Come fall, Maryland is one of the most glorious places to be. The crisp in the air, the sweet autumn sunshine, and the changing leaves are simply magical. Fall foliage tours, in fact, are a popular pastime in Annapolis—one that brings in visitors from all over the world, in fact—but there are plenty of other great fall trips you can take to get the most out of the season.
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
The C&O Canal is a 19th-century man-made waterway that stretches for 184 and a half miles between Washington, DC, and Cumberland, MD. Nicknamed the “Grand Old Ditch”, it winds through heritage areas like the Great Allegheny Passage and the Western Maryland Rail Trail, with plenty of historical buildings, battlefields, and scenic waypoints to explore. Go by bicycle or choose a self-drive tour. There are even places to camp or stay along the way, with several historic lockhouses having been converted to accommodation.
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
Train enthusiasts, families, and adventure seekers alike will delight in an autumn ride through the Allegheny Mountains on a fully restored GP30 diesel locomotive. Running between Cumberland and Frostburg, the train departs for three-hour fall foliage tours every day (except Mondays) throughout the month of October.
Elk Neck State Park
Located snugly between Chesapeake Bay and Elk River, Elk Neck State Park is a nature lover’s paradise. From the circa 1833 Turkey Point Lighthouse and its stunning vistas to fall camping under the stars, there is something for everyone, right here. The park is just a short drive from Charleston, where you can rent a paddle boat or kayak to get a different perspective on the fall colors. For those who prefer a slightly more comfortable overnight stay, you can also rent one of 15 furnished cabins.
The Autumn Glory Festival
For five fun-filled days, every October, Garrett County’s Autumn Glory Festival is not to be missed. A much-loved annual event that celebrates the beauty of the autumn foliage, it runs from Wednesday October 10 through Sunday October 14, 2018 and is set to feature parades, concerts, competitions, art exhibits, antiques, farmer’s markets, locally made crafts, beer, wine, corn mazes, and fall-themed dinners as well as other delicious diversions in and around Downtown Oakland.
Brookside Gardens
Montgomery County’s Brookside Gardens is a year-round destination but during the fall season, the entire park becomes a riot of color that is not-to-be-missed. With many seasonal festivals and events taking place throughout the fall months, there are plenty of fun things to do and a variety of landscapes to explore.
Apple season
Fall is apple season and nothing tastes like fresh-pressed apple cider! Explore Maryland’s cideries and cider mills to pick and purchase a wide variety of apples and discover what real apple cider is all about.
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