2024's 11 Most Scenic Maryland Towns
Although Maryland is often focused on its cities, such as Baltimore and Annapolis, the state is also home to some of the most charming and scenic towns in the US. From quaint, beautiful mountain villages to relaxing waterfront towns, these scenic communities in Maryland provide visitors with natural beauty combined with a rich history. Whether you are exploring a town along the Chesapeake Bay's shores or climbing through the mountains of Western Maryland, you are sure to discover towns with their own singular charm and atmosphere.
Chesapeake City
Taking the Chesapeake City Bridge over the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, you cannot help but marvel at the beautiful vistas visible from this 140-foot-high bridge. This should not be the only view you have of this quaint town, however. Chesapeake City is arguably the most scenic town in Cecil County.
The tranquil waters of the C&D Canal beckon to those viewing it from the road. The canal is an important link in the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, extending from New England to Florida. Cargo ships, container ships, barges, tankers, and recreational boats can all be seen navigating this waterway.
There is more to Chesapeake City than its iconic bridge and the canal, however. The area is home to a variety of fauna, including deer, bald eagles, snakes, turtles, bluefish, flounder, and catfish. The Chesapeake City Critical Area Program of the Department of Natural Resources works to conserve fish, local species, and plant habitat in the area of the town.
Oakland
Oakland is a hidden gem on the far western border of Maryland, on the edge of West Virginia. As the county seat of Garrett County, it has a thriving downtown business area, but the natural beauty of Oakland lies in its mountains, forest, parks, and waterways.
Driving down Route 219 from western Maryland, you will soon come to Deep Creek Lake, just before the town of Oakland. Upon first seeing Deep Creek Lake, many drivers feel the need to pull over, as the magnitude of the "lake," extending across both sides of the highway, astounds them. Maryland's largest freshwater lake, Deep Creek Lake, measures an extraordinary 3,900 acres, has a 69-mile shoreline, and is 75 feet deep at its deepest point. On any given day in the summer, you will see boats, kayaks, fisherpersons, and people participating in water sports enjoying this magnificent lake.
Just a few miles from Deep Creek Lake, you will find Swallow Falls State Park. This park, in the Appalachian Mountains, is a popular destination because of its walking trails, magnificent hemlock trees, and waterfalls. The Youghiogheny River flows along the park's borders, creating breathtaking rapids such as Muddy Creek Falls, a 53-foot waterfall.
If waterfalls are not to your liking, you can visit Herrington Manor State Park, which is just 5.5 miles from Swallow Falls. A trail running through Garrett State Forest connects the two parks. This trail is used for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling in the winter. One of the most beautiful features of Herrington Manor State Park is the 53-acre Herrington Lake, which hosts swimming, fishing, and boating activities.
Easton
The county seat of Talbot County, Easton, is on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, near the head of the Tred Avon River. One of the first sites that you will notice in Easton is the Talbot Historical Society Gardens. This award-winning, one-acre site is in the downtown area, and features an herb garden, mature boxwood, a terraced shade garden, fruit trees, flowering trees, and perennial beds. It is a beautiful sight to behold, especially in the midst of the historical buildings comprising Easton's downtown.
Those visiting Easton who are searching for local species will not have to look very far. The Pickering Creek Audubon Center, a 400-acre wildlife sanctuary, is a working farm comprised of tidal and nontidal wetlands, warm-season grass meadows, mature woodland, herb gardens, and waterfront trails. Wild residents include bald eagles, bobolinks, cardinals, and more. It is the perfect spot for hiking, photography, and just enjoying the solitude of nature.
Easton's location along the Tred Avon River means that it provides tranquil waters for visitors to enjoy, as well as water-related activities. Kayakers, paddleboarders, and boaters can be seen gliding along the tranquil waters of the river, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay. As Talbot County has 600 miles of waterways and 27 public landings, finding a place to commune with nature and water is not difficult in Easton.
St. Michaels
Just 10 miles southeast of Easton on Route 33, along the Miles River, you will find the town of St. Michaels, also in Talbot County. This town has a more maritime feel than Easton, with its scenic waterfront location along the peaceful blue waters of the Miles River.
Much of St. Michael's appeal comes from its connection to the water. Kayaking, pedal boating, and sailing are popular ways to explore the river and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. The town’s waterfront views offer a serene escape, where visitors can watch the gentle movement of boats gliding across the river.
