6 Undisturbed Towns To Visit In Maryland

Maryland is a state in the eastern United States known for its diverse and scenic terrain, its charming small towns, and its rich history. From the Appalachian Mountains in the west to Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic coastline in the east, Maryland offers some of the country’s best natural attractions and scenic viewpoints. Nestled among the picturesque Maryland landscapes are its secluded small towns where history comes alive in the architecture, traditions, and attractions of these hidden gems. Here are six undisturbed towns to visit in Maryland.

Boonsboro

A small hamlet at the base of South Mountain, Boonsboro was founded in 1792 by two brothers, George and William Boone. From these humble beginnings, the town has grown to become a tranquil getaway, rich in history. Pick up a self-guided historic walking tour in Town Hall to see the sights, including the Eagle Hotel, the first stone building in town, built in 1796, and the Old Salem Graveyard which dates back to 1802. The tour will also take you past the Boonsboro Museum of History and the Boonsboro Trolley Station Museum which documents the history of the region’s complex trolley system, a vital means of transport in the early 1900s. Just outside town, you can pick up the Appalachian Trail at Washington Monument State Park, home of a 40-foot-tall stone tower erected in 1827 to honor George Washington.

Hancock

Hancock is in the narrowest part of Maryland and one of the state’s oldest towns, beginning as a key trading hub in the 1700s. In the 1830s the town was transformed with the building of the C&O Canal and today it is the trailhead for the 22-mile Western Maryland Rail Trail, a paved hiking and biking path that follows the canal. For more on the history of Hancock, visit the Hancock Historical Society Museum in the Town Hall or stop by the Historic Bowles House, a 1780s farmhouse which witnessed the building of the canal and is now a Visitors Center with local history exhibits. Explore the beautiful outdoors with a visit to nearby Green Ridge State Forest, one of the largest in Maryland or take the short drive to Fort Frederick State Park, an 18th century fort surrounded by hiking trails and stunning views overlooking the Potomac River.

Crisfield

Crisfield is a cute waterfront town on the Tangier Sound with a rich maritime history and lots of water-related outdoor adventures. Head to Somers Cove Marina to book a sightseeing tour to see the coastline and islands around the Sound or reserve a fishing charter to test your angling skills. If the weather’s warm, soak up the sun at the Crisfield Beach or take a trip to Janes Island State Park where you’ll find over 2,900 acres of unspoiled saltmarsh, over 30 miles of trails, and secluded sandy beaches. However, you spend the day make sure to fuel up at the legendary Crisfield Creamery, a classic 50s style ice cream shop on the waterfront.

Chestertown

A charming college community (Washington College) located on the banks of the Chester River, Chestertown feels like a town from another era. Founded in 1706, its historic district showcases a dazzling variety of architectural styles from Georgian to Federal and American Gothic to Greek Revival. Stroll down Water Street to see some examples of these unique frontages along the waterfront, then head to the Historical Society of Kent County to learn about their history. Take a break in Fountain Park, a tranquil green space in the heart of downtown before walking the few blocks to the river to see the Schooner Sultana, a replica of a 1767 sailboat which is often docked in the harbor.

St. Mary’s City

Don’t let the "city" in the name fool you, St. Mary’s City is a small historic hamlet founded in 1634 by English Catholics fleeing persecution. The state’s first capital, the community is a piece of living history designated a National Historic Landmark in 1969. Visit the Godiah Spray Tobacco Plantation, visit the Museum of Archaeology to see what treasures researchers have unearthed at this centuries-old settlement, or head for the water and see the tall ship, the Maryland Dove on the St Mary’s River. Go even further back with a visit to the Woodland Indian Hamlet which brings to life the heritage of the Yaocomaco people and other tribes with demonstrations and workshops on Indigenous skills and traditions such as pottery and canoe making.

McHenry

Located on the northern shore of Deep Creek Lake in western Maryland, McHenry is a rural town, undisturbed by busy urban development and perfect for outdoor adventurers. You can easily spend a day exploring Deep Creek Lake State Park which offers two swimming beaches, 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, boat ramps, and a Discovery Center with educational and interactive natural history exhibits and a gift shop. Enjoy something a bit livelier at the Monkey Business Adventure Park, an aerial adventure course and zipline for kids of all ages, or head for the nearby Aquatic Center where you can rent kayaks, boats, or paddleboards to explore Deep Creek Lake.

Final Thoughts

Often called "America in miniature," Maryland displays all the classic topography of the United States — sandy shores, marshlands, mountains, rolling hills and forests. It’s also known as a welcoming destination, littered with charming small towns that reflect the long history of the states, from its first indigenous peoples to the arrival of colonial settlers, the Civil War era, and beyond. If you’re looking for an undisturbed getaway steeped in heritage, history, and beautiful scenery, this is where you’ll find it — among the breathtaking landscapes and inviting communities of six undisturbed towns to visit in Maryland.