If you’re planning a Maryland road trip, Western Maryland deserves a spot at the top of your route. This stretch of Garrett County sits right in the Appalachian foothills near Deep Creek Lake, and the scenic drives in Maryland that wind through it are some of the most photographed roads in the state.
From hiking and boating, there are plenty of things to do in Deep Creek Lake. A true four season destination for outdoor adventures, there’s also plenty of cultural attractions to explore, from Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpieces just across the Pennsyvania border to antique shops scattered through McHenry and Oakland.
You’ll want a comfortable place to land on your Maryland road trip. If you’re comparing Hotels near Deep Creek Lake, Lake Pointe Inn is about as good as lodging gets in the area. Our Arts and Crafts style building sits right on the lakefront, so you get water views without giving up easy access to the roads, trails, and towns you came to see. Add in a gourmet breakfast each morning and personalized hospitality, we are the ideal choice for a fall foliage getaway. Book your stay today!
The Best Scenic Maryland Road Trips to Take This Fall
One of our favorite Maryland road trips is the drive out to Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic house built over a waterfall in the Laurel Highlands. It’s about an hour from the inn, and the route takes you north through Friendsville before crossing into Pennsylvania on one of the most scenic drives in the state.
Reservations for tours of Fallingwater fill up fast, especially during Maryland’s fall foliage season, so book ahead if you want to see the inside. Kentuck Knob, another Wright design, is just 15 minutes further, so it’s worth making a full day of it and seeing both.
If you’d rather stay closer to McHenry, the Mountain Maryland Byway is a solid choice for a road trip. It runs 193 miles through the Appalachian foothills, starting up near Keyser Ridge, one of the highest points in the state, before dipping down toward Deep Creek Lake itself.
Along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of the Youghiogheny River, and the elevation changes make for some stunning overlooks. We suggest guests do a section of it rather than the whole thing in one day, unless they’re really committed to a long day of driving.
If you are a history lover, head toward Swallow Falls State Park and the Casselman River Bridge. Swallow Falls is home to Maryland’s tallest free-falling waterfall, and the drive there passes through some heavily wooded stretches that turn brilliant orange and red during peak fall foliage in Maryland.
The Casselman River Bridge, built in the early 1800s, is one of the most photographed spots in Garrett County. The stone bridge is a national historic landmark and is historically significant because it was a monumental engineering triumph for early America, a vital link in the nation’s first federal highway, and a crucial stepping stone on the Underground Railroad.
Another favorite Maryland road trip is Spruce Forest Artisan Village and Amish Country in Springs, PA. On this scenic drive in Maryland, you’ll likely spot an old-fashioned horse and buggy along the way as you enter Amish territory. You’ll find lovely markets for local wares and crafts, and if you continue north to the Spruce Forest Artisan Village, be sure to set aside some time to explore this artists’ community. During the fall, this is one of the most scenic drives for fall foliage.
If you’re visiting in October, timing your drives around the Autumn Glory Festival is worth considering. It’s a longstanding local event centered on fall foliage in Maryland, and many of the festival’s suggested itineraries overlap nicely with the drives above.
Stay at the Top Hotel in Deep Creek Lake
After a full day of scenic drives in Maryland, there’s something to be said for coming back to a peaceful retreat. Our wraparound porch is where most of our guests end up in the evening, coffee or wine in hand, watching the light change over the water. The Arts and Crafts architecture, with warm wood tones and accents, gives the whole property a character you won’t find at a corporate hotel off the highway.
Add in a gourmet breakfast every morning before you head out for the day, and personalized hospitality from a team that actually knows the area, and it’s clear why we keep landing on lists of the best lodging near Deep Creek Lake. If you’re planning a Maryland road trip built around the state’s best scenic drives, this is the kind of home base that makes the whole trip better, not just a place to store your bags between destinations. Reserve your room now.