St. Michaels is also known for its picturesque gardens and landscaping. Strolling through the town, you will notice vibrant daffodils and other flowers flourishing in personal gardens. During periodic garden tours, visitors can admire these beautiful blooms in the historic district.
Cumberland
Sitting in a bowl-shaped valley formed by the North Branch of the Potomac River and Wills Creek, Cumberland is in the narrow panhandle region of Maryland, with Pennsylvania to the north and West Virginia to the south. Surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains, Cumberland is one of the state's most unique towns.
One feature contributing to Cumberland's unique scenic appeal is the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP). This 150-mile rail trail runs between Cumberland and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The trail is a popular attraction for hikers and bikers. If you choose to traverse it, you will come across many famous landmarks, including Bollman Bridge, one of the last cast and wrought iron bridges in the US, and Borden Tunnel, a 957-foot tunnel through a ridge in the Allegheny Mountains. This tunnel is often referred to as the quietest place along the GAP.
Due to its singular location among mountains and rivers, Cumberland is home to wildlife abounding in the area. Hawks, eagles, raptors, and other birds of prey can be seen flying throughout the area. Black bears, deer, turkeys, bobcats, and foxes can also be found in the Queen City.
Ocean City
You might think of Ocean City as a bustling beach destination, but its stunning natural scenery is what keeps many visitors coming back year after year.
Ten miles of pristine, white-sand beaches stretch across Ocean City between the Atlantic Ocean and a series of scenic bays, including Sinepuxent Bay and Isle of Wight Bay. Fishing, swimming, sailing, kayaking, and other water sports are everyday activities along these waters. If you're seeking a more peaceful experience, it's possible to find quieter spots along the beach, especially in the evenings on the Atlantic side, where the sound of waves brings a sense of tranquility.
Sunset Park on South Division Street is an ideal vantage point for panoramic views of the surrounding waterways. Nature lovers and dog owners can enjoy a scenic stroll with their pets at the adjacent Dog Beach.
Just north of town, Fenwick Island State Park offers three miles of oceanfront beaches, though it's located in Delaware. This park is a haven for nature enthusiasts, with opportunities to spot ghost crabs along the shore, kayak in the bay, or surf the gentle waves.
Thurmont
Scenery surrounds you in the charming town of Thurmont. Famous for being home to Camp David, the retreat used by the president of the US, Thurmont is in the northern part of Frederick County. The name "Thurmont" comes from German and Latin and translates to "Gateway to the Mountains." The town, nestled in the Catoctin Mountains, is aptly named.
Catoctin Mountain Park is part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which itself is part of the Appalachians. The mountain for which the park is named, Catoctin Mountain, spans 50 miles from Emmitsburg, Maryland, to Leesburg, Virginia. Over 25 miles of trails exist in the 5,800-acre park; some are steeper and more strenuous than others. Scenic overlooks provide stunning views of the mountains and valleys.
Thurmont is home to another park, Cunningham Falls State Park, which is also in the Catoctin Mountains. Covering 6,080 acres, within this park, you will find Maryland's largest cascading waterfall, Cunningham Falls. Besides plenty of hiking trails, the park has many waterways. Big Hunting Creek is popular with trout fisherpersons and is the sole fly-fishing-only, catch-and-return trout fishing area in Maryland. You may swim in Hunting Creek Lake from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Hancock
Just 50 miles from Thurmont, in Washington County, Hancock's most famous landmark may be Sideling Hill, which is actually six miles outside of the town. It is a rock exposure on Interstate 68, where the highway has been cut through a hill. Driving on 68, the first time you see this, you will stare at it in awe, marveling at the beauty of one of the best rock exposures in the northeastern US.
Another popular attraction in Hancock is the Sideling Hill Wildlife Management Area in eastern Allegheny and western Washington counties. This WMA was designed to protect the water quality of Sideling Hill Creek and provide forest habitat. It covers 3,100 acres of mixed oak forest, with elevations from 500 to 1,500 feet. Turkey, deer, black bear, squirrels, and grouse can be found in the area.
