Fall Foliage Hikes
Maryland has some of the best places to take in the fall foliage. It isn’t long that you can see the autumn colors fill the trees, so check out these trails to take advantage of this time of year.
Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge: This wildlife refuge on the Eastern Shore is a great place to enjoy the views of nature, both birds and foliage. Once you get on Eastern Neck Island, there are seven trails and boardwalks to choose from. Fall is the best time to walk along the Tubby Cove Boardwalk. This boardwalk is about a quarter-mile round trip and brings you through the beautiful trees. Once you get that warm-up in, walk the Duck Inn Trail. This trail is through wooded area and the tall grasses, leaving you in the deciduous trees at the bank of the Chester River.
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC): SERC has a series of three trails in Edgewater waiting to be explored. Two of the trails start at the Reed Education Center, both just 1.3 miles long. Keep a look out for Java History Trail. This trail has been used by Native Americans, farmers and scientists for years. The trail takes you through the forest, and through time.
Charter Boats on the Bay
Fall has the best weather to get out on the boat. Pack a cooler and charter a boat for the day, or even just for half the day. The water is as warm as it is going to get, throw on a sweatshirt at the end of the day and see the lighthouses of the Chesapeake Bay.
Thomas Point Lighthouse Cruise: Take a cruise around the lighthouses of the Chesapeake Bay right out of Ego Alley. Take part in the Ghost Tour and share ghost stories and pirate tales on the Spirits and Spirits tour or tour the Severn River or Spa Creek. Watermarkjourney.com.
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum River Cruises: Contact Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels to cruise on Winnie Estelle. This 45-minute scenic cruise will take you through the Miles River and can accommodate up to 32 passengers. Cbmm.org or 410-745-4944.
See the beautiful views of the Eastern Shore by chartering a boat in Chesapeake City, Solomon’s Island, St Michaels, or beyond. Easily book a charter through Haven Charters, Chesapeake Bay Charters, or one of the many other options on the Chesapeake Bay. Whether you want to fish or just sit back and relax, being on a boat will put you in the right frame of mind.
Charter Fishing on the Chesapeake: There are many, many charter fishing vessels at the ready to put you on the fish this fall. Rockfish season is at its year-end prime during the fall and popular cities to fish out from include Chesapeake Beach and Solomons Island, each with a fleet of charter boats and captains that can accommodate a range of party sizes. To learn more and book your trip, visit Chesapeakefishingcharters.com or Fishsolomons.com.
Haunted Harbor Tours
Celebrate Halloween all month with a Haunted Harbor Tour in Annapolis. If you think you know Annapolis, just wait. This 90-minute tour starts at 1 Dock Street and ends at the State House. Not spooked enough yet? Stay for a bonus tour around the most haunted grounds of Annapolis: St. John’s College. Can you handle it? Sign up to learn a whole new side of Annapolis history at Hauntedharbortours.com.
After you conquer the scary truth about Annapolis, face the Eastern Shore with Chesapeake Ghost Tours. They offer 11 different city tours, including Ocean City, Salisbury, Denton, St Michaels and Easton. Chesapeake Ghost Tours also offers bus tours to find the hidden, haunted spots in Talbot County and includes passing through three graveyards. Sign up for a tour at Chesapeakeghosttours.com.
Fall Festivities
Now is the time to check things off your fall to-do list, including picking your own pumpkins, making them into jack-o-lanterns, conquering the corn maze, and drinking as much apple cider as you can.
The Maryland Corn Maze: Each year, The Maryland Corn Maze in Gambrills puts together an unforgettable corn maze. This year, the theme of the maze is Harry Potter. After you find your way through Hogwarts (the maze), play with Quidditch sling shots, enjoy fall games and activities, and much more. Mdcornmaze.com.
Homestead Gardens Fall Festival: Traditionally held annually through the month of October, this fall festival features activities for all ages (pumpkin patch, barnyard animals, hay rides, kids crafts, kids playground activities, beer trailer for the adults, live music, and apple cider donuts). Check Homesteadgardens.com for the latest updates and COVID19-related adjustments.
Queen Anne Farm: Continue the family tradition by picking your own pumpkins and mums in Mitchellville. Jump on the back of the tractor pulled hay wagon and pose for pictures with the Pumpkin House. Queenannefarm.com.
Y Worry Farm: Find plenty of pumpkins in Davidsonville at Y Worry Farm. Try their corn maze and fall snack shack. Check out what they have to offer on Facebook.
