Casselman River Bridge State Park sits along the old National Road in Garrett County, Maryland, anchored by one of the most remarkable stone arch bridges in the eastern United States. Built in 1813, the 80-foot single-span bridge was the largest of its kind in America when it was constructed — and it still stands today, a testament to early 19th-century engineering that you can walk right up to and touch.

At just 4 acres, this is one of Maryland’s smallest state parks, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in character. The park is essentially a roadside heritage site with a grassy picnic area along the Casselman River. Bring a blanket, unpack lunch at one of the picnic tables, and let the kids wade in the shallow river while you take in the bridge from below. It’s the kind of place that rewards a slow hour rather than a full-day itinerary.

The park works best as a stop along a broader Garrett County trip. Pair it with nearby New Germany or Herrington Manor State Parks for hiking and camping, since Casselman River Bridge itself doesn’t offer campsites or extensive trail systems. History buffs will appreciate the interpretive signage explaining the bridge’s role in westward expansion along the National Pike.

Visit in late September or early October when the surrounding Allegheny highlands explode with fall color, framing the old stone bridge in a way that makes every photo look effortless. The park is open year-round, and there’s no entrance fee.

Explore Nearby

• Lower Humbert Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania
• Maryland state highways — Scenic Byway in Maryland
• Maryland highway system — Scenic Byway in Maryland
• Beechdale Bridge — Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania
• South Hills — Public Land