Our Favorite Scenic Drives Near Frederick
Frederick has a way of rewarding anyone willing to take the scenic route. A quick drive can lead to breathtaking mountain overlooks, historic landmarks, waterfall trails, or even family-owned farms that have been part of the landscape for generations. When you make Visitation Hotel your home base, some of Maryland's most memorable road trips begin right outside our front door.
Whether you're extending a business trip, planning a weekend getaway, or visiting town with a group of friends, carving out time for a drive through Frederick County is always worth it.
Ready to hit the road? Check out the best scenic drives near Frederick to explore this summer.
Follow the Journey Through Hallowed Ground
Route 15 cuts through Frederick County from south to north, connecting some of the area's most fascinating landscapes and historic destinations.
Start in Downtown Frederick, where a quick wander will lead to locally owned restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and historic architecture. This quaint area ranks among the most popular Frederick Maryland attractions. Walk the Carroll Creek Linear Park, or step back in time at the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum.
As the city fades away in your rearview mirror and the countryside comes into focus, the scenery changes dramatically. Rolling farmland turns into forested mountains, and stops like Catoctin Mountain Park and Cunningham Falls State Park are perfect spots to get out and stretch your legs for a bit. At Cunningham Falls, a short 10- to 15-minute walk leads to Maryland's largest cascading waterfall, while nearby Catoctin Mountain Park offers everything from easy hour-long hikes to more challenging routes that can fill an entire afternoon.
Further north, as Route 15 approaches the Pennsylvania border, travelers will find no shortage of worthwhile stops. The Catoctin Wildlife Preserve gives you the chance to experience wildlife up close, perfect for families, while nearby Emmitsburg is home to the National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes and the Seton Shrine, both rich in history and heritage.
If you want to combine Frederick with a Gettysburg visit, this drive is for you. The route naturally connects two of the region's most significant historic destinations while showcasing some of Maryland's most beautiful scenery along the way.
Drive America's First Highway
History buffs who love a scenic detour shouldn't skip Route 40.
Known as the Historic National Road, this corridor once served as the gateway to America's westward expansion. Completed in the early 1800s, it became the nation's first federally funded highway, carrying travelers, merchants, and settlers toward new opportunities beyond the Appalachian Mountains. Today, traces of that history remain along the route, which combines scenic countryside, small towns, and cultural landmarks into one of the most interesting drives in the region.
Before you hit the road toward South Mountain, start your journey in Frederick with a visit to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. Here, you can take a short walk to the original Washington Monument, where you’ll find stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
When you’re ready for a pick-me-up, South Mountain Creamery makes the perfect mid-drive stop. Fresh ice cream and wide-open views make it a favorite for families, groups, and anyone looking to slow down for an hour or two. You may even catch a glimpse of goats and cows roaming on the farm.
For groups staying at Visitation Hotel, this route works particularly well as a half-day outing between events or weekend activities. It offers plenty to see in just a few hours.
A Short Drive with Big Views
Not every scenic drive needs to take up a whole day.
Just outside Frederick, Sugarloaf Mountain offers an easy route to experience the area's natural beauty, even with limited time. The drive winds through peaceful farmland and arrives at scenic overlooks with beautiful views. Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer and the great horned owls that live among the mountain’s 500 plant species.
Make Visitation Your Home Base
The best road trips begin and end somewhere comfortable, and that's where Visitation comes in.
Located in the heart of downtown, our hotel makes it easy to explore the area's most scenic routes while staying close to Frederick's restaurants, shops, and entertainment. If you're looking for extra space, our hotel suites in Frederick MD make it easy to settle in and stay awhile, with plenty of room to relax after a day spent exploring Frederick County.
Want to make your stay even easier? Take advantage of convenient on-site valet parking, making it simple to come and go as you explore Frederick County's highways and byways.
Among hotels in Frederick, few offer the combination of walkable downtown access and proximity to Maryland's most scenic drives. Whether you're searching for a boutique hotel Frederick MD visitors love for weekend escapes or a convenient base for your next group trip, Visitation Hotel puts the best of Frederick within easy reach.
