The changing seasons are one of Frederick County’s most charming occasions. As the weather turns from hot to mild and leaves change from green to red, orange, and yellow, fall activities swing into full gear. With a wide variety of farm festivals and city celebrations, Frederick County is the best place to enjoy outdoor fun for the whole family.
Festivals/Corn Mazes
Gaver Fall Fun Festival
Enjoy fall on the farm by conquering the twists and turns of the corn maze, bouncing on the jumping pillows, petting and feeding the farm animals and cruising down the giant slides. There are more than 65 attractions, appropriate for any age including 2 jumping pillows, chicken show, farm animals, mini mazes, playgrounds, duck races, ball games, photo centers and much more.
Fall Festival at Summers Farm
For more than 26 years, Summers Farm has become the destination for fall fun in Frederick County, Maryland. With more than 45+ fun activities including hayrides, pumpkin picking, NASA-themed corn maze, slides, farm animal, campfires, and more. The farm is the perfect destination for family fun, corporate outings, field trips, Scout outings, and more! This year marks the first season at the fall festival's new location near historic Middletown.
Fall Festival at Magnolia Meadows Farm
Located in the farmland of northern Frederick County, Magnolia Meadow Farms is a unique place where fun, family and farming unite. Home to Maryland's largest corn maze, apple cannons, hayrides, mountain slides, a pumpkin patch, and more with 20 activities to enjoy.
Homegrown Hay Days - October 15-16
Homegrown Hay Days is the perfect opportunity to visit some of the hardest working farms in Frederick County. On October 15 and 16, travel the countryside and visit more than 19 working farms with special events and activities. While you’re enjoying your time on the farm, you’ll also be learning about the importance of agriculture in Frederick County.
Jumbo's Pumpkin Patch Farm Festival
Farm visitors can enjoy unlimited hay rides, pick-your-own pumpkins, children's activities, a corn maze, shopping with decorations, baked goods, pumpkin carving kits and more. Visit the craft attic featuring handmade items from more than 45 local artisans.
Fall Pumpkin Patch at Green Meadows Farm
Head out to the farm and get hands-on and up close with friendly farm animals, with free animal feed, hayrides and pig races. Enjoy slides, duck races and more. A free pumpkin is included with each paid admission in October. slides, duck races and more. Also, check out the Trail of Jack-O-Lanterns at Green Meadows Farm for evening fun.
FallFest at Catoctin Furnace
For 58 years, northern Frederick County has shared the glorious autumn colors of its mountains with visitors. Fallfest in Catoctin Furnace includes apple butter boiling in a copper kettle over an open fire and blacksmithing. Tour the new Museum of the Ironworker and other historic buildings. Hike the African American Cemetery Trail and visit the historic kitchen and pollinator gardens!
Fall Foliage Spots
Drive the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Scenic Byway between Emmitsburg, Frederick, and Point of Rocks
Route 15 passes through Frederick County from Emmitsburg and the Pennsylvania line in the north to Point of Rocks and the Potomac River at the south. This stretch of highway carries you along base of Catoctin Mountain, providing stunning views of the Maryland countryside, and easy to access to many attractions throughout the region.
Hike in Catoctin Mountain Park (NPS) or Cunningham Falls State Park
Whether you want to climb to witness the stunning views from Chimney Rock or stand beneath Maryland's tallest cascading waterfall, a visit to Catoctin Mountain Park and Cunningham Falls State Park in the autumn is an unforgettable experience.
Tour or walk through Monocacy National Battlefield
You don't need to climb a mountain or head too far outside of the city to experience beautiful country landscapes in their fall colors. Head over to Monocacy National Battlefield to explore historic farmsteads that once hosted army encampments and a crucially important battle during the Civil War. Get a little history to go along with the beautiful foliage.
Visit Catoctin Mountain Orchard
Just off of Route 15 north of Thurmont, Catoctin Mountain Orchard is a must-do in the fall. Pick your own apples, shop in the farm market for the freshest produce and baked goods, and breathe in the fresh air at the foot of Catoctin Mountain.
Discover the best places for fall foliage in Frederick County
Fall is an amazing time to drive through the region. So whether you are bouncing from fall festival to fall festival or just passing through, don't miss a chance to slow down and enjoy the Maryland countryside dressed in its fall best.
Unique Overnight Stays
Camping in Cunningham Falls State Park
Head into the mountains and live it up outdoors in the brisk fall air. Cunningham Falls State Park offers two camping areas and cabins available. The William Houck Area is closest to the falls and other park amenities and offers reservations through the end of October. The Manor Area remains open for campers until December 11. Learn more about camping in the park here.
Cabin or cottage at Ole Mink Farm
For the outdoor enthusiast who loves the fall, but who maybe wants a few more amenities can book cabins or cottages at Ole Mine Farm Recreation Resort. Get the comforts of home while enjoying a stunning landscape of trees and fall breezes atop Catoctin Mountain.
