10 Top Places To Visit In Maryland In The Fall

Check out the best places to witness the transition of leaves and weather in Maryland, including reservoirs, parks, and small scenic towns such as Liberty Reservoir, Gunpowder Falls State Park, and Chestertown. There are plenty of things to do here, like hiking in the trails and loop of Gunpowder Falls State Park and Swallows Falls State Park, discovering animals such as flying deer and raccoons in Sugarloaf Mountain, and bird watching in Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge. Discover various species of plants and trees in Sugarloaf Mountain, such as oaks of both red and white groups, and fish species, such as bluegills in Loch Raven Reservoir, while exploring wildlife. Pack your bags and find the top places to visit in Maryland in the fall.

Gunpowder Falls State Park

Gunpowder Falls State Park is a beautiful recreation area in northwestern Baltimore and Harford County, Maryland, that makes a fantastic day trip from the big city. The park has 18,000 acres and contains stream valleys of the Gunpowder Falls, over 120 miles of hiking trails, and the big and little Gunpowder River. This destination is one of the best places to witness fall colors, from its scenic hiking trails that turn a radiant red in fall.

Some of the best hiking trails here include Sweathouse Branch and Wildlands Loop, Pleasantville Loop Trail, Lost Pond and Sawmill Trail, and Jerusalem Mills to Harford Road. This park's lush forest and the Hammerman Area's refreshing water make you properly revel in the fall feeling. Dive into the river with kayaking, fishing, or canoeing in the warm weather. Take it up a notch and set your tent up for a picnic or camp.

Seneca Creek State Park

Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg is a popular place to be in the peak of red leaves. Near the Potomac River, the park spans over 6,300 acres and comprises picturesque miles of trails, great for an electrifying hike or bike in fall foliage with a lake view. The park also houses the Clopper Day-Use Area, which has various breathtaking views and sites, including the 90-acre Clopper Lake with surrounding forests that shine in fall. Rent a boat or kayak and venture into the Clopper Lake waters.

There is also a restored 19th-century cabin in the Seneca Creek State Park where you can learn the area's history and catch a feel of the urban lifestyle. You may also take golf courses in the park's area, picnic, or visit King Fisher's viewpoint to have a whole view of the park in fall hues.

Annapolis

Maryland's Capital city, Annapolis, is on the Chesapeake Bay. Its rich history has loads of scenic areas, especially delightful to visit in the fall. This includes historic sites like the US Naval Academy and landmarks like William Paca House & Garden. A notable place to spend time in Annapolis is the Maritime Museum and Park, found in a historic waterfront oyster packing plant, which offers an enlightening session into the history and ecological wealth of Chesapeake Bay with a garden view colored by the fall effect.

This destination is also a perfect place to experience agriculture with various farmlands with possible pumpkin-picking options, including nearby Hollywood Farm Annapolis and Garden Family farms. One can also participate in Annapolis festivals this fall: Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival, Maryland Corn Maze, and Special Historic Hauntings Walk Tour.

Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain will surely hand you a seasoned dose of hiking opportunities in the fall, though just 800 feet higher than its surrounding farmland. After withstanding the 14-million-year erosion that struck the area, the mountain is a monadnock. Take a trip on the fallen leaves, mountain biking, or hiking through the Sugarloaf Mountain and Northern Peaks Trail and enjoy the view. You may also take part in other recreational activities like rock climbing, sightseeing, and picnicking. 

There is a great chance you'll find white-tailed deer, flying squirrels, red foxes, raccoons, and eastern cottontails around the mountain as you explore. Additionally, you will find forest birds frolicking, stopping by this fantastic destination, such as pileated woodpeckers, red-shouldered hawks, and wild turkeys. If you are an agriculturist, take your time to observe the collection of about 500 species of plants.

Chestertown

Chestertown is a small town ranked among the best in the state, on the banks of Chester River. It has an eventful history following its colonial heritage preserved in museums such as the Bordley History Center and the Historical Society of Kent County. However, more than its history, the town has a beautiful view and feel during fall. Begin with the town's parks and playgrounds for stunning views and a heap of fun, including Fountain Park, Ajax Park, Remembrance Park, and Wilmer Park. Here, you can walk through and observe fall foliage or bond with family or friends by picnicking. Hop in the car and ride along 120 miles of the Tubman Byway, laden with 36 attractions and surrounding fall colors, while learning the city's history.

