The Best Maryland Road Trips
Scenic Drives and Fall Foliage
If you’re planning a Maryland road trip, Garrett County deserves the top spot on your list. Deep Creek Lake sits right in the Appalachian foothills, and the roads that wind through it rank among the most scenic drives in Maryland. Whether you have a single afternoon or a full weekend, this stretch of Western Maryland delivers waterfalls, historic bridges, Amish farmland, and one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous buildings, all within an hour or two of the lake.
Fall is the season most guests plan around. Maryland fall foliage peaks here in late September and early October, when the maples, oaks, and ash trees along these routes turn deep red, orange, and gold.
Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob
One of the best road trips from Maryland starts with Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright’s house built directly over a waterfall in the Laurel Highlands. It’s about an hour from Deep Creek Lake, and the drive north through Friendsville and across the Pennsylvania line is one of the most breathtaking drives in the area, particularly in the autumn. Tours fill up fast during peak foliage weekends, so book ahead. Kentuck Knob, another Wright design, sits just 15 minutes further, making it easy to see both in a single day.
Swallow Falls and the Casselman River Bridge
History lovers should head toward Swallow Falls State Park, home to Maryland’s tallest free-falling waterfall. The drive there cuts through dense forest that turns brilliant orange during peak fall foliage in Maryland. From there, the Casselman River Bridge in Grantsville is worth the detour. Built in the early 1800s, the stone bridge served as a link on the National Road, the country’s first federally funded highway, and played a role in the Underground Railroad.
Amish Country and Spruce Forest Artisan Village
Another favorite Maryland road trip: take Route 219 North to Route 40 East, then turn onto Route 669 toward Springs, Pennsylvania. This route cuts through Amish farmland, and spotting a horse and buggy along the way is nearly guaranteed. Continue on to Spruce Forest Artisan Village in Grantsville, where working craftspeople sell pottery, woodwork, and textiles on site. For a longer version of this drive, push on toward Mount Davis, the highest point in Pennsylvania at 3,213 feet, where a short walk up the observation tower rewards you with views over Forbes State Park.
If you’re visiting in October, check the dates for the Autumn Glory Festival, a long-running local celebration centered on the fall foliage season. Several of its suggested routes overlap directly with the drives above.
Plan Your Route
You don’t to rush your western Maryland road trip. Pick one or two of these drives per day rather than trying to fit them all into a single day, and build in time to stop at overlooks, artisan shops, and small towns along the way. If you’re ready to base your Maryland road trip out of the best lodging on Deep Creek Lake, reserve your room at Lake Pointe Inn today.
Hotels Near Deep Creek Lake: Your Home Base for the Drive
A good Maryland road trip needs a good place to return to, and that’s where Lake Pointe Inn comes in. Among Hotels near Deep Creek Lake, our Arts and Crafts style property sits directly on the lakefront, with a wraparound porch and outdoor fire pit that make for the ideal evening after a day of scenic drives in Maryland. Every stay includes a multi-course breakfast from Chef Scott, and as a Select Registry member, we hold ourselves to a standard of hospitality and quality inspection that most Hotels near Deep Creek Lake simply don’t offer.
Guests can also take advantage of a daily pontoon boat cruise, along with kayaks and canoes, before or after a day on the road. It’s an adults-only retreat, built for couples who want romance and a little outdoor adventure on their getaways.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year for a Maryland road trip near Deep Creek Lake?
Late September through early October offers the most vivid Maryland fall foliage, though the scenic drives around Garrett County are worth taking in any season.
How far is Fallingwater from Deep Creek Lake?
Fallingwater is about an hour from Deep Creek Lake, with Kentuck Knob just 15 minutes beyond it, making both Frank Lloyd Wright houses easy to visit in one day.
What towns should I plan to stop in along the way?
Friendsville, Grantsville, and Springs, Pennsylvania, all sit along these scenic drives in Maryland and offer good spots to stretch your legs, browse local shops, or grab a bite.
Are these routes suitable for a shorter day trip?
Yes. The drive to Swallow Falls and the Casselman River Bridge can be done in half a day, while the Amish Country and Spruce Forest Artisan Village loop works well as a relaxed half-day outing.