Western Maryland Travel Guide

Explore the natural beauty, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, food, culture, and transportation options of Western Maryland with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Western Maryland

Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, Western Maryland offers a stunning array of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, and cultural attractions. Whether you’re interested in hiking, biking, camping, skiing, or exploring charming small towns, there’s something for everyone in this hidden gem of a region.

List of Places to Visit in Western Maryland

To help you plan your trip, here’s a comprehensive list of must-visit attractions in Western Maryland.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum - a fascinating museum dedicated to the rich railroad history of Hagerstown and the surrounding areas.
  2. C&O Canal National Historical Park - a 184.5-mile long park commemorating the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.
  3. Fort Frederick State Park - a 585-acre park that features a well-preserved 18th-century fort.
  4. Allegany County Courthouse - an historic courthouse that has been in use since 1813.
  5. Spruce Forest Artisan Village - this historic village features several artisan shops and restored buildings.

Natural Attractions of Western Maryland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Deep Creek Lake - a 3,900-acre lake that offers boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming.
  2. Swallow Falls State Park - a beautiful park known for its stunning waterfalls and hiking trails.
  3. Savage River State Forest - this vast forest encompasses over 54,000 acres of pristine wilderness and offers a variety of recreational activities.
  4. Rocky Gap State Park - this park features a 243-acre lake, hiking trails, and a scenic golf course.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Western Maryland

Western Maryland is a paradise for hikers and bikers, with numerous trails that offer stunning scenery and challenging terrain. Here are some of the best trails:

  1. C&O Canal Towpath - a 184.5-mile trail that follows the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.
  2. Appalachian Trail - this world-famous trail runs over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine, with a portion passing through Western Maryland.
  3. Gambrill State Park Trails - this state park offers 16 miles of hiking and biking trails through the scenic Catoctin Mountains.
  4. Great Allegheny Passage - a 150-mile trail that runs from Cumberland, MD, to Pittsburgh, PA.

Best Things to Do in Western Maryland: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best activities and tours to experience in Western Maryland:

  1. Skiing at Wisp Resort - this mountain resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.
  2. Whitewater Rafting on the Cheat River - this exhilarating adventure takes you down the rapids of the scenic Cheat River.
  3. Antietam National Battlefield - this historic battlefield offers guided tours and a museum.
  4. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad - this picturesque train ride takes you through the beautiful countryside of Western Maryland.
  5. Kayaking at Deep Creek Lake - the calm waters of Deep Creek Lake are perfect for kayaking and exploring the shoreline.

Week-Long Itinerary for Western Maryland

Here’s a sample week-long itinerary for exploring Western Maryland:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit C&O Canal National Historical Park
Day 2 Explore Deep Creek Lake and Swallow Falls State Park
Day 3 Take a scenic drive through the Catoctin Mountains
Day 4 Visit Fort Frederick State Park and Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum
Day 5 Whitewater rafting on Cheat River
Day 6 Skiing at Wisp Resort
Day 7 Tour Antietam National Battlefield, followed by a train ride on Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

Food and Drink Scene of Western Maryland

No trip to Western Maryland is complete without indulging in its delicious food and drink offerings. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Maryland Crab Cakes - made with fresh Chesapeake Bay blue crab meat.
  2. Maryland Fried Chicken - a regional specialty made with a secret blend of spices.
  3. Smith Island Cake - Maryland’s official state dessert, a delicious cake with multiple layers of frosting.

Local Beverages

  1. National Bohemian Beer - a popular local beer brand.
  2. Maryland Wine - the state’s wine is known for its high quality and diverse varietals.

Where to Stay in Western Maryland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are numerous accommodation options in Western Maryland, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some of the best options:

  1. The Lodges at Sunset Village - a luxury resort with stunning views of Deep Creek Lake.
  2. Rocky Gap Casino Resort - a deluxe resort that offers a variety of amenities, including a casino, golf course, and spa.
  3. Spruce Forest Artisan Village Guest House - a charming bed and breakfast located in a historic village.
  4. Hostel International - budget-friendly accommodation with shared dorms and private rooms.

