Fall color

Question

Any recommendation to see fall colors in Maryland or near by this week ( 2 hr drive around )

Answer

Maryland and its surrounding areas offer some beautiful spots to enjoy fall foliage in early December. While peak color is usually earlier in the season, you can still find vibrant displays, especially in higher elevations and scenic parks. Since you are looking for locations within a two-hour drive, there are several great options for short day trips from most parts of Maryland.

One of the best ways to experience fall colors is by visiting state parks, scenic byways, and nature reserves. These areas combine hiking, driving routes, and sometimes waterfront views for a full autumn experience.

Sugarloaf Mountain: Located near Frederick, MD, this small mountain provides panoramic views of rolling hills and forests. The trails and summit area are great for a short hike with colorful scenery.
C&O Canal Towpath: Stretching along the Potomac River, the C&O Canal Towpath has scenic trails lined with hardwood trees showing late-season color. You can enjoy a walk or a bike ride along the canal.
Great Falls Park (MD side): Near Potomac, MD, the park offers dramatic waterfalls and overlooks framed by forested areas, which can still show pockets of red, orange, and gold in early December.

Heading slightly farther into western Maryland and northern Virginia can also provide excellent foliage viewing:

Patapsco Valley State Park: Just west of Baltimore, this park has miles of trails along the Patapsco River, with colorful forests and scenic bridges. It’s ideal for hiking and photography.
Harpers Ferry, WV (about 1.5–2 hours from central Maryland): The confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers creates stunning vistas. Trails like the Maryland Heights Overlook offer expansive views of the surrounding mountains with lingering fall colors.
Monocacy National Battlefield / Catoctin Mountain Park: Near Frederick, these areas provide rolling landscapes, historic sites, and trails surrounded by autumn foliage.

For a more leisurely drive experience, consider scenic byways:

Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway: Winding through eastern Maryland, this route showcases rural landscapes, farmland, and waterfront areas with autumn hues.
Western Maryland Scenic Byway: Running through Allegany and Garrett counties, this area is higher in elevation and can still offer late-season color, especially along backroads and small state parks.

Overall, even though late October and early November are typically peak times, many areas in Maryland still offer vibrant scenery in early December. Choosing elevated parks, river valleys, and scenic byways will give you the best chance to enjoy the fall colors within a short drive.

Fall color

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