Water Wonders Itinerary
A water-lover’s guide to 4-days in our Western region
Waterfalls, kayaks, and canals, oh my! Take the whole crew on an unforgettable adventure through wild Western Maryland. For spectacular views, take the scenic route with Mountain Maryland Scenic Byway. Step back in time on a pleasant boat tour of the C&O Canal, or explore Civil War battlefields. Get out on the water in a raft or kayak, then treat yourself to a world of delicious cuisine.
Spend a morning exploring the C&O Canal National Park and learning about its historic role in the coal mining industry of the late 19th century. Stroll along the level towpath, or join a boat tour from the Williamsport Visitor Centre. Step further back in time to the Civil War at Antietam National Battlefield. Got the shopping bug? Hagerstown Premium Outlets is only 10 minutes away! For an early supper, check out the daily specials at the Lotus Moon café. Or make dinner a crowd-pleaser at Tony’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant. Then rest up in Williamsport at a bed and breakfast such as Third Base Tavern, Red Roof Inn, or Bay Farm Bed & Breakfast.
Take the Historic National Road Scenic Byway to mountainous Oakland, where the Youghiogheny River welcomes rafters and kayakers. Grab lunch on Main Street at The Vagabond Taproom for beer, wine, craft sodas, and small plates, and don’t miss Englander’s Antique Mall for old-fashioned ice cream sodas and sundaes. Enjoy incredible views at Swallow Falls State Park, with a 1.2-mile trail to the breathtaking Muddy Creek Falls, Maryland’s highest waterfall. Then plan on dinner at Sipside Lounge, a renovated, century-old building where you can enjoy fine wines, liquors, and craft beer surrounded by musical memorabilia. The Fireside Patio is open, so come warm yourself beside Maryland’s largest historical fireplace. Lodge in luxury at a private vacation home rental at Stillwater Haven, or go the rustic route and set up camp at Mill Run Recreation Area.
Greet the morning at Deep Creek Lake State Park for paddleboarding, boating, fishing, or water skiing. For a laid-back lunch, options include Firewater Kitchen and Bar, or Ace’s Run Restaurant and Pub. Then have a barrel of fun and create memories at Monkey Business Aerial Adventure Park, perfect for adventurers of all ages. Nearby dining options include Deep Creek Pizza, Pine Lodge Steakhouse, or Trout’s House Seafood. Then rest your bones in Deep Creek at Lake Front Lodge, The Lodges at Sunsets Village, The Lodge at Wisp Resort, or Taylor-Made vacations and suites.
Take the scenic route from McHenry to Cumberland via eye-popping Mountain Maryland and C&O Canal Scenic Byways. Spend the morning at Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal, and join one of Mountain Side Bike Tours’ various packages to enjoy a leisurely bike ride. Stop in at the Allegany Museum to learn about the cultural, geographic, and commercial history of Appalachian Maryland. Enjoy dinner at Canal Place, or catch a live performance at the Cumberland Theatre. When it’s time to bunk down, stay at The Inn On Decatur, a charming 17th-century inn.