While 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, the Western pan handle of Maryland is a beautiful, mountainous area with lots of family fun to offer as well. Here are a few reasons to visit this lovely area.
1. Beautiful State Parks
There are dozens of gorgeous parks in the Western counties of Maryland, but we’ll just highlight a few favorites.
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. It intersects with the Appalachian trail, which is always fun.
The tower I’m referring to is the monument itself. It is enclosed with windows so no risk of anybody falling out. (Am I the only person that worries about this every time we climb a tower?) There is also a playground and restrooms, so this park was a hit for us.
Deep Creek State Park
Perhaps the best known attraction in Garrett County is Deep Creek Lake, which is the largest inland body of water in MD, and it is indeed quite huge. It was created as a reservoir from Deep Creek, and the water is crystal clear. Deep Creek State Park covers a small portion of the lake, where you can walk along the edge of the lake and stop at the several playgrounds along the way. 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. It also includes a room dedicated to mining, a major industry historically in the area.
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 cliffs are always interesting to look at. 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 if you’re being too risky with the selfies), so please exercise caution.
Swallow Falls Canyon Trail
We loved this trail which begins at the parking lot of Swallow Falls State Park. There is a big, clear sign 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. There is also Tolliver Falls, and Swallow Falls, which is notable for the weird geological island just below it, which looks like a giant Minecraft mushroom of rock with vegetation hair in the middle of the river.
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.
Crystal Grottos Caverns
If you’re more of a cave person, head out to Crystal Grottos Caverns in Washington County. Take a 30 minute tour of the caves for about $20/adult, $10/kid over 3 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 (seriously, it makes me want to take a bite), and form all kinds of crazy shapes, including but not limited to: bacon, potato chips, and popcorn. I told you they look delicious.
3. 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.
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 includes 9 rooms full of artifacts pertaining, of course, to Garrett County. 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 pastime that can be practiced throughout these more rural counties.
