This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Maryland Scenic Byways program. The Maryland Office of Tourism offers maps with estimated drive times, photos, videos and other highlights of each of the state’s 18 scenic byways. Six have earned National Scenic Byways or All-American Road designations.
The Horses & Hounds route traverses the state’s “Hunt Country,” named for its fox hunts and steeplechase races. Fans of horse racing’s Triple Crown take note: This relaxing drive passes farms and countryside famous for producing thoroughbreds that have raced on major American tracks.
For water-oriented explorations, fish, paddle and bike along scenic trails once navigated by Native Americans on the Cape to Cape route, which extends from the Atlantic Ocean to Chincoteague, Sinepuxent and Assawoman bays.
Stretching 125 miles, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Scenic Byway reveals the secret network of trails, waterways and safe houses used by enslaved people fleeing to points north in the 1800s.
The 193-mile Mountain Maryland route offers hiking, fishing and boating opportunities as you explore western Maryland countryside, forests, rambling rivers and Deep Creek Lake, the state’s largest freshwater lake. Or discover the roots of American religious history along the Religious Freedom byway in southern Maryland.
Keep an eye on the Maryland Office of Tourism social media feeds for a variety of themed posts and suggestions beginning April 5—National Read a Road Map Day.