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, Barn Quilts, Historical Markers and Mountain Maryland Scenic Byway.

Drive 54 miles, 1 hour, 30 minutes

Directions:

1. Start at Garrett County Chamber of Commerce/Visitors Center, 15 VISITORS CENTER DR.,MCHENRY  21541
2. Turn RIGHT onto GARRETT HWY (US-219 South)
   • #17 County Fair Barn Quilt owned by the Garrett County Agriculture Fair, Inc. (Mosser and Garrett Hwy, McHenry, MD 21541)
   • Stop at the Deep Creek Lake Scenic Overlook on the right (west) 1.3 miles from the Visitors Center.  Notice the historical marker: Col. James McHenry of Baltimore McHenry, Garrett County
   • Notice the historical marker: Deep Creek Lake, US 219 (east side), opposite Mountain View Drive
3. Continue 6.9 miles Turn LEFT onto Sand Flat Road
4. Turn LEFT onto MD135 (Flashing light intersection), part of the Mountain Maryland Scenic Byway
   • View Our Father’s House, one of our last historic log churches, 5234 Maryland Hwy (MD135)
5. Turn RIGHT to continue on MD 135 toward Bloomington / Westernport.
   • Visit the Bloomington Viaduct: Built in 1851, the sandstone bridge has three full center arches, each with a 56' span and a 28' rise. When first built, it carried a double track of the original Baltimore and Ohio main line across the Potomac River to Mineral County, West Virginia. Directions for a better look: Turn right onto Hamill from 135. Turn Left onto Owens.
6. Turn LEFT onto Raley Avenue
7. Then a slight right onto Savage River Road
   • The Savage River is located to your right and the B&O Railroad tracks to your left.
8. Turn RIGHT to stay on Savage River Road and continue your drive through Savage River State Forest.
   • The Savage River Reservoir entrance put-In for kayaking/canoeing will be on your right.
   • Bear Pen Run Natural Area (Turn left on Bear Pen Road)
1. Turn LEFT onto Dry Run Road.
10. Turn Right onto Blackhawk School Road. (0.5m past Misty Mountain Road)
11. Turn LEFT onto New Germany Rd. (See Side Trip below)
    • Side Trip: Turn right onto New Germany Road to visit the Monroe Run Scenic Overlook (1.0 miles) The parking area is on the right. 
12. Turn sharp RIGHT onto Bittinger Road / MD 495 (Scenic Byway) (Approx 3.0 miles)
13. Turn LEFT onto Rock Lodge Road.  (Brenneman’s Store is at the intersection)
    • View the #2 Ohio Star barn quilt 7644 Rock Lodge Road, Accident, MD 21520
14. Go 5.7 miles and Turn RIGHT onto Mosser Road, just past Glades Way.  (It is a T intersection; turn before the blue barn)
15. Turn RIGHT onto Garrett Hwy / US-219 at light.

Continue miles to Visitors Center Dr.  Turn LEFT, return to Garrett County Visitors Center.

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

Tour Highlights: Friendsville, Friend Family Museum, The Cove, Barn Quilts & Meshach Browning's grave. 

Drive 20 miles approx. 50 minutes

Directions:

1. Start at Garrett County Chamber of Commerce/Visitors Center, 15 VISITORS CENTER DR., MCHENRY 21541
2. Turn LEFT onto GARRETT HWY (US-219, North)
3. Turn LEFT onto Cove Road, located just past Northern Garrett High School.  (See Side Trip Below)
   • Scenic Overlook, overlooking what is known as the Cove.  Great photo opportunity! Directions: Continue past Cove Road, you will see signs for the Scenic Overlook located on the left.
4. Follow Cove Rd., turn RIGHT after Griffith Rd to stay on Cove Rd.  Cove Rd becomes Old Morgantown Rd, stay straight to follow Old Morgantown Road.
   • View #16 Old Maid's Puzzle Barn Quilt, 886 Cove Road Accident, MD 21520
5. Turn LEFT onto Friendsville Addison Rd at the T intersection toward Friendsville.
6. Friendsville Addison Rd becomes 2^nd Street once in Friendsville
   • Public access to the Wild and Scenic Youghiogheny River: Friendsville is one of only three points in the county.
   • View the #19 Double Wedding Ring Barn Quilt, at 3277 Friendsville Addison Road, Friendsville, MD  21531 {39.70464, -79.365824}
7. Turn RIGHT onto Maple Street.  Head east on Maple St. toward 1^st Ave (See Side Trips & Points of Interest below.)
   • Friendsville – Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the town park located next to the designated “Wild & Scenic”, Youghiogheny River or find a tasty bite to eat in town.  Friendsville is also home to the Friend Family Heritage Museum which includes a historical library and located in a former bank building. Find a tour guide or outfitter and book a family float trip, kayaking or whitewater adventure!
   • Take a hike on the Kendall Trail: Morris Ave. and Oak St. (Friendsville) 2-mile trail
8. Turn RIGHT on 1^st Ave.
9. Turn LEFT onto MD-42 / Friendsville Rd toward US 219 South / Garrett Highway.
   • Historical Marker: Meshack Browning grave site (.25 mile south of Hoyes Rd, East side) There is a small turn off to park a car.
10. Merge on US-219 South
11. Turn RIGHT onto Visitors Center Dr., return to Garrett County Visitors Center.

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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