Hancock bills itself as "Maryland's Trail Town." One of the trails that passes through Hancock is the Western Maryland Rail Trail, which is paved and 28 miles long. This easy, leisurely path is ideal for walking, running, inline skating, and biking and is wheelchair accessible. The C&O Canal Towpath is another popular trail that passes through Hancock and runs parallel to the Western Maryland Rail Trail. It is 184.5 miles long. Virginia bluebell flowers can be seen blooming along the trail in the springtime.
Cambridge
Sitting along the Choptank River, Cambridge is a quaint, colonial town that dates to 1684. The charm of Cambridge's High Street, with its many homes dating to the 1700s and 1800s, inspired author James Michener to call the street one of the most beautiful in the US. Another site not to be missed in Cambridge is the mosaic mural on Race Street, which portrays Cambridge's working class from its inception until today.
Just 12 miles south of Cambridge and established in 1933, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is a waterfowl sanctuary for birds who migrate along the Atlantic Flyway. Covering 20,000 acres, with five miles of hiking and biking trails and 17 miles of paddling trails, the refuge offers something for all interests. Called the "Everglades of the North," the refuge's natural habitats include mixed hardwood and loblolly pine forests, tidal marsh, croplands, and managed freshwater wetlands. It is one of the top areas for Canada geese to winter, and it is also the location of one of the largest congregations of nesting bald eagles on the East Coast.
Spocott Windmill in Cambridge is another scenic highlight visitors will not want to miss. The last remaining English-style post windmill in Maryland is a reconstruction of a windmill that was built on the site in the 1800s. A village, including a country store, one-room schoolhouse, doctor's office, and small home, is also on the site. Visitors can tour the grounds and some buildings every day of the year from dawn until dusk.
Havre de Grace
With a name that is translated to "harbor of grace," what else could you expect from this town but picturesque, scenic vistas? Havre de Grace sits at the spot where the Susquehanna River meets the Chesapeake Bay. Walking along the town's quarter-mile-long promenade (which is just another name for a boardwalk), you can see spectacular views of the Susquehanna River, as well as of famous landmarks such as Concord Point Lighthouse, the Decoy Museum, and the Maritime Museum.
The Havre de Grace area is home to more than 3,000 acres of state, county, and local parkland. One of the largest is Susquehanna State Park, off Route 155, a few miles northeast of Havre de Grace. This park is in a heavily forested, rocky area and provides miles of trails for mountain biking and hiking. The Susquehanna River, the water feature of this park, is popular with fisherpersons and boaters. Fish such as bass, perch, and pike can be seen both on the shoreline and for those who venture farther out into the Susquehanna by boat.
One walking trail that is a local favorite is the Swan Harbor Farm Loop Trail. It is in Swan Harbor Farm, just south of Havre de Grace's downtown area. The wooded trail has two areas that border the Chesapeake Bay, and the trail also crosses a small creek, offering hikers beautiful water views along their journey.
Hagerstown
Another Washington County gem, Hagerstown, was formed by a network of railways and was once known as "Hub City." Today's visitors can enjoy walking through the historic town as well as along the one-mile Hagerstown Cultural Trail. This walkway features public art experiences, unique gardening and landscaping, gathering spaces, and much history. It connects the town's downtown arts and entertainment district with City Park and the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts.
Contrary to its name, City Park does not make visitors feel like they are in the city. It is a charming grouping of man-made lakes, wooded walking trails, recreation facilities, and picnic facilities. One of the highlights of City Park is its 9/11 Memorial Garden, which features a piece of New York's World Trade Center.
Just 20 minutes down Rt. 68 from Hagerstown, you will find Devil's Backbone Park. The park, which has been open since 1966, covers nine acres and features a footbridge across Antietam Creek, which runs through the park. A nature trail that climbs to the summit of the ridge called Devil's Backbone can also be hiked. Fishers and canoers will enjoy the clear, calm waters of Antietam Creek.
A Scenic Escape Through Maryland's Best Towns
Maryland might not often be considered by travelers looking for scenic beauty. Within the state of Maryland's 12,407 square miles, however, you will discover surprising natural charm and delightful towns. From Oakland to Chesapeake City and in between, Maryland is full of awe-inspiring landscapes and panoramic vistas. Whether you are looking for a peaceful, natural retreat or some breathtaking photographs, you will not be disappointed by visiting any of these scenic towns in Maryland.
