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Best Places To Catch Fall Foliage

Before the cold winter winds sweep through Maryland, be sure to catch the beautiful fall foliage around the state.  From the Appalachian Mountains to the Eastern Shore, we have compiled the list of the best spots to enjoy the beauty of autumn.
Cunningham Falls
(credit: dnr.state.md.us)

Cunningham Falls State Park

14039 Catoctin Hollow Road
Thurmont, MD 21788
301-271-7574
www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/cunningham.asp
Nestled in the Catoctin Mountains, Cunningham Falls State Park provides a picturesque autumn landscape.  Hike through the many trails of Cunningham Falls before stopping in front of the 78-foot waterfall.  Many locals and visitors enjoy fishing and canoeing throughout the park, and during the fall months, the warm colored leaves make for a serene experience.  Welcome the change of season by camping at Cunningham Falls State Park.

New Germany
(credit: dnr.state.md.us)

New Germany State Park

349 Headquarters Lane
Grantsville, MD 21536
301-895-5453
www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/newgermany.asp
Named by early German settlers, New Germany State Park can be found between the 2,900 foot Big Savage Mountain and the eastern Continental Divide along Meadow Mountain.  Between the two mountains are exquisite displays of fall foliage.  Hike along ten miles of trails around New Germany's diverse forests.  The hemlock forest and rhododendron-choked streams weave throughout the great valley.  Stop by New Germany's 13-acre lake for more scenic views and mirror images of the surrounding autumn season.     

Swallow Falls
(credit: dnr.state.md.us)

Swallow Falls State Park

222 Herrington Lane
Oakland, MD 21550
301-387-6938
www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/swallowfalls.asp
The Youghiogheny River flows majestically past rock gorges until the 53-foot waterfall of Muddy Creek Falls.  During the fall season, the red, orange and yellow leaves make for spectacular scenery among the raging river rapids.  The powerful current constantly battles with the serene surroundings and the contradicting forces give visitors plenty of memorable views.  Home to the oldest groves of eastern hemlock and white pine, trees over 360 years are still yielding gorgeous fall foliage.     

Assateague Island
(credit: assateagueisland.com)

Assateague Island

Berlin, MD 21811
757-336-5956
www.assateagueisland.com
Known for the wild ponies, Assateague Island is also a prime spot to see fall foliage.  Plan a nature tour during the less-visited fall season and be treated with a view of wild ponies running past the colors of autumn.  Unlike the foliage of Western Maryland, Assateague Island offers views of the shoreline as summer meets winter.  Sightsee, bird watch and fish along Assateague's 37 miles of beach.  Stop by Ocean City for great tasting food and take a weekend vacation during the fall months. 

Fair Hill
(credit: dnr.state.md.us)

Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area Trails

300 Tawes Drive
Elkton, MD 21921
410-398-1246
www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/fairhill.asp
With over 75 miles of trails for hiking and bike riding, the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area Trails treat guests with stunning views of fall foliage.  Poplars, oaks and sycamores display warm hues during the fall season.  Ride over to Big Elk Creek and take photos of Foxcatcher Farm Covered Bridge, one of only two covered bridges in Cecil County.  Explore the various ecosystems of Fair Hill which includes grasslands, trout streams and wetlands.  Inhabited with foxes, coyotes, beavers and white-tail deer, the wildlife and fall scenery of Fair Hill makes for a popular Maryland tourist attraction.

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