Things to See and Do in Western Maryland
Home to history, innovation, beauty and adventure, Western Maryland is unique in its wealth of opportunities for enjoying outdoor activities, exploring U.S. history and architecture and more. In Western Maryland, getting away feels like coming home.
1 Amp up the action at Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI)
Home of the world’s only mountaintop recirculating whitewater course for whitewater rafting and kayaking, ASCI’s course can change from a Class II for beginners to a Class IV so challenging it was chosen as the site of the 2014 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships. You can also stick to land adventures with rock climbing and geocaching.
More about Adventure Sports Center International
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Type:
Outdoor Recreation
Location:
250 Adventure Sports Way
Deep Creek Lake, MD 21541
301-387-3250
Photo By: VisitMaryland.org
2 Walk the crossroads of history at Antietam National Battlefield
It was early photography of the Civil War battle at Antietam that forever altered our understanding of war. Come witness its rolling hills, idyllic streams and bucolic forests, which give no sign of the patriot blood that soaked its fields on the single bloodiest day of fighting in American history.
More about Antietam National Battlefield
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Type:
History & Heritage
Location:
5831 Dunker Church Road
Sharpsburg, MD 21782
301-432-5124
3 Take the plunge on a visit to Deep Creek Lake
Deep Creek Lake covers 3,900 acres and has 65 miles of shoreline, so it’s perfect for power boating, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, fishing, canoeing, waterskiing, wakeboarding . . . even ice fishing in the winter! It’s also an ideal fall foliage destination.
More about Deep Creek Lake State Park
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Type:
Attraction
Location:
898 State Park Rd.
Swanton, MD 21561
301-387-4111
4 Bike the C&O Canal and Great Allegheny Passage
The flat path along this scenic canal is ideal for two-wheeled trips, so pack your bike out to the Cumberland Visitor’s Center and spend the day riding along this historic canal. The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) rail-trail offers 150 miles of hiking and biking between Cumberland, MD, and Pittsburgh, PA. In Cumberland, the GAP joins the C&O Canal Towpath, creating a continuous 335 mile long trail experience to Washington, DC. Or, for the adventure of a lifetime, make Cumberland your bike destination. A few days’ ride from Washington, D.C. will get you to this beautiful town for a getaway you’ll never forget.
5 Experience uniquely American Crafts, Cuisine and Culture at the Spruce Forest Artisan Village
Local artists and artisans offer their unique wares at this Grantsville landmark, built from an eclectic collection of reclaimed historic Appalachian cabins. From the village, stroll to the Casselman River Bridge, a majestic stone arch bridge completed in 1811 as part of the legendary National Road. Afterwards, grab a bite at the Penn Alps Restaurant and Craft Shop.
More about Spruce Forest Artisan Village
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Type:
Visual Arts
Location:
177 Casselman Rd
Grantsville, MD 21536
301-895-3332
6 Hike the Eastern Continental Divide
This rugged seam formed where North America’s continental plates are pulling apart makes for some of the most intriguing geology and challenging hiking on the East Coast. With beautiful views of the Savage River Forest, Big Savage Mountain, Meadow Mountain, and idyllic New Germany Lake in New Germany State Park, hiking the Eastern Continental Divide in Garrett County is a must for every outdoorsman or woman’s bucket list.
7 Indulge your inner artist at Mr. Toad’s Pottery
Take a class to learn to throw your own pots, or pick out one of Mr. Toad’s myriad pottery pieces to glaze yourself. Mr. Toad’s makes for a great family outing and a perfect place to get that one of a kind gift for friends and relatives. Mr. Toad’s also hosts story-times for the kids and offers courses in fused glass and mosaics. Visit http://www.mrtoadspottery.com for more information.
Photo By: VisitMaryland.org
8 Tour the Antietam Highlands Wine Trail
Meandering through the rolling hills and mountains of Western Maryland, crisscrossing five National Parks, ten state parks, and one of the most important fronts of the Civil War, the Antietam Highlands Wine Trail is home to five of Maryland’s premiere wineries. This trail is a must for wine lovers and history buffs alike. Visit http://www.marylandwine.com/wine-trails-interior/antietam-highlands-wine-trail for more information.
9 Marvel at fall’s fireworks at the Autumn Glory Festival
Each fall the forests of Western Maryland produce a mind-boggling array of color, and a single visit may not be enough to capture the season’s splendor, but if you can only make one trip, Oakland’s annual Autumn Glory Festival is a can’t miss. The five-day festival, named the number one Fall Festival by MSN.com, offers foliage tours, parades, music, dance competitions, art exhibits, local crafts and even a car show.
10 Take a powder at Wisp Resort
The region’s premier ski resort offers 32 downhill slopes and trails, terrain parks, a snow tubing park, ice skating rink and a Mountain Coaster for fun when the snow is done. The Nordic center is home to cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and a slope-side Hotel. Wisp Resort offers visitors a complete winter experience and, during the summer, enjoy pontoon boat tours, mountain bike rentals, two golf courses, scenic chairlift rides, Segway tours and more.
More about Wisp Resort
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Type:
Outdoor Recreation
Location:
296 Marsh Hill Rd
McHenry, MD 21541
855-238-0192
