Guide To Unique Ways To See Fall Foliage In Maryland

If you are looking for some unique ways to see Maryland's beautiful fall foliage, we have a list of ways to not only see the amazing changing colors this month but to also get out and be a part of the season.

Horseback Riding At Circle R Ranch

4151 Sand Flat Road
Oakland, Md. 21550
301-387-6890
Hours: 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Call for reservations on weekends
One-hour trail ride: $35 per horse (Age 7 years & up)
90 Minute trail ride: $50 per horse
Reviews, Directions & More Info

Enjoy the beautiful Maryland fall colors, while letting someone – or something do most of the work.  Consider horseback riding through Deep Creek Lake, one of Maryland's most scenic spots for rolling hills and lakeside views.  At Circle R Ranch, located in Deep Creek Lake, you can saddle up on well-trained horses that will guide you through some woodland trails, apple orchards and open fields.   Let one of nature's most beautiful animals guide you through one of nature's most beautiful areas.

Trail Biking At Patapsco Valley State Park

8020 Baltimore National Pike
Ellicott City, Md. 21043
410-461-5005
9 a.m. to sunset
$2 Maryland Residents
$3 for Non-residents
62 years or older: free
Reviews, Directions & More Info.

This state park in Maryland is just outside of Baltimore's city limits and offers peaks and valleys with great views of colorful fall leaves.  With 25 miles of well-maintained double, single and some paved paths a mountain bike enthusiast or even a beginner can travel from flat, easy-going paths to steep, rocky terrain.  For a spectacular view, check out the Hollofield area with an awesome outlook.

Climb The Steps Of Baltimore's Pagoda At Patterson Park

South Patterson Park Avenue and East Lombard Street
Baltimore, MD 21231
(410) 276-3676
Hours: Sundays Noon - 6 p.m. in October
Price: Free
Reviews, Directions & More Info.

Head to Patterson Park's Pagoda and climb four stories, to the top – for one of the cities' most picturesque panoramas!  From the 4^th floor, you can see downtown's Inner Harbor to the city's skyline…but most importantly you can see the colors of fall, right in the park.  Fiery-red maples and bright-yellow oaks paint the park's landscape during the fall.  Who knew such a view existed right in the city – fall colors brighten up the city's backdrop.

Hiking At King and Queen's Seat

Rocks State Park
3318 Rocks Chrome Hill Road
Jarrettsville, Md. 21084
(410) 557-7994
Hours of Operation
April-October: 9 a.m. to Sunset
November-March:  10 a.m. to Sunset
Admission: Free
Reviews, Directions & More Info.

Rocks State Park has possibly the most impressive rock out-cropping in Maryland.  Located north of Baltimore, Rocks State Park is home to the King and Queen's Seat and once you visit, you will know why it was named after the King and Queen -- it's prime seating for breathtaking views of flowing fall foliage.  The Seats sit on top of massive boulder outcropping and rise above Deer Creek and were once a ceremonial gathering place of the Susquehannock Indians.  Accessible by several trails that eventually converge to Seats, serious and beginner hikers alike can find routes to meet their ability.  The park urges caution when arriving at the top.

Hot Air Balloon

Light Flight Hot Air Balloons, Inc. & Barnstormer Aero
3538 Aldino Road
Churchville, Md. 21028
(410) 836-1116
Fees: $220 per passenger plus 5 percent tax
Hours of operation vary. Call to set up appointment
Reviews, Directions & More Info.

Who needs to drive, bike, ride a horse or even hike to see the glory of the fall season when, very possibly, the best view of the brilliant colors come 500 to 3,000 feet above ground!  Light Flight Hot Air Balloons, Inc. & Barnstormer Aero offer hot air balloon rides above much of Maryland's counties' prettiest sights.  From the hot air balloon you can witness the vastness of the fall colors and see how mountains, merge into valleys and into the shores, and from this kind of distance, the view can be unbelievable.   The tours general run between 2.5 to 3 hours.

Christian Kendzierski spends most of his time as a media specialist at Mount St. Mary's University in Maryland.  He also works as a freelance writer and lives in Baltimore.  See what's going in Christian's world by following him on Twitter @ck1media.