Take Your Family on a Maryland Road Trip to See the Fall Foliage

Maryland’s fall foliage typically starts to change color in early October and continues to present a stunning display through to mid-November. Factors such as temperature and rainfall can impact this timeline, but most years will see at least a few days of truly stunning displays from the trees. While lucky Maryland residents can enjoy much of the color in their own backyards, the autumn months are also a wonderful time to venture further and admire the sights in other parts of the state. Here are a few ideas for breathtaking road-trip destinations during the fall.

Scott’s Cove Recreational Area

Scott’s Cove provides an idyllic destination for families who want to admire the foliage from the water. Situated along the north bank of the Rocky Gorge Reservoir in Howard County, this recreational area offers easy access to the Patuxent River. You can launch from Scott’s Cove when the watershed properties are open, which is typically from the middle of March through to the end of November, giving you ample time to enjoy the changing autumn foliage.

Scott’s Cove is an excellent place to begin the Patuxent Challenge if you’re interested in adding a little more excitement to your day. To complete the challenge, you must take a selfie with one Patuxent Challenge sign in each county plus one in the City of Laurel. There are 14 challenge sites in total, only two of which are north of Scott’s Cove, so you can easily complete the challenge by heading south from here or by starting in St. Mary’s County and working your way north.

Along the river, you’ll enjoy gorgeous views of the surrounding trees, which will make you want to take selfies with more than just the challenge signs. Scott’s Cove provides a portable restroom facility for visitors, and the picnic area and playground offer plenty of added fun at the beginning or end of your trip.

Sugarloaf Mountain Recreation Area

Sugarloaf Mountain offers an excellent view of the surrounding area from an elevation of 1,282 feet, so you can take in the fall foliage from a stunning vantage point above the trees. The mountain is so well positioned that during the Civil War, the northern and southern forces both had turns using the position as a lookout. You can park about three-quarters of the way up the mountain and take one of the trails to your desired vantage point.

The Green Trail from the West View lot is one of the easier options. This quarter-mile trail features stone steps for a steadier climb. Once you reach the peak, you can take the same trail back or make a loop by following the Red Trail down to the McCormack Overlook and then turning onto the Blue Trail to return to the parking lot. For a more challenging hike, park in the East View lot and take the Orange Trail up. This trail also spans a quarter of a mile, but it covers much steeper terrain.

If you’re interested in a longer hike, you have numerous options, thanks to the many intersecting points on the trails surrounding the mountain. Consult a map of Sugarloaf Mountain before your hike so you can plan accordingly. This area features red and white oak, black gum, tulip poplar, eastern hemlock, and black birch trees, presenting a brilliant landscape of color. You may also spot some of the local wildlife, including the white-tailed deer, red fox, flying squirrel, wild turkey, and red-shouldered hawk.

Seneca Creek State Park

Seneca Creek State Park covers 6,300 acres and includes the 90-acre Clopper Lake. You’ll find over 50 miles of trails within the park where you can hike, bike, or go horseback riding amid the autumn foliage. The park provides restrooms and offers playgrounds and picnic areas where you can unwind and enjoy the scenery. A 27-hole disc golf course covers 32 acres of the park, providing a playful way to explore the area.

History buffs can enjoy sights such as the restored 19th-century one-room Seneca Schoolhouse. The partially restored Black Rock Mill is another worthwhile stop, with informative exhibits revealing the area’s history. The self-guided Woodlands trail offers interpretive features that describe the life of the Clopper family, who once owned a plantation home on the land. You can easily fill an entire day in the area, soaking up the natural beauty.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Scenic Byway

Running 236 miles alongside the Potomac River, the C&O Canal Scenic Byway covers a rich landscape of picturesque country roads from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland, creating endless opportunities for scenic fall drives. We recommend joining the byway at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center in Potomac, Maryland. From here, you can drive along the byway in either direction and tailor the road trip to fit your schedule.

Though the byway has seven visitor centers dotted along its route, Great Falls Tavern is one of the most distinctive. Here, you can take a boat ride down the canal on a replica Charles F. Mercer excursion boat and travel along the locks just as families would have done in the 1870s. You can also access the Billy Goat Trail from this visitor center. The trail features three sections that offer a total of 8 miles of hiking. This is a strenuous trek that’s best suited to experienced hikers.

Make some time to explore the visitor center as well. Formerly the Crommelin House, this location was once a favorite hotel among Washington officials and congressmen. Today, you’ll find detailed displays that reveal the area’s fascinating history. Outside, you can stop at the snack bar for something to munch on before you continue your explorations.

Where do you like to go to see the fall foliage in Maryland? Contact our team at Koons Clarksville Chevrolet Buick GMC and let us know. We love having great recommendations for our customers when they head off the lot. These road trips will give you the perfect opportunity to enjoy all the features and functionalities of your new vehicle as you enjoy the delightful autumn sights.
Aerial view of a forest road by Aaron Burden is licensed with Unsplash

Tags: Maryland, Road Trip
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