3 Reasons to Visit Western Maryland

We usually think of the coastal state of Maryland as a place to go for crab dinners, views of the Chesapeake Bay, and swims in the Atlantic. However, the western pan handle of Maryland is a beautiful, mountainous area with lots of family fun as well. Here are a few reasons to visit this lovely area.

Reason #1 to Visit Western Maryland: Beautiful State Parks

There are dozens of gorgeous parks in the Western counties of Maryland, but we’ll just highlight a few favorites. Maryland state parks typically charge less than $7 per person, with and are often free for some groups, such as military and seniors. Weekdays and off-season are also even cheaper or free.

Washington Monument State Park

Wherever there’s a tower to climb and a view to be seen, we’re interested. This one is great because the climb up the hill to the tower from the parking lot is short and sweet – My soon to be two year old did it on her own, but I’d say we all raised our hear rates for a few minutes, so it was a win-win. The tower is the first completed monument to George Washington. The view is enclosed with windows, and you’ll also find a playground and restrooms at the park.

Deep Creek State Park

Deep Creek Lake is a huge, glassy reservoir in Western Maryland.  The state park of the same name covers a small portion of the lake and hosts several playgrounds near the shore. There is a swimming beach in the summer and nearby ski resorts in the winter. There is also a Discovery Center with a nice gift shop, displays of the local flora and fauna, and some interactive things to do, like puzzles and stories. Mining was a major industry in the area, so there is also an exhibit pertaining to this aspect of the land’s history.

Reason #2: Interesting Hikes and Natural Wonders

Between waterfalls, cliffs, and caves, you can find a variety of awe-inspiring natural wonders, and many of them require a vigorous hike to reach. Here are a few favorites.

Weverton Cliffs

The hike up to Weverton Cliffs is what hiking people call “moderate” and what my family calls “challenging.” We had to leave the weak ones behind (I’m referring to our two year old). But, it was tough on the younger kids too.

Still, it was a lot of fun to scramble over rocks and roots and come out sweaty and tired to a lovely view of the Potomac, and surrounding cliffs. I was struck by the trees that seem to grow at odd angles directly out of rock, their roots intertwined with the cliffs. You can get way out to the cliff’s edge (and fall to your death), so please exercise caution.

Swallow Falls Canyon Trail

We loved this trail which begins at the parking lot of Swallow Falls State Park. The train is clearly marked so you can’t miss it. Part of the trail is paved, but you can walk down to the base of the falls on the wooden stairways, and there is a lower portion of the trail that traverses rocks along the river and will take you to the next set of falls. Altogether there are 7 falls you can see in the relatively short span of the trail.

The main event is Muddy Creek Falls, which is quite impressive, especially in the spring when all the snowmelt and rain make it really thunder.  At the base, you can get quite wet from the spray. 

In the wet of early spring, the park is very reminiscent of a rain forest.  There is a thick covering of brilliant green moss on everything – all the fallen trees, and rock bed on the forest floor, with ferns poking up everywhere.  The tree roots were interestingly worn by the weather until they were as smooth and glossy as furniture. 

Visit Western Maryland’s Crystal Grottoes Caverns

If you’re more of a cave person, head out to Crystal Grottoes Caverns in Washington County. Take a 30 minute tour of the caves for about $23/adult, $13/kid over 5 years old, and just enjoy the view and the creepy darkness at the end. (You know, when they turn all the lights off so you can see how it feels not to literally not be able to see your hand in front of your face). I like it better in the lights on. The plethora of stalactites and stalagmites are really quite beautiful. They glisten deliciously and form a wide array of interesting shapes.

Reason #3 to Visit Western Maryland: Unique Museums

There are lots of fun little museums you can find in the rural western section of Maryland. Here are a few we recommend if you visit Western Maryland.

The Roads and Rails Museum

This is a fun roadside type of stop in Frederick, MD, at least if you have a train fan. And what family with small children doesn’t have at least one train fan? It is not a train museum with actual trains, but rather a model train museum with bazillions of details including an amusement park, drive in theater, factories, and much more.

There is also a very impressive Lego room (Again, what family with small children doesn’t like Legos? All of the parents, obviously, because you step on them. But luckily, these Legos are not on the floor.) You can also get some glimpses of Thomas the Tank Engine for the fans in your house.

Garrett County Historical Museum

In the little town of Oakland in Garett County, you can find three different museums all within close walking distance. One is the Oakland B&O Museum, which has a steam engine in the front yard so you can’t miss it.  Another is the Garrett County Museum of Transportation which includes antique cars and a variety of other vehicles. Finally, the Garrett County Historical Museum which includes a wide variety of artifacts pertaining to the history of the local area.  The favorites in our family were the model train, the dolls and doll furniture, and the war memorabilia from local veterans. 

These three museums can easily be visited in a day, with time to spare for eating out at one of the charming local eateries, or to go antiquing, a popular pastime throughout these more rural counties.

We hope you enjoy all of these reasons to visit Western Maryland. Find more information on family fun in all of Maryland’s regions at this post.