Fall Foliage Driving Tours

These self-guided driving tours will highlight the splendor of Garrett County's fall foliage in the Southern and Northern end of the county. While traveling along some of Maryland's Scenic Byways, you'll see the gorgeous colors of fall everywhere you look. Take your time, drive a little slower and take in the beauty of autumn! Don't forget to have your camera ready!! You won't be surprised if you have some wildlife sightings on these gorgeous fall days. There really is no better way to spend an autumn day in Garrett County.

Self Guided Extended Fall Foliage Heritage Driving Tour- Southern Garrett County

Tour Highlights: Bloomington Viaduct, Savage River, Monroe Scenic Overlook, Barn Quilts, Historical Markers and Mountain Maryland Scenic Byway.

Drive 54 miles, 1 hour, 30 minutes

The tour begins at the Garrett County Visitor's Center located at 15 Visitors Center Drive in McHenry MD. 21541 and continues right onto US 219 South (Garrett Highway), turn LEFT onto Sand Flat Road, at the end turn LEFT onto MD-135, at the set of flashing lights bear RIGHT to continue toward Bloomington/Westernport. Turn LEFT onto Raley Avenue, then a slight RIGHT onto Savage River Road. Turn LEFT onto Dry Run Rd. Turn RIGHT onto Blackhawk School Road. Turn LEFT onto New Germany Rd. then make a sharp RIGHT onto Bittinger RD/MD-495. Turn LEFT onto Rock Lodge Road. Turn RIGHT onto Mosser Road and then turn RIGHT (North) on US-219. Turn LEFT onto Visitor's Center Drive returning to the Garrett County Visitor's Center. 

 Self Guided Short Driving Fall Foliage Heritage Tour- Northern Garrett County

Tour Highlights: Friendsville, Friend Family Museum, Youghiogheny Lake, the Cove, Barn Quilts, School House Earth & Meshach Browning's grave. 

Drive 27 miles approx. 40 minutes

The tour begins at the Garrett County Visitor's Center located at 15 Visitors Center Drive in McHenry, MD 21541 and continues LEFT onto US-219 North (Garrett Highway) follow to Cove Road, turn LEFT. Cove Road becomes Old Morgantown Road, stay straight to follow Old Morgantown Road. Turn LEFT onto Friendsville Addison Road, follow into town of Friendsville. Friendsville Addison Road becomes 2nd Avenue, turn RIGHT onto Maple Street. Take the 2nd LEFT onto 1st Avenue toward MD-42. Turn LEFT onto Friendsville Rd. Follow MD-42 to the intersection with Garrett Highway/US-219 South. Turn RIGHT onto Visitor's Center Drive returning to the Garrett County Visitor's Center.

Garrett County Fall Foliage begins late September and peaks in mid-October. For more information please call the Maryland Fall Foliage Hotline at

1-800-LEAVES1