Free-For-All:Fall Foliage
September 24, 2008
We drove up to Northeastern Ohio last weekend and were kind of surprised that the leaves are already changing along the Pennsylvania Turnpike and into Ohio. It got me wondering about where people like to go in this area to view the fall foliage. This website has a few suggestions in addition to Catoctin Mountain Park and Cunningham Falls State Park:
- Sugarloaf Mountain in Dickerson, MD, about an hour northwest of Washington, DC. Sugarloaf is interesting in that it is a monadnock, a mountain remaining after the surrounding land has eroded. This translates to great views in all directions. The trees you’ll be looking at are oak, black gum, tulip poplar, eastern hemlock, and black birch.
- South Mountain State Park. This is located east of Hagerstown, and about an hour and a half from Washington, DC. High Rock is a recommended overlook, accessible by a short hike. The Appalachian Trail crosses this park, and longer hikes would certainly be rewarding as well.
- Enjoy the colors of the Central Maryland countryside from a vintage 1920’s railcar. The Walkersville Southern Railroad trains run out of the historic 19th century railroad station at Walkersville several times a day on October weekends. Fares are under $10 for the hour-long round trip. Walkersville is about an hour northwest of DC.
That train ride sounds pretty fun. Where do you like to go to view the fall foliage?
I am so glad you posted this. My family and I are moving to Frederick next week (from Ohio, no less) and I have been worried about finding things to do…and you just gave me 3!
Thea, welcome! (a week early). We have a whole category of “Things to Do” over in the right sidebar so hopefully there will be more things that you will be interested in!
Not to hi-jack the comments section, but there are tons of things to do in the Frederick area if you love history &/or the outdoors. Here’s a great link: Frederick Parks & Outdoor Recreation
Another place I love to go in the fall (well, any time of year) is Antietam Battlefield. The battlefield itself is a beautiful place, and foliage can be seen panoramically (South Mountain viewed from the visitor’s center) or close-up (on any of the great hiking trails).
Sorry, the html tags didn’t work on that link for Frederick Parks & Rec. Here’s the url: http://www.fredericktourism.org/MainListings.aspx?c=9
I’ve ridden that train and it is a fun ride. Short but fun, adding the leaves would be an excellent addition to the ride.
Here are several favorites:
1) Harpers Ferry. With the whitewater-churning confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, the forest mountains, and incredible views and history, this nearby WVa town can’t be beat.
2) Skyline Drive. Avoid the gridlock by playing hooky from work.
3) Appalachian Trail. The views from Annapolis Rock–a 3-mile hike off of I-70–are incredible.
4) C&O Canal Towpath.
5) Gambrill State Park. Lovely views.
6) Cunningham Falls area, Thurmont. Orchards nearby.
7) Drive from Thurmont to Smithsburg. Lovely mountain views
A bit farther afield, but a trip to Deep Creek Lake and Oakland, MD (in Garrett County)–maybe to coincide with Oakland’s annual Autumn Glory festival (Oct. 8-12 this year)–is an enjoyable getaway and chance to check out the color on the hillsides and backroads. Get off Interstate 68 and take Rt. 40 if/as time permits. A stop at Penn Alps for lunch or dinner in Grantsville is a throwback to another era, if old-fashioned ambiance is your thing. (Plus, the adjacent Casselman Stone Arch Bridge offers a nice photo opportunity, and those interested can browse in the nearby “Craft Village” under the trees) .
Sure looks like this is THE weekend to get out and drive a bit to view the fall colors at or near peak. I’m looking back over the above suggestions. Be sure to take a jacket!