and wildlife encounters, making it a must-do for those seeking a coastal escape with diverse natural wonders.
Things to Do: Enjoy the beaches of Ocean City, visit the Ocean City Boardwalk, explore Assateague Island National Seashore
Scenic Stopovers: Ocean City Inlet, Assateague Island wild ponies
Chestertown to Rock Hall:
Total Distance: Around 20 miles
Overnight Stay: The Osprey Point Inn (Rock Hall)
- Starting Point: Chestertown
- Ending Point: Rock Hall
The Chestertown to Rock Hall scenic drive in Maryland winds through picturesque landscapes, historic towns, and scenic waterways.
With charming stops like Chestertown and Rock Hall, this drive perfectly blends colonial history, maritime culture, and waterfront beauty, making it an enchanting journey for those seeking a quintessential Chesapeake Bay experience.
Things to Do: Explore historic Chestertown, visit the Schooner Sultana Education Foundation, and enjoy maritime activities in Rock Hall
Scenic Stopovers: Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge
Western Maryland Rail Trail:
Total Distance: Approximately 23 miles
Overnight Stay: Hancock Motel (Hancock)
- Starting Point: Hancock
- Ending Point: Pearre Station
The Western Maryland Rail Trail offers a unique scenic drive experience, running along the former Western Maryland Railway line and providing picturesque views of the C&O Canal and Potomac River. It is one of the most unique scenic drives in Maryland.
With its well-maintained trail suitable for biking or hiking, this route immerses travelers in a tranquil natural setting, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking history and active recreation in Maryland.
Things to Do: Bike or hike the rail trail, enjoy the C&O Canal towpath
Scenic Stopovers: Paw Paw Tunnel, Sideling Hill Creek Aqueduct
Potomac-Garrett State Forest Loop:
Total Distance: About 70 miles
Overnight Stay: The Inn on Decatur (Cumberland)
- Starting Point: Oakland
- Ending Point: Cumberland
The Potomac-Garrett State Forest Loop in Maryland winds through the stunning landscapes of Garrett County, offering a captivating journey featuring dense forests, pristine lakes, and the scenic beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.
With stops at Swallow Falls State Park and the Wisp Resort area, this loop provides a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and natural tranquility, making it an enticing choice for those seeking a scenic drive in Maryland’s western wilderness.
Things to Do: Swallow Falls State Park, Wisp Resort activities, visit the town of Cumberland
Scenic Stopovers: Deep Creek Lake, Big Savage Tunnel
Green Ridge State Forest – Maryland Road Trips
Total Distance: Approximately 40 miles
Overnight Stay: Town Hill Bed and Breakfast (Little Orleans)
- Starting Point: Flintstone
- Ending Point: Little Orleans
The Green Ridge State Forest Scenic Drive in Maryland invites travelers to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of Appalachia, featuring expansive forests, mountainous terrain, and peaceful creeks.
With hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation opportunities, this scenic drive offers a secluded escape into nature, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a tranquil and rejuvenating journey in Maryland’s remote wilderness.
Things to Do: Hike the trails in Green Ridge State Forest and enjoy fishing and wildlife viewing.
Scenic Stopovers: Town Creek Aqueduct, Fifteen Mile Creek
Maryland is perfect for scenic drives, boasting a diverse landscape that includes coastal vistas, historic landmarks, and picturesque countryside, creating an ideal backdrop for leisurely road trips.
From the shores of the Chesapeake Bay to the winding mountain roads, Maryland scenic drives or beautiful Maryland road trips offer a delightful blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a visually stunning and culturally enriching driving experience.
I hope you loved reading about some of the stunning road trips in Maryland with all useful tips. Plan your next adventurous road trip in Maryland with some of these scenic drives in Maryland.
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