If you're a fan of exploring unique places off the beaten path, this list is for you! These Maryland locations are lesser-known but that doesn't mean they're any less fun. Here are 10 hidden gems in Maryland you may not have known about, but should.
Jug Bay is a stunning sanctuary consisting of 1,700 acres of open water, marshes, wetlands, and more. Their mission is to create awareness and education of estuary conservation. With over 15 miles of trails and boardwalks, this is one of the most serene outdoor experiences in Maryland. Be sure to bring a camera and a pair of binoculars to help you get a good look at all the wildlife that calls this open space home.
Check out this 596 acre park in St. Mary's County, with 10 miles of marked trails appropriate for hiking, cycling, or horseback riding. NOTE: It's BYOH (bring your own horse). The park also offers swimming, canoeing, kayaking, hunting, picnicking, and fishing. Basically, it has EVERYTHING. Website here. If you've never visited, you're truly in for a treat! Bring the whole family to discover this gem in your own backyard.
Locals refer to this private museum as a mini Smithsonian. The owner, Doug Bast, displays his impressive collection of artifacts, antiques, and Civil War weaponry. This place is definitely a must-visit, especially for history buffs. Check out the website here. After browsing the collections here, you'll have a brand new understanding of Maryland history.
Betterton Beach is perfect for beach-goers who prefer to avoid over-crowded destinations. With a year-round population of only 345 people, this town is quiet and scenic. You'll never have to deal with traffic - but do be aware, a west wind can bring in greenheads!
This free museum is full of art from all over the world. From paintings to ancient jewelry to Roman sarcophagi, there is something for everyone at The Walters Art Museum. Make it a point to stop by and you'll end up leaving with a new respect for the arts and those that create.
Lilypons Water Gardens sells an array of water gardening products. What's so special about this location is the extensive amount of water gardens on site, filled with fish and blooming plants. You can walk around and explore the grounds which is comparable to visiting professional gardens. It's almost like visiting an aquarium! Breathtaking.
For the freshest milk, cheeses, and ice cream, head to South Mountain Creamery. This farm also offers meat, eggs, guided tours, and a chance to feed the calves. It's a one-stop shop for anyone looking to pick up sweet treats and farm-fresh goodies.
Jane's Island State Park includes over 2,900 acres of salt marsh. You can also canoe or kayak their 30 miles of water trails for a true Chesapeake experience.
In Garrett County you'll find Herrington Manor State Park. Here you can go swimming, kayaking, canoeing, as well as stay in one of their furnished log cabins. It's within easy driving distance to Deep Creek and Swallow Falls but much more secluded and peaceful.
It really doesn't get any more hidden than this! Vintage Red Barn sells hand painted furniture and vintage decor out of this tiny barn! Open only during barn sales and by appointment.
If some of these were new to you, you may want to check them out! There's no time like the present to explore Maryland's most extraordinary gems.
One thing I love about Maryland is that the state is brimming with abandoned places. Over the years, we have introduced you to many of these dilapidated locations including spooky mansions, creepy state parks, terrifying hospitals, and ghost towns, just to name a few. But did you know that there's an abandoned fort in Maryland that can be found in the middle of the Patapsco River?
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You may have spotted Fort Carroll from the Francis Scott Key Bridge, and many passersby wonder what this hexagonal structure is, including me. After some research, I discovered that it was originally a fort, built in 1847. Once the fort was no longer deemed necessary as a defense spot for Baltimore, it was left abandoned. Today, Fort Carroll Baltimore only inhabitants are migratory birds and overgrown plant life.
YouTube user Pat Gavin took a kayak trip to the abandoned fort near Baltimore, Maryland, and captured some amazing Fort Carroll photos. Check out the video at the end for the spectacular images and eerie footage.
