Interstate Highways Scenic Byway — Maryland

Maryland’s Interstate Highways Scenic Byway offers a surprising reminder that even well-traveled corridors can deliver stunning scenery. Designated as a State Scenic Byway, this route threads through the heart of Maryland, revealing a landscape that shifts from rolling Piedmont farmland to forested mountain passes and tidal lowlands with remarkable variety.

Travelers will catch sweeping views of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, pass through corridors lined with hardwood forests, and cross historic river valleys that shaped the region’s colonial and Civil War heritage. Watch for roadside overlooks where the Blue Ridge foothills unfold to the west and the coastal plain stretches east toward the Atlantic.

Key stops along the way include charming small towns with farm-to-table dining, historic battlefields, and state parks perfect for a quick leg-stretch or a longer hike. Antique shops and seasonal farm stands dot the exits, rewarding those who venture just off the main route.

The best time to drive is mid-October, when Maryland’s fall foliage transforms the corridor into a tunnel of amber and crimson. Spring wildflower season is equally rewarding. Allow a full day to enjoy the route at a leisurely pace, stopping often to soak in the views.

Explore Nearby

• High Point Monument — State Park in New Jersey
• High Point State Park — State Park in New Jersey
• Cliff Ridge Hang Gliding Area — Public Land
• Stony Point Light — Lighthouse in New York
• Tarrytown Light — Lighthouse in New York