Nature Road Trip to Frederick

The natural beauty of Frederick County is one of the many reasons people keep coming back. There are many opportunities for unique hiking, biking, fishing, and boating with breathtaking views and stunning scenery. Follow the route on the map below to hit the highlights, or talk to an outfitter about expanding your trip.

Eat and Drink with a View

Stay Under the Stars

  • 40 Canal Rd.
  • 301-834-9950

Spend the night camping by the serene and scenic shores of the Potomac River. With the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal steps away, it's a perfect location for biking, hiking, boating, fishing. Cabins with air conditioning, RV sites with hook-up, and tent camping. Excellent…

  • 40 W Potomac St.
  • 301-491-1479

The C&O Canal National Historic Park preserves the remains of the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal as well as valuable wild spaces along the Potomac River shoreline from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, MD. The Canal’s entire 185-mile long towpath is restored, open to hikers…

  • 3701 Canal Road
  • 240-202-2625

Lockhouse 28 at Point of Rocks is a rustic retreat, completed in 1837. It is situated between the scenic Potomac River and the still-active railroad tracks on the MARC-Brunswick line. It stands as a reminder of the fierce competition in the 1800s between the Chesapeake & Ohio…

  • 14707 Park Central Rd.
  • 301-663-9388

Catoctin Mountain Park offers a wealth of scenery, wildlife, wildflowers, historic buildings, hiking trails, scenic drives, camping, cabin camps and fly-fishing. Looking for something different? Try spending the night in a historic cabin in Camp Misty Mount; for reservations…

  • 14039 Catoctin Hollow Rd.
  • 301-271-7574

Cunningham Falls State Park, located west of Thurmont in the beautiful Catoctin Mountains, is named for a 78-foot cascading waterfall. Hiking, swimming, hunting, fishing, picnicking, boating, playgrounds, 13 camper cabins, and 180 campsites in two areas available seasonally. The…

  • 8602 Gambrill Park Rd.
  • 301-271-7574

Gambrill State Park, located west of Frederick, provides miles of hiking, biking, and horse trails with stunning overlooks of the surrounding area. A 34-campsite, four-camper cabin campground is available seasonally. See beautiful views from three overlooks, picnic shelters for…

  • 21843 National Pike
  • 301-791-4767

Located in the Appalachian Mountains, Greenbrier State Park is a multi-use park providing many kinds of recreation. The 42-acre man-made freshwater lake and white sandy beach draw many visitors who enjoy swimming, canoeing, boating and fishing. A visitor center is open…

  • 12806 Mink Farm Rd.
  • 301-271-7012

Wonderful memories await you at Ole Mink Farm Recreation Resort in Thurmont, MD! For the outdoor enthusiast who still wants the comforts of home, try one of our Luxury Log Cabins! Luxury Log Cabins (some Pet Friendly) feature fireplaces, fully-equipped kitchens, private…