One of the lesser-known holiday gems in the US, Maryland is not called “America in miniature” because the total land area is only 16,000 kilometers.
Instead, Maryland earned this state slogan by offering virtually every kind of natural environment tourists could want: from sandy beaches along the coastline to large stretches of the Appalachian Mountains to beautiful rolling hills and dynamic cities.
Here are eight of the most popular places in Maryland to visit during the fall:
Gunpowder Falls State Park
Located in Baltimore and Harford counties, Maryland’s Gunpowder Falls State Park offers 18,000 acres of wetlands, protected wilderness, steep mountainsides, beaches and numerous historic sites.
Hiking, kayaking, fishing, canoeing, swimming, horseback riding and mountain biking are just a few of the fun activities families and couples can find at Gunpowder Falls State Park. The park’s Hammerman Area offers playgrounds and picnic areas, while Dundee Creek Marina offers boat rentals, fishing tackle and boat launch services.
Annapolis
Annapolis is the capital of Maryland and home to the prestigious US Naval Academy, where future Navy officers are trained to become ensigns, commanders and hopefully captains. Annapolis is home to festivals in the fall, such as the Kunte Kinte Heritage Festival, the Annapolis Bluegrass Music Festival, and the Maryland Renaissance Festival. In addition to hundreds of five-star restaurants, shops, and nightclubs, Annapolis offers dozens of public parks with small lakes, playgrounds, paved trails, and ice skating rinks.
Seneca Creek State Park
Gaithersburg, Maryland is home to Seneca Creek State Park, a large, scenic stretch of forests, lakes and lawns spread over 6,300 hectares. Seneca Creek winds 14 miles through the park until it reaches the Potomac River. Nestled within Seneca Creek State Park is Clopper Lake, where vacationers can picnic, rent boats, hike trails, or bike on the 50 miles of trails surrounding the lake.
Chestertown
Fall foliage enthusiasts flock to Chestertown, MD, in late September, when this East Coast city dazzles vacationers with vibrant red, orange, and gold-leafed trees that flank the edges of the Chester River. This historic university location will charm vacationers with its brick sidewalks, restored colonial homes, cozy inns, seafood restaurants, and unique boutiques.
C&O channel
The Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal, affectionately known as the “Grand Old Ditch,” connects Cumberland, MD to Washington, DC, paralleling the Potomac River. Built in the late 19th century, the C&O Canal is home to hundreds of outdoor activities, including biking, more than 100 miles of hiking trails, mule rides, bird watching and camping. The canal towpath is open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year. The Brunswick Visitor Center, located in Frederick County at mile 55, is a great place to find more information about the history of the C&O Canal and upcoming events.
Freedom Reservoir
For vacationers looking for a place to spend the day fishing, hiking, boating, and biking, Liberty Reservoir offers these activities and more. Please note that swimming and camping are not permitted at Liberty Reservoir. Fishing enthusiasts can expect to catch largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, white bass, walleye and bluegill in this well-stocked reservoir. Baltimore residents receive their tap water through the reservoir after the water is treated at the Ashburton Water Filtration Plant.
Sugarloaf Mountain
Just a five-minute drive from Frederick, MD, Sugarloaf Mountain rises 800 feet above the surrounding landscape. Established as a National Natural Landmark in 1969, Sugarloaf Mountain is a private, admission-free park that offers numerous outdoor activities for vacationers. Sightseeing, rock climbing, hiking, picnicking, and horseback riding along the park’s yellow or blue train system are all open to the public for most of the year.
East Neck Game Reserve
The Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge, a 2,200-acre refuge located at the intersection of the Chesapeake Bay and the Chester River, was originally developed as a migratory bird sanctuary. Today, nearly 250 different bird species live in or migrate to the refuge, including peregrine falcons, tundra swans and bald eagles. Fall visitors to this refuge can fish in the Chester River and the Chesapeake Bay, bike rides on purpose-built dirt and paved roads, or hike trails to view wildlife in their natural habitat. Bogles Wharf offers access to launch non-motorized boats, such as canoes and paddle boats. Picnic areas at the refuge can be found in the Ingleside Recreation Area, located in the northwest region of the Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge.
