59th Annual Autumn Glory Festival

These self guided driving tours will highlight the splendor of Garrett County's fall foliage in the Southern and Northern end of the county. While traveling along some of Maryland's Scenic Byways, you'll see the gorgeous colors of fall everywhere you look. Take your time, drive a little slower and take in the beauty of autumn! Don't forget to have your camera ready!! You won't be surprised if you have some some wildlife sightings on these gorgeous fall days. There really is no better way to spend an autumn day in Garrett County.

 

Self Guided Fall Foliage Short Driving Tour

 

Tour Highlights: Barn Quilts, Cranesville Swamp, Herrington Manor State Park, Swallow Falls State Park, Muddy Creek Falls and Tolliver Falls

Approximate Tour Time: 55 minutes
Approximate Tour Distance: 26 miles

Directions:

1. Start at the Garrett County Visitors Center at 15 Visitors Center Drive, McHenry, MD 21541.

2. Turn LEFT onto Garrett Highway (US-219, North)

3.Turn LEFT onto Sang Run Road

4. At the bottom of the hill, at the intersection, take a LEFT turn to continue on Sang Run Road. (Side stop, at the intersection, pullover somewhere safe to stop and see #9 Sallie’s T Barn Quilt owned by Reed Rodeheaver)

5. Continue onto Sang Run Rd and travel approximately 2 Miles

6. Friend’s Store will be on the right. (There is also a barn Quilt on the Friend’s Store - #18 Flying Geese owned by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.)

Historically, the Friend family proprietor sold food staples in the tiny store and also bought, sold and traded ginseng for the local residents. Although no longer open to the public, it is a great stop to view this historic building.

7. Head west on Sang Run Rd

8. Turn LEFT to continue on Sang Run, go approximately 3 Miles

8. Turn LEFT onto Cranesville Rd at the stop sign

(Optional stop: Cranesville Swamp follow steps 9-14, or skip and continue to step 15)

9. Go approximately 3 miles Turn RIGHT onto Lake Ford Rd, Entering West Virginia

10. Continue straight for 1 mile onto Feather Rd (gravel road)

11. Turn RIGHT onto Cranesville Swamp small parking pull off. (Marked with a large rock and mounted sign)

The Cranesville Swamp is located in a frost pocket, an area where the surrounding hills capture moisture and cold air that conspire to create a landscape more reminiscent of habitat found much further north in Canada. There are several trails and opportunities for glimpses of more than 50 rare plants and a variety of animals.

12. Head back toward Cranesville Rd

13. Continue onto Lake Ford Rd

14. Turn right onto Cranesville Rd

15. Go approximately 6.5 miles, Turn left onto Swallow Falls Rd

16. This route will take you past Swallow Falls State Park **please note the park could currently be requiring reservations, please check Swallow Falls State Park to verify and make any require reservations.**

Swallow Falls State Park is home to several waterfalls including Maryland’s highest free-falling waterfall, Muddy Creek Falls, Swallow Falls and Tolliver Falls. Beautiful hiking and photo opportunities abound in this park.

17. Turn left onto Oakland Sang Run Rd at the stop sign

18. Make a slight left to stay on Oakland Sang Run Rd.

19. 1.5 miles then turn right onto Shingle Camp Rd

(On the left is The Fork Run trail system features fantastic hiking and mountain biking opportunities.)

20. Continue 2.2 miles down Shingle Camp Road to the stop sign

21. Turn LEFT onto Wisp Mountain Road

22. Go 1.2 miles, Turn RIGHT onto Overlook Pass

23. Turn LEFT onto Marsh Hill Road at the stop sign

24. Turn RIGHT onto Sang Run Road at the stop sign

25. Turn RIGHT onto Garrett Highway at the stop sign

26. Turn right onto Visitors Center Dr, the Visitors Center will be on the left.