What to Buy in Western Maryland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

To bring home a piece of Western Maryland’s local culture and traditions, here are some souvenirs and local products to look for:

  1. Handmade artisan crafts, such as pottery, jewelry, and textiles.
  2. Maryland Blue Crab seasoning and other local spices.
  3. Canned jams, jellies, and pickles made from local produce.

Local Culture and Customs of Western Maryland

The people of Western Maryland are friendly and hospitable, with a rich cultural heritage that celebrates its agricultural, industrial, and natural history. Local customs and traditions include:

  1. Participating in local fairs and festivals that celebrate regional cuisine, music, and culture.
  2. Visiting local artisan shops and galleries that showcase traditional crafts and artwork.
  3. Supporting local agriculture by shopping at farmers’ markets and roadside stands.

Best Time to Visit Western Maryland

The best time to visit Western Maryland depends on your preferences and interests. For hiking and outdoor activities, late spring to early fall is the ideal time, with comfortable temperatures and lush scenery. Winter months are perfect for skiing and snowboarding, while fall is a beautiful time to appreciate the changing colors of the leaves.

Do’s and Don’ts of Western Maryland

Here are some helpful tips to help you make the most of your trip to Western Maryland:

Do:

  1. Explore the stunning natural beauty of the region by taking a hike or going kayaking.
  2. Visit the historic landmarks and museums to gain a greater appreciation of the region’s history and culture.
  3. Try local cuisine and shop for artisan crafts and souvenirs.

Don’t:

  1. Litter or disturb the natural habitats of local wildlife.
  2. Disrespect local customs and traditions.
  3. Ignore safety guidelines for outdoor activities.

Safety and Health

It’s important to take safety and health precautions when traveling to Western Maryland.

Safety in Western Maryland

  1. Be aware of wildlife and take appropriate precautions when hiking or camping.
  2. Be cautious when driving on mountain roads, which can be narrow and winding.
  3. Observe safety guidelines when participating in outdoor activities, such as wearing a helmet when biking or wearing a life vest when kayaking.

Health in Western Maryland

  1. Practice proper hygiene and food safety to prevent the spread of illness.
  2. Bring appropriate supplies and medications if you have chronic health conditions.

Getting to Western Maryland: Transportation Options and Logistics

Western Maryland is easily accessible by road, rail, or air.

Airports Near Western Maryland

  1. Hagerstown Regional Airport - located in Washington County and offers domestic flights from several airlines.
  2. Pittsburgh International Airport - located in Pittsburgh, PA, and offers international and domestic flights.

Bus Stations Near Western Maryland

  1. Greyhound Bus Lines - there are several Greyhound bus stations located throughout Western Maryland.

Other Options

  1. Amtrak - the Amtrak train service runs through Western Maryland and stops at several stations.
  2. Car Rental - several car rental companies operate in Western Maryland, making it easy to explore the region at your leisure.

How to Get Around in Western Maryland

The best way to get around Western Maryland is by car. Several car rental companies operate in the region, and there are numerous scenic drives that take you through the stunning countryside.

Where to Go Next from Western Maryland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Western Maryland is ideally located for exploring other nearby destinations and excursions. Here are some options:

  1. Gettysburg, PA - this historic town is located just over the state line and offers numerous historic landmarks and museums.
  2. Harpers Ferry, WV - this picturesque town is located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers and offers stunning natural beauty and historic landmarks.
  3. Shenandoah National Park - located just south of Western Maryland, this park offers stunning views from the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Conclusion

Western Maryland is a true hidden gem of the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, offering a diverse range of attractions, natural beauty, and local culture. Whether you’re interested in hiking, biking, skiing, or exploring charming small towns, there’s something for everyone in this captivating region.



    Allegany County
    Garrett County
    Washington County