With Maryland becoming more developed day by day, there aren’t too many places left to get away from it all. If you’re a lover of scenic drives, then you may want to check out Interstate 68. The mountain views along the way are eye-catching and the unique landmarks are unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

Drive along Interstate 68, and you’ll spot charming farms speckled throughout rolling mountains. You’ll immediately feel at peace as you take in the beauty of all the open space.

Flickr / Penumbra But that’s just the beginning of this scenic journey - grab the road trip snacks and buckle up!

You’ll also pass through Sideling Hill, which is one of America’s most impressive rock cuts. Stop by the Sideling Hill Welcome Center to learn about the geology of the area and get an up close look at the unique layers of the hill.

Flickr / Mariano Mantel Who knew that rocks could be so interesting?

You’ll approach the picturesque Rocky Gap Resort where you can rest your head for the night or explore the paths around Lake Habeeb.

Flickr / Via Tsuji This waterfront resort is a wonderful place to catch a sunset.

Next up, the town of Cumberland is a charming sight to behold. Church steeples stand out among the buildings and homes, making this country town look like a scene from a postcard.

Flickr / Eli Pousson

No road trip is complete with a wacky roadside attraction. Along your drive you’ll spot the mysterious site of the yet-to-be-finished Noah’s Ark. To learn more about this project, click here.

Flickr / Jeff Kubina At least, when it starts to rain, you know where to head!

Be sure to watch out for wildlife along the way. It’s common to spot deer in the area but consider yourself lucky if you see a majestic black bear.

Flickr / Doug Kerr Leave the wildlife alone if you do happen across any! No selfies with the bears, now.

As you make your way towards Grantsville, stop by Casselman River Bridge State Park. The park features the historic Casselman River Bridge as well as spots for picnics and fishing.

Flickr / Jon Dawson It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs after all this time in the car.

In need of a rest stop? Swing by the Youghiogheny Overlook Welcome Center. With a spectacular view of the valley below, vending machines, and picnic tables, this is one stop that is sure to refresh the senses.

Yelp / Chris B.

To make your drive extra magical, go during autumn, when the hillsides are bursting with the colors of the season.

Flickr / Alyson Hurt

Weather conditions may require you to use caution if you make this drive during the winter months. Although, seeing the mountains covered in snow is like an enchanting winter wonderland, and worth the extra time it may take.

Flickr / Javcon117*

Have you taken this road to nowhere in Maryland? What are your favorite sights along the way? Be sure to also check out this Western Maryland road trip on one tank of gas.

Flickr / Penumbra

But that’s just the beginning of this scenic journey - grab the road trip snacks and buckle up!

Flickr / Mariano Mantel

Who knew that rocks could be so interesting?

Flickr / Via Tsuji

This waterfront resort is a wonderful place to catch a sunset.

Flickr / Eli Pousson

Flickr / Jeff Kubina

At least, when it starts to rain, you know where to head!

Flickr / Doug Kerr

Leave the wildlife alone if you do happen across any! No selfies with the bears, now.

Flickr / Jon Dawson

It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs after all this time in the car.

Yelp / Chris B.

Flickr / Alyson Hurt

Flickr / Javcon117*

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Maryland 68, MD-68, Williamsport, MD, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

best scenic drives in Maryland August 13, 2021 Kim Magaraci What time of year makes for the best scenic drives in Maryland? It’s hard to top autumn when it comes to experiencing the best scenic drives in Maryland. The brilliant colors of the leaves changing is a beautiful foreground or backdrop to drives around the Chesapeake Bay area, southern Maryland, or western Maryland’s mountains. Springtime is the second best time to hit the road - there isn’t as much traffic as you’ll find in summer, but the bright hues of flowers, trees, and grasses awakening from their winter slumber make for windshield views that are sure to leave you smiling. Are there any Maryland byways that are particularly good for family road trips? Hoopers Island Road is a fun coastal drive that drops you right off at a great crab shack, Old Salty’s. A dining destination makes any road trip more family-friendly! Route 50 runs from the Delaware border, all the way across the Bay Bridge and into Annapolis. There are lots of places to stop, and the road is a peaceful way to see Maryland’s small towns. What are the best road trip restaurants in Maryland? There are lots of rural restaurants in Maryland that are so worth the drive to get there. Friendly Farm Restaurant in Upperco will make you feel a million miles away from it all! Don’t let the name or the distance dissuade you from visiting Suicide Bridge Restaurant in Hurlock. You’ll find the best crab cakes around here, and locals flock to this spot. The Manor Tavern, in Monkton, is a beautiful rural restaurant for an upscale meal. You’ll love going for a scenic drive on the way in.

The OIYS Visitor Center

best scenic drives in Maryland

August 13, 2021

Kim Magaraci

What time of year makes for the best scenic drives in Maryland? It’s hard to top autumn when it comes to experiencing the best scenic drives in Maryland. The brilliant colors of the leaves changing is a beautiful foreground or backdrop to drives around the Chesapeake Bay area, southern Maryland, or western Maryland’s mountains. Springtime is the second best time to hit the road - there isn’t as much traffic as you’ll find in summer, but the bright hues of flowers, trees, and grasses awakening from their winter slumber make for windshield views that are sure to leave you smiling. Are there any Maryland byways that are particularly good for family road trips? Hoopers Island Road is a fun coastal drive that drops you right off at a great crab shack, Old Salty’s. A dining destination makes any road trip more family-friendly! Route 50 runs from the Delaware border, all the way across the Bay Bridge and into Annapolis. There are lots of places to stop, and the road is a peaceful way to see Maryland’s small towns. What are the best road trip restaurants in Maryland? There are lots of rural restaurants in Maryland that are so worth the drive to get there. Friendly Farm Restaurant in Upperco will make you feel a million miles away from it all! Don’t let the name or the distance dissuade you from visiting Suicide Bridge Restaurant in Hurlock. You’ll find the best crab cakes around here, and locals flock to this spot. The Manor Tavern, in Monkton, is a beautiful rural restaurant for an upscale meal. You’ll love going for a scenic drive on the way in.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

It’s hard to top autumn when it comes to experiencing the best scenic drives in Maryland. The brilliant colors of the leaves changing is a beautiful foreground or backdrop to drives around the Chesapeake Bay area, southern Maryland, or western Maryland’s mountains. Springtime is the second best time to hit the road - there isn’t as much traffic as you’ll find in summer, but the bright hues of flowers, trees, and grasses awakening from their winter slumber make for windshield views that are sure to leave you smiling.

Are there any Maryland byways that are particularly good for family road trips?

Hoopers Island Road is a fun coastal drive that drops you right off at a great crab shack, Old Salty’s. A dining destination makes any road trip more family-friendly! Route 50 runs from the Delaware border, all the way across the Bay Bridge and into Annapolis. There are lots of places to stop, and the road is a peaceful way to see Maryland’s small towns.

What are the best road trip restaurants in Maryland?

There are lots of rural restaurants in Maryland that are so worth the drive to get there. Friendly Farm Restaurant in Upperco will make you feel a million miles away from it all! Don’t let the name or the distance dissuade you from visiting Suicide Bridge Restaurant in Hurlock. You’ll find the best crab cakes around here, and locals flock to this spot. The Manor Tavern, in Monkton, is a beautiful rural restaurant for an upscale meal. You’ll love going for a scenic drive on the way in.