5 Scenic Fall Drives Near Clarksville MD

As the leaves start to change color and the temperature begins to drop, there’s no better way to spend the day than by taking a scenic drive and exploring what Maryland has to offer. Below, you can read about some of the best scenic fall drives near Clarksville, Maryland, and some adjacent outdoor attractions to explore.

Ilchester Road in Ellicott City

Ilchester Road in Ellicott City is a steep drive where you can view beautifully forested hills as you pass along it. Once you reach the end of Ilchester Road, you can get onto River Road, which offers equally impressive views. River Road will eventually lead you to Old Ellicott City.

This city lies in the Patapsco River Valley and is the site of some fascinating history. If you want to get out and stretch your legs, you can join one of the guided walking tours that take place daily. On this tour, you can learn the history behind the 250-year-old mill town. Depending on which tour you take, you may pass attractions like the Thomas Isaac Log Cabin and the Ellicott City Colored School.

As you’re driving on Ilchester Road, River Road isn’t the only option to pursue. As an alternative, you can turn right to get to one of the state park areas. From Ilchester Road, the most accessible state park is the Patapsco Valley State Park (Hilton Area). Here, you can get out and do some hiking, have some fun with your kids on the playground, and visit the area’s nature center to learn more about the native wildlife. If you have the next day off, consider bringing your camper so that you can spend the night in the great outdoors.

Homewood Road and Folly Quarter Road in Ellicott City

Take MD-108 E/Clarksville Pike from Clarksville to get to Homewood Road. As you drive on Homewood Road, you’ll see beautiful farmlands on either side of you. Keep an eye out for all the farm buildings along this route, as you’ll see an interesting mix of old structures and new additions. As you turn onto Folly Quarter Road from Homewood Road, you’ll see similar picturesque views along with beautiful forested areas and rolling roads. As you head back to Clarksville and get back onto Homewood Road, be sure to make a small detour to Clark’s Elioak Farm.

Clark’s Elioak Farm is a gorgeous family farm that lets visitors enjoy hayrides and has a petting farm where you can interact with some of the animals. You can visit the Castle Store to purchase books, children’s toys, and other souvenirs to take home with you. While you’re at Clark’s Elioak Farm, you should consider checking out the fresh meat and produce for sale. If you don’t have time to stop and browse, you can order curbside pickup ahead of time. This way, you can quickly pick up your order and get back on the road toward home.

The Farm Roads in West Friendship

West Friendship has several farm roads that provide stunning views of farmlands, open fields, and forests. You can take MD-32 to get to the general area and then get off to start exploring the expansive roads. Two of our favorites are Carroll Mill Road and Rosemary Lane. If you want to stop along the way, you can check out the Howard County Living Farm Heritage Museum. Here, you can view demonstrations of how people used to live in historic Howard County.

As you’re traveling on the farm roads in West Friendship, you can first ensure your vehicle is in tip-top shape to handle your journey. Visit our service center at Koons Clarksville Chevrolet Buick GMC to get a vehicle inspection and sign up for a maintenance plan so that you can keep your vehicle in pristine condition.

Historic National Road

Historic National Road is a 170-mile road that takes anywhere between four and six hours to drive. Maryland locals colloquially refer to this stretch as “The Road That Built the Nation,” as it’s considered to be America’s oldest road. While you’re driving on this road, you’ll be able to witness a diverse landscape as it stretches from Baltimore to the west side of the state.

There’s no shortage of stops you can make along the Historic National Road. For example, there are plenty of accessible gas stations, restaurants, rest stops, and camping sites. If you’re looking for specific attractions to visit, you can plan accordingly to see sites like the B&O Railroad Museum, the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, and the National Museum of Civil War Medicine.

Old Frederick Road in Ellicott City

Another scenic farm road in Ellicott City is Old Frederick Road. This road makes for an easy and peaceful drive that offers breathtaking visuals. Before you make it up to Johnnycake Road, you can take a detour and get onto Daniels Road. After a few miles, Daniels Road will lead you to the Daniels area of Patapsco Valley State Park. This area is largely undeveloped and mainly dedicated to hiking. You can stop at the Daniels Dam to marvel at the roaring waters and observe the fish and other nearby wildlife.

One of the best things about the Daniels area of Patapsco Valley State Park is that it allows dogs, as long as they’re on a leash. The next time you want to take a scenic drive, you don’t have to leave your furry friend at home. Bring them along for the ride and have them explore the area with you.

Once you get back onto Old Frederick Road, you can head north until you hit Johnnycake Road. This road takes you to the Pickall area of the Patapsco Valley State Park, where you can enjoy a fresh perspective on the outdoor world.

Visit Koons Clarksville Chevrolet Buick GMC for Your Next Vehicle

As you embark on your next trip to explore any or all of this beautiful scenery near Clarksville, you’ll want a reliable vehicle to take with you. Be sure to visit our dealership at Koons Clarksville Chevrolet Buick GMC to purchase your next car, SUV, or truck. We’ll help you find the vehicle that’s right for your adventurous spirit.

Forest road by Susanne Nilsson is licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0

Tags: Clarksville, Scenic Drives
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