Fall Activities Around Grantsville, Maryland
There is no better way to enjoy the splendor of fall than to visit Grantsville, Maryland. In the fall, the tree-covered mountains of Garrett County come alive with a host of colors, and visitors travel from near and far to enjoy their beauty. The community of Grantsville offers easy access to multiple state parks and Interstate 68, which makes traveling to the cities of Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Washington D.C. a short two or three-hour drive away.
The Casselman is tucked away in these mountains and is located in the heart of Grantsville. If you are looking for some relaxation this autumn season, we invite you to come and stay at our historic inn or motel or visit our restaurant and bakery. While you are here, take time to breathe in that clean mountain air and enjoy the beauty of the vibrant foliage around you.
Keep reading to learn more about some of our favorite fall activities around Grantsville, Maryland.
ATTEND THE AUTUMN GLORY FESTIVAL
The 53rd annual Autumn Glory Festival is a five-day celebration of autumn that celebrates the local fall foliage’s beauty. The Autumn Glory Festival will be held on Wednesday, October 7 through Sunday, October 11, 2020.
Garrett County’s annual Autumn Glory Festival landed in the international spotlight in 2007, when MSN.com listed it among the top fall festivals in the world. Good Housekeeping has also listed Oakland, Maryland, among the Top 50 Small Towns with the Best Fall Foliage. Travel & Leisure listed Oakland, Maryland, as the second Best Town for Fall Colors in America and TripAdvisor selected Oakland, Maryland, as one of 20 Best Fall Vacations in America for Seeing Autumn Foliage.
Though there have been a few changes made due to COVID-19, the Autumn Glory Festival will still offer many events and activities that are fun for the entire family. Check out a few of our favorites!
- The Glorious Harvest Farmers Market and Craft Show is an old-fashioned farmer’s market and craft show at the Mt. Fresh Pavillion in Oakland. There are homemade arts and crafts, homemade baked goods, pumpkins, fall decorations, homegrown fresh vegetables and fruits, jams, jellies, meats, cheese and many more items!
- The Mountain Park at Wisp Resort is offering both extreme and serene activities, including the ever-popular Mountain Coaster, the Chipmunk Challenge Course, the Spider Monkey Adventure, gem mining, disc golf, pontoon boat tours and more.
- Navigate your way through a 10-acre corn maze at Cove Run Farms.
- View autumn-themed floats at the Autumn Glory Float Contest. Floats will be on display at different locations throughout Garrett County. You can view those locations here.
- The Autumn Glory Craft and Gift Sale will offer various contemporary crafts and gifts, including woodworking, candles, painted décor, jewelry, specialty foods and much more.
- The Autumn Glory Festival Car Show Mountain Top Cruisers is the biggest car show in Garrett County. Check out all of the classic cars, antique cars, trucks, street rod cars and tractors on display.
If you would like to learn more about the dates and times of these events, other events and activities at the festival and any COVID-19 regulations, check out the Autumn Glory Festival’s online brochure here.
HAVE A PICNIC AT CASSELMAN RIVER BRIDGE STATE PARK
You may associate picnics with summertime, but the fall season is a perfect time to enjoy a picnic! There are milder temperatures, fewer bugs and best of all, you are surrounded by spectacular foliage.
Visitors often enjoy picnics at Casselman River Bridge State Park. Fly-fishing and photography are popular activities here as well. Casselman River Bridge State Park comprises four acres and is located in eastern Grantsville on Route 40.
TAKE A FALL FOLIAGE DRIVING TOUR
One of the best ways to enjoy the beautiful fall scenery of Garrett County is by taking a fall foliage driving tour. You can choose from the extended tour, which is approximately 54 miles, or the shorter tour, which is approximately 30 miles. While driving on these tours, you will have the opportunity to stop at historical spots, museums and state parks. Be advised that due to COVID-19, there may be regulations or closures at the stops suggested along these routes.
ENJOY SOME WARM, BAKED-GOODS FROM THE CASSELMAN BAKERY
Nothing feels more like the fall season than walking into the warm, comforting smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls and homemade bread in the oven. If that’s the type of experience you’re craving, visit us at The Casselman Bakery. Our bakers are hard at work every morning before the sun rises to make sure you have delicious baked goods. Not only will you find loaves of bread and cinnamon rolls, but you’ll also find fresh baked cookies, pies entirely made from scratch, breads, delicious jams, jellies and apple butter. We take pride in offering this level of freshness and quality to you every day. If you are interested in something not found on the shelf, we will be more than happy to make it for you! Our bakery even has a window where you can watch the bakers make the bread. We still make each loaf by hand, which ties into our restaurant’s heritage.
You can enjoy our fresh bakery items at our primary location in Grantsville, Maryland, and our cafe in the Deep Creek Lake area.
VISIT SWALLOW FALLS STATE PARK
One of the best places to enjoy all of the splendor that fall has to offer is at Swallow Falls State Park. Swallow Falls State Park is located nine miles north of Oakland and stretches for 257 acres. The Youghiogheny River flows along the park’s border, and the park’s forests are filled with stunning, tall hemlocks. Swallow Falls State Park contains some of Western Maryland’s most breathtaking scenery, including Maryland’s highest free-falling waterfall, Muddy Creek Falls, at 53 feet!
VISITING GRANTSVILLE THIS FALL? CHECK OUT THE CASSELMAN
If you are looking to visit Grantsville, Maryland, this autumn season, we would love for you to book a room with us at The Casselman Inn or The Casselman Motel or check out The Casselman Inn Restaurant for a delicious home-cooked meal. If you have any questions, please call us at 301-895-5055, or contact us online. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you!
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53rd Annual Autumn Glory Festival