Maryland is an oft overlooked and diverse state for scenery. Due to its inclusion of landscapes between the Appalachian Mountains, beaches on the Atlantic Ocean, a plethora of rivers and creeks, and the good old Chesapeake Bay, there are many beautiful drives both on and off the beaten path. If you’re a motorist in the greater DC or Baltimore Metropolitan area or are just visiting the east coast and happen to be in Maryland, here are top 5 picks for scenic drives to view some of Maryland’s natural wonders (in no particular order)
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MD Route 77 from Thurmont to Hagerstown
If mountains and green forests are what you’re looking for and you’re in the west central part of the state, hop onto Rt. 77 westbound north of Frederick! Not only is there a great deal of sights in Hagerstown and Thurmont themselves, but this stretch of 77 passes by several state parks to explore at your leisure. The road will take you right through Cunningham Falls and Catoctin Mountain State Parks and you will pass nearby South Mountain state Park. Year round the route provides views, from fall foliage to spring blooms! Take a ride and enjoy.
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Md Route 4 from Upper Marlboro to Solomons
Craving views of Maryland’s most prominent defining feature, the Bay? Well then look no further than the stretch of route 4 down to the water’s edge where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake. Along the way you will pass through many great small towns the likes of Prince Frederick, Saint Leonard, and of course Solomon’s. Just near Solomon’s rests Calvert Cliffs State Park and two historic lighthouses you can drive up to and take in. The views of the bay on the western shore are truly spectacular, and a good activity year-round – especially in the summer!
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MD Route 50 from Annapolis to rt.33 Tilghman Island
If you find yourself wanting the bay views without the bustling and popular marinas of Annapolis, hop on route 50 toward the Bay Bridge! Along the route is the aforementioned Chesapeake Bay Bridge onto Kent Island, one of the oldest settlements in the state! As you continue onward out of Kent Island you will pass through Easton and hop onto rt. 33, where the views of the bay will be reaching their most beautiful yet!
Between the beautiful rivers and creeks that empty into the bay lies Saint Michael’s, one of the most charming towns in the state. Featuring its own lighthouse and Marine Museum, you will find no shortage of beautiful waterside scenery, restaurants, shops and more. If you wish to continue further, you will find the land ending in a thin peninsula and even a small island with a private Inn! It’s one of the best drives you could ever enjoy a Saturday evening sunset in.
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MD rt. 40 Pulaski Hwy from Baltimore to Rt. 213 Chesapeake City
Headed to Delaware for even more beach views toward Wilmington? Maryland Route 40 comes close to bordering much of the Chesapeake’s northern edge and takes you right to Wilmington out of Baltimore! Along the way are of course more beautiful bay views, the Susquehanna River, and many great little towns. Havre De Grace, Maryland boasts a great deal of activities and sights. See Concord Lighthouse, the International Decoy Museum, and many antique stores and ice cream shops to boot. Further down the road is the town of North East; so named for the North East River it borders.
See the Upper Bay Museum, or their enchanting marina and beach area. Or drive just north and watch some classic drag racing at the Cecil County Dragway just up the Susquehanna River! And to finish your drive, head to the town of Chesapeake City! Sit at the edge of Back Creek and grab yourself some dinner at Schaefer’s Canal House and watch the sun set on a fun day of driving and sightseeing.
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Interstate 68 Hancock to MD Rt. 219 Deep Creek Lake
Start at Maryland’s narrowest point bordering the surrounding states in Hancock between Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The scenery only gets more beautiful the further west you go. You will pass by many state parks and right into the mountains! Between the Savage River, Green Ridge, and Garrett State Forests it’s safe to say this is a grand route for cruising through the woods and taking in fall foliage views! Ending in Deep Creek Lake, this route takes you to the Outdoor enthusiast’s dream and a time of fun for the whole family. Between trails to waterfalls, skiing and boating, and Wisp Resort’s famous mountain coaster all within minutes of driving distance from each other there’s no shortage of activities or sights on this drive!
Maryland can be a difficult and crowded place to drive at times, and for that, Liberty Preferred is here to make that journey just a little bit easier. Need an adjustment or a new policy chosen to ease your mind as you drive? We’ll be there to represent you and put your needs first every step of the way. We hope you enjoyed this article and will take the time to get out there and see this beautiful state! Happy motoring!