Join the Maryland Tourism Coalition for the Annual Maryland
in a Day Road Trip

 

photo of Chris and Nick from MD in a Day

 

Tuesday May, 6, 2025

 

2025 marks the 25th Anniversary of Maryland’s Scenic Byways and many Maryland Milestones. Join Chris Reihl as he embarks on a trip across Maryland with our partners at Blue Whale EV .  Eighteen historic and scenic byways take you off-the-beaten path to discover Maryland. Enjoy relaxing road trips to explore charming towns, historic cities, lush green mountains, sparkling waterways, sandy beaches, and hidden gems at every turn. Across every season, you’ll find stunning, photo-worthy landscapes, diverse and fascinating historic sites and stories, cozy inns and tucked-away hotels, and top-rated restaurants serving up local Maryland delights. Charge up along the way at EV charging stations  that dot byways across the state. View the guide to Maryland’s 18 scenic byways, you can follow carefully mapped driving routes into areas rich with beauty, history and culture at https://www.visitmaryland.org/scenic-byways 

Maryland in A Day Itinerary 

Subject to Change 

 

Start: Deep Creek Lake as they celebrate their 100th anniversary, at Garrett County

Maryland Scenic Byway: Mountain Maryland

Stop #1: Casselman River Bridge State Park, Grantsville, Garrett County 
Casselman River Bridge State Park is a 4-acre parcel, popular for picnicking, fly fishing and photography. When the 80-foot span was erected in 1813, it was the longest single-span stone arch bridge in the United States and served as an important link on the National Road from 1813 to 1933.  Although the bridge no longer carries vehicular traffic, it is open to pedestrians and is accessible for disabled visitors. (Bridge is currently closed for restoration)
Maryland Scenic Byway: Mountain Maryland, Historic National Road

Stop #2 Mile Marker “0,” where the first section of the National Road was completed in Cumberland, Allegany County
America’s first road trip starts right here in Mountain Maryland where you will discover the National Road Monument. Allegany County is also home to the C&O Canal Towpath and the Great Allegheny Passage, where visitors can learn about canal history at the C&O Canal National Historic Park’s Cumberland Visitor Center. The C&O Canal is celebrating 175 years!

Maryland Scenic Byway: Mountain Maryland, Historic National Road, Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
Stop #3 Antietam National Battlefield, Sharpsburg, Washington County
The bloodiest single-day battle of the Civil War took place on Maryland soil, as Confederate soldiers crossed the Potomac River and clashed with Union forces in the sleepy town of Sharpsburg.
Maryland Scenic Byway: Antietam Campaign

Stop #4 Roddy Road Bridge, Thurmont, Frederick County
The Roddy Road covered bridge, built in 1856, rests just north of Thurmont off of US 15, where Roddy Creek Road meets Roddy Road at Owens Creek. The smallest of the county’s covered bridges, Roddy Road is a single-span Kingpost design bridge measuring 40 feet long. Relax with a picnic, go fishing  or explore the natural beauty at this park and bridge.
Maryland Scenic Byway: Journey Through Hallowed Ground

Stop #5 Carroll County Main Street
Carroll County offers an array of shopping experiences which includes many specialty shops. Stroll our Main Streets to find one-of-a-kind handcrafted items. Our merchants are waiting for you with a smile and a helpful attitude to assist you in selecting just the right gift for family or friends. Don’t forget after a few hours of shopping to rest your weary feet and nurture yourself with some food. Our restaurants, coffee shops and bakeries offer something for everyone, from comfort food to upscale cuisine.
Maryland Scenic Byway: Old Main Street

 
Final Stop: Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore City | 150th Anniversary
The Preakness Stakes, one of America’s premier thoroughbred horse races, takes place each year on the third Saturday in May at the historic Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. This year marks a major milestone—the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes and the final year at the original Pimlico track, which first opened on October 25, 1870. The racetrack is set to be torn down and rebuilt following this historic event. To commemorate this occasion, May 10–17 will host the inaugural Preakness Festival, a weeklong celebration featuring a mix of free and ticketed events. The festival will highlight Maryland’s vibrant communities, rich cultural heritage, and thriving small businesses. As we wrap up National Travel & Tourism Week, get ready to kick off Preakness Festival Week in style!
 
 

maryland in a day scenic by ways map

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