There's only one way to reach Fort Carroll these days, and that's by kayak or canoe. Use caution, as this area is the main route for large ships. It's also considered trespassing, but that didn't thwart our adventurous videographer as you will see when you watch the footage below. The sight as you paddle up to the fort is surreal, as it's completely surrounded by water and offers a great view of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. If you don’t know, a portion of this bridge collapsed after a cargo ship collided with it.
While most of Fort Carroll crumbles away, many of the walls and archways are in surprisingly good shape. If you can get close enough to the fort, you'll see that trees and vines have overtaken this structure, claiming it as their own. I find it quite beautiful when nature reclaims abandoned places. This neglected and historic place is a far cry from what it once was, yet somehow, there's something eerily peaceful in it all.
Fun fact: The fort was named after Charles Carroll who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
For more views and footage of Fort Carroll, an abandoned fort in Maryland, check out the below video.
Abandoned places can be fascinating because they show us a slice of history. What are your thoughts on this abandoned fort in Maryland? Have you visited before? If so, be sure to share your experiences with us — we’d love to hear from you!
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Are you fascinated by abandoned places like Fort Carroll Baltimore? Then, check out these abandoned places in Maryland.
With so many things to do in Maryland in the fall, we're never wanting for our next adventure. But all of those choices might lead to a bit of a problem. How do we decide which autumn adventure to set off on next? Well, we might want to start a fall bucket list, so we can keep track of everything we want to do. Consider starting with some of the best things to do in Maryland in the fall, including:
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Maryland Fall Foliage: Where to Go in Maryland for Fall Foliage
Is there a more glorious time of the year than Maryland in the fall? As summer transitions to fall and the vibrant shades of red, gold, and orange paint the greenery of the landscapes, we're treated to some of the most breathtaking natural beauty. You might want to plan your adventures for when the leaves will change colors in Maryland. The peak of the Maryland fall foliage depends on whether you're inland or on the coast. The inland should expect the peak between mid and late October with the coast following from around the third week in October until early November.
1. Patapsco Valley State Park
Location: Ellicott City
Wow Factor: A swinging bridge promises sensational views of the fall foliage.
Need To Know: The Maryland state park is open daily from 9 a.m. to sunset.
Patapsco Valley State Park, one of the best places to visit in Maryland in the fall, spans more than 16,000 acres, making it easy to explore and admire the fall foliage. Hike, bike, or horseback ride along one of the more than 100 trails that meander through the park. Stroll along one of the sandy beaches; kayak or canoe, or have a picnic, all relaxing ways to spend a crisp autumn day.
2. Calvert Cliffs State Park
Location: Lusby
Wow Factor: Gorgeous cliffs that span 24 miles.
Need To Know: Calvert Cliffs is a day-use park that is open from sunrise to sunset.
Hands down one of the best Maryland fall activities, leaf peeping at Calvert Cliffs State Park offers an idyllic way to spend the day. The park is perhaps best known for its fossil hunting on the beach and the gorgeous cliffs that surround it. It boasts a trail network that spans 13 miles. Hike, ride on horseback, or bike (where permitted) on one of the pretty paths to view the fall colors.
3. Deep Creek Lake State Park
Location: Swanton
Wow Factor: The park's gem is the 3,900-acre Deep Creek Lake.
Need To Know: Deep Creek Lake State Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset
To see some of the most striking Maryland fall foliage, plan a visit to Deep Creek Lake State Park. The picturesque park offers a full menu of ways, from hiking trails to boating, to drink in the colors of the season. At just under a quarter of a mile, the easy Discovery/Sensory Trail, a particularly pretty trek at or near the peak foliage, wanders through the woods and by Deep Creek Lake. Follow the yellow blazes. You might want to bring a picnic and your pup and make a day of it.
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Best Pumpkin Patches in Maryland
Sunflower and Pumpkins in the autumn in Maryland.
One of my favorite places to visit in Maryland in the fall is a pumpkin patch; well, more than one, if time allows. If you're looking for the perfect pumpkins for carving or baking, or maybe even both, start your autumn adventures at one of the best pumpkin patches in Maryland.