Swallow Falls and Deep Creek Lake State Parks

Swallow Falls State Park is just north of Oakland on the west bank of the Youghiogheny River. It offers a wide range of scenery revealing natural wonders, spanning 257 acres. It is also close to Deep Creek Lake, one of Maryland's largest inland bodies of water. The Swallows Fall State Park houses various age-old trees, including groves of eastern Hemlock and White Pines, highlighting fall's glory. You can also hike or bike through the park's trails. 

Deep Creek Lake State Park is an excellent destination for all-year-round visits but stands out with its representation of the colorful foliage in the fall. While you enjoy the thrills of Swallow Falls State Park, stop by the lake and relish in the refreshing air while paddling, fishing, or boating. 

Liberty Reservoir

Liberty Reservoir is a 9,200-acre reservoir located west of Baltimore, completed on July 8, 1954. This destination was once the location of Oakland Mills until it was re-established as a public water supply by the City of Baltimore. It is packed with scenic landscapes, hiking trails, and more, surrounded by lush forests perfect for a ride or hike through in the fall.

There are many trails you can explore, including Coot Peninsula Loop, Mineral Hill Trail, Piney Point, and Liberty Reservoir Morgan Run Loop. If you are a bird-lover, this place is perfect for bird-watching in the woodlands and along the reservoir's waterfront. You may also go horseback riding and archery hunting in the area or enjoy the waters through a boating or fishing experience while you soak in the fall weather.

C&O (Chesapeake and Ohio) Canal

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal is an 184.5-mile-long canal along the Potomac River. It is surrounded by beautiful greenery that transforms and features fun-packed trails and other recreational activities. Get an up-close look at the Potomac River reflecting fall foliage at Billy Goat Trail while mountain climbing or hiking. Wrap yourself in the relaxing feeling at Great Falls Tavern with a view of the waters flanked by trees. You may also visit the Chesapeake and Ohio Fall National Historic Park for an eye-opening time learning the area's history and relishing its beauty in the best of the season.

Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge

This wildlife refuge is a 2,286-acre island, part of the Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge at the Chester River and Chesapeake Bay confluence. Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge was created in 1962 as a refuge for migratory birds and currently houses over 240 bird species, including Canada Geese, Bald Eagles, Tundra Swan, Lesser Scaup, and Peregrine falcons. So, you should bring a scope while coming here for a closer view of birds while exploring the fall paths.

The area also has six different trails, including the Boxes Point Trail, Duck Inn Trail, and Wildlife Trail, all providing birding, wildlife watching, and dog walking opportunities through fall-colored paths. Bay View Butterfly Trail, Tidal Marsh Trail, and Tubby Cove Boardwalk Trail are also wheelchair-friendly, thus encouraging inclusivity. Observing the perfect view of the Chester River is also a relaxing way to spend time here as you enjoy the foliage.

Loch Raven Reservoir

Loch Raven Reservoir was established as a drinking water supply for the City of Baltimore, spanning 1,600 acres. It has become a tourist attraction to nature lovers due to its scenic environment and collection of birds. The reservoir has a capacity of 23 billion US gallons of water fed by the Gunpowder Falls River. This area is one of the best places to visit in the fall, open to paddle boating and rowing through the clear waters. There are also a few kid-friendly trails surrounded by red vegetation, and you can hike or bike in. You will also find various fish species as you fish in the reservoir. Learn more about plants and animals and explore this destination's possibilities this fall.

Scenic trails are not the only places to witness fall colors, but there is an abundance of them just in case that is your primary focus in these top fall destinations in Maryland. These include the Coot Peninsula Loop and Mineral Hill Trail in Liberty Reservoir, Tubby Cove Boardwalk Trail and Wildlife Trail in Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge, and more. Have a fun-filled day in the Chestertown parks, such as Remembrance Park and Wilmer Park. Appreciate the agricultural heritage of Annapolis in Annapolis Maritime Museum and Park and pick pumpkins in the vibrant farmlands such as Hollywood Farm Annapolis and Garden Family farms.

Peep all foliage atop Sugarloaf Mountain and find exciting animals and birds, including white-tailed deer, red-shouldered hawks, and wild turkeys, while mountain biking or rock climbing. Fall only lasts for a short time, so get going and find the best places to explore nature before winter comes winding through.