4. Gaver Farm
Location: Mt. Airy
Wow Factor: Gaver Farm makes the best apple cider donuts in Maryland.
Need To Know: The farm hosts a Fall Fun Fest, which runs through Nov. 5, 2024.
Plan to spend an entire day at Gaver Farm this fall. After you've wandered through the pumpkin patch, picking your favorites, check out some - or all - of the more than 65 attractions. See how long it takes to escape the seven-acre corn maze; glide down one of the giant slides; and pet the friendly farm and other animals. Season passes are available.
5. Summers Farm
Location: Middletown
Wow Factor: Spend a day at the farm that boasts more than 45 attractions and activities.
Need To Know: The season runs from Sept. 14 through Oct. 31, 2024. The farm is closed on Tuesdays.
Pumpkin picking is just the start of the fun at Summers Farm, which has hosted its annual fall festival for nearly 30 years. Kiddos can write a pumpkin train, and the whole family can climb aboard a wagon ride. Family-friendly attractions include tug-o-war, giant tunnel slides, jumping pillows, and a corn maze. A trip to one of the best pumpkin patches in Maryland wouldn't be complete without delicious food. Pizza, burgers, and chicken tenders are all on the menu. Treat your sweet tooth to such favorites as apple cider donuts, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and caramel apples.
6. Butlers Farm
Location: Germantown
Wow Factor: Daytime campfire sites are available by reservation.
Need To Know: The Pumpkin Festival runs from Sept. 21 through Nov. 3, 2024. Advanced restaurants are encouraged.
If you've been Googling "best fall activities near me," you'll likely have landed on Butlers Farm. Start your autumn adventure by driving to the pumpkin patch to pick out pumpkins for your Halloween decorations and baking. (If you don't feel like picking your own, you can grab pumpkins from the farm market.) Some of the best Maryland fall activities at the farm include hayrides, corn hole games, giant slides, pumpkin cannons, pony rides, and face painting.
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7. Jumbo’s Pumpkin Patch
Location: Middletown
Wow Factor: Pony rides are one of the popular activities.
Bring a hearty appetite with you to Jumbo's Pumpkin Patch. The popular Maryland pumpkin patch features delicious food and a full menu of activities. Take a hayride to the patch to pick pumpkins before exploring the rest of the farm. Join others in escaping a corn maze; get your face painted, and try your hand at the corn cannon. The Maryland pumpkin patch also has a petting zoo, so you might even make some new furry friends.
Best Fall Festivals in Maryland
Pumpkins for sale outdoors.
Autumn's calendar is usually jam-packed with fall festivals. If you're not sure which fall festivals in Maryland to pencil on your calendar, here are a few of the best to get you started.
8. Millburn Orchards Fall Festival
Location: Elkton
Wow Factor: Each weekend has a different theme, from Pumpkin Harvest Weekend to Trick-or-Treat Weekend.
Need To Know: You must purchase tickets online. If you decide to visit on a whim without online tickets, entry is not guaranteed.
Bring the whole family to the Millburn Orchards Fall Festival, which welcomes visitors during select hours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the season. Your ticket promises a whole lot of seasonal fun, including hayrides, a corn maze, a giant sand dig, ping pong, and a giant spider web. You can even pet goats at the barn.
9. Darlington Apple Festival
Location: Darlington
Wow Factor: The festival will host dozens of vendors.
Need To Know: The one-day festival will be held on Oct. 5, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mark your calendar for Oct. 5, 2024, for the one-day Darlington Apple Festival, a longtime tradition that dates back to 1986. The family-friendly apple festival features a cornhole tournament and an apple pie contest. When you're not trying different types of apples, explore the vendors' booths, where you'll find everything from crafts and decor to jewelry and dog treats. Food vendors will also be on hand.
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10. Autumn Glory Festival
Location: Oakland
Wow Factor: Don't miss the Autumn Glory Grand Feature Parade, set for Oct. 12, 2024.
Need To Know: The festival is slated for Oct. 9-13, 2024.
Join a treasured fall tradition in Oakland with a visit to the Autumn Glory Festival, a five-day festival that's brimming with seasonal fun. Celebrating its 57th year in 2024, the Maryland fall festival will feature a full menu of events and activities, including fall foliage drives and a craft show. Keep an eye out for restaurants participating in the Turkey Trail, and grab a scrumptious turkey dinner.
11. Zoo Boo at the Maryland Zoo
Location: Baltimore
Wow Factor: Kids can go trick-or-treating throughout the zoo.
Need To Know: Zoo Boo will be held on select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October.
If you've been looking for family-friendly fall activities near me, add Zoo Boo at the Maryland Zoo to your must-do list. One of the best fall festivals in Maryland, Zoo Boo promises fun for everyone. Kids can dress up and go trick-or-treating; get their faces painted; play fall-themed games; and make crafts. Enjoy a scenic hayride; pick pumpkins, and make your own scarecrow (just bring his clothes).
Free & Cheap Maryland Fall Activities
Pumpkins for sale outdoors.
An autumn adventure doesn't mean we have to spend a ton of money or, really, anything at all. We've got some amazing Maryland fall activities that are free or cheap, making them a must-add to any autumn bucket list. Here are a few of the best (and most inexpensive) ways to experience Maryland in the fall.
12. Go on an Autumn Hike
Location: Ellicott City
Wow Factor: The lake, framed by the fall foliage, is simply enchanting.
Need To Know: Centennial Park is open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset.
Spend an hour or two on a crisp autumn day following the Centennial Lake Loop Trail, an easy 2.5-mile path that offers sensational views of the fall colors. Because it is paved, the path is wheelchair-accessible and stroller-friendly. Pups are also allowed. Be prepared as the trail and the park can get incredibly busy, especially on lovely autumn days. You might even want to pack a picnic and make a day of it.
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13. Bike the C&O Canal Towpath
Location: Cumberland, Maryland, to Washington D.C.
Wow Factor: Varying landscapes are especially beautiful in the fall.
Need To Know: The trail is predominately flat, making it easy to bike or hike.
While biking the entirety of the C&O Canal Towpath, which spans 184.5 miles from Cumberland to D.C., is a lofty goal, it's not doable in one shot for most of us. No matter how much of the path you choose to bike (or hike), try to explore near or at the peak of the fall foliage to get the full impact of the colorful landscape.
14. Stop by the Harry Potter House
Location: Ellicott City
Wow Factor: You'll feel as though you've stepped straight into a Harry Potter film.
Need To Know: The Halloween attraction is free.
Start a new fall tradition with a visit to The Ellicott City Harry Potter House, an annual free attraction that's located at the corner of Timber Trails and River Falls Courts. The home's owners transform their house into a Harry Potter wonderland, complete with the Hogwarts Express; Aragog, the giant spider, and the Chamber of Secrets. You can view it from the sidewalk or the road, but visitors are not permitted in the yard. While the attraction is free, you can bring a donation to the Howard County Food Bank.
15. Walk Through the Watkins Dead and Breakfast
Location: Reisterstown
Wow Factor: While you can visit during the day, this walk-through attraction is at its spookiest at night.
Need To Know: The attraction is free.
You won't find a cooler or spookier way to celebrate autumn than with a visit to the Watkins Dead and Breakfast, a Halloween walk-through. Featuring spooky lighting and scary decor - from skeletons to gigantic spiders - this is a must-add to your fall to-do list. If you prefer a non-spooky experience, go during the day. However, for the full effect, go when it's dark out.
What are your favorite things to do in Maryland in the fall? What do you think are the best places to visit in Maryland in the fall? Are any on the list? What would you add? Let us know in the comments! If you've got a few days, set off on this Maryland fall foliage road trip that will take you to some of the best spots for leaf peeping. But, before you hit the highway, take a peek at the OIYS road trip essentials packing list.
