10 Easy Road Trips from Hagerstown, MD: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Washington County
If you live in or around
Hagerstown, Maryland and feel like you’ve “done it all,” you’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you can explore mountain views, historic battlefields, river towns, and charming downtowns in four different states.
The best part? These are all
out-of-county road trips—so you’ll actually feel like you got away, even if you’re back home by dinner.
Below are 10 short road trip ideas from Hagerstown that take you into nearby counties in
Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia:
1. Frederick, Maryland – Historic Streets and Craft Beer Vibes (Frederick County, MD)
Frederick is about a 30–40 minute drive east of Hagerstown, but it feels like a totally different world. Picture brick sidewalks, church spires, and a walkable downtown lined with shops and restaurants.
Top things to do in Frederick:
- Stroll along Carroll Creek Park – a long, landscaped canal with bridges, public art, and seasonal festivals.
- Explore the boutiques and antique shops on Market Street.
- Sample local beers at spots like Attaboy Beer or Olde Mother Brewing.
- Visit the National Museum of Civil War Medicine.
If you like day trips that mix food, history, and window shopping, Frederick checks all the boxes. It’s an easy place to park once and walk everywhere.
2. Catoctin Mountain Adventures – Hiking, Views, and Wildlife (Frederick County, MD)
Head a bit farther northeast from Frederick and you’ll swap city streets for mountain air. The
Catoctin Mountain area offers some of the best outdoor things to do near Hagerstown.
Highlights in the Catoctin area:
- Catoctin Mountain Park – Hike to scenic overlooks like Chimney Rock and Wolf Rock. Trails range from easy to moderate.
- Gambrill State Park – Great picnic spots and short hikes with views over the Frederick Valley.
- Cunningham Falls State Park – See one of Maryland’s largest cascading waterfalls and relax by the lake in warmer months.
Bring sturdy shoes, some water, and a light snack. This is a perfect half-day escape when you need trees instead of traffic lights.
3. Scenic Drive to Cumberland, Maryland – Mountains and Rail History (Allegany County, MD)
If you don’t mind about a 1.5-hour drive west, a trip to
Cumberland makes a great full-day road adventure. The route along I-68 offers rolling mountain views and long stretches of peaceful highway.
Things to do in and around Cumberland:
- Walk the historic downtown and grab lunch at a local café.
- Check out the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad for a heritage train ride (great for families).
- Bike or walk along the C&O Canal Towpath, which runs right through town.
- Drive up to Rocky Gap State Park (nearby) for lakeside views and short hikes.
If you enjoy history, trains, and mountain scenery, this Allegany County road trip is a solid pick.
4. Chambersburg, Pennsylvania – Small-Town Charm and Civil War Stories (Franklin County, PA)
Just 25–30 minutes north of Hagerstown,
Chambersburg makes for an easy, low-stress road trip. It’s close, but the change of scenery—and the state line—gives it that mini-getaway feel.
What to do in Chambersburg:
- Walk around the downtown square and check out local shops.
- Visit the Old Jail, which has ties to the Underground Railroad.
- Look for murals and historic markers related to the town’s Civil War history.
- Stop into a local bakery or coffee shop for a treat before heading back.
If you like history but want something quieter than the big-name battlefields, Chambersburg is a nice fit.
5. Tuscarora Mountain and Cowans Gap – Forest Escape (Fulton County, PA)
Looking for a laid-back nature trip? Head north-northwest into
Fulton County, Pennsylvania, where life moves a little slower and the forests get a little thicker.
Don’t miss:
- Cowans Gap State Park – A scenic lake surrounded by wooded hills. Great for picnicking, swimming in summer, or simple walks.
- Mountain drives along Tuscarora Mountain with pull-offs for photos.
This is the kind of place where you roll down the windows, breathe in the pine scent, and forget about your email for a few hours.
6. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia – Where History Meets Hiking (Jefferson County, WV)
About 45–60 minutes southwest of Hagerstown,
Harpers Ferry sits right where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet, and where West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia come together.
Why it’s a must-do road trip:
- Wander the preserved streets of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
- Walk a stretch of the Appalachian Trail that runs through town.
- Take in river views from the old railroad bridges and overlooks.
- Browse bookstores, gear shops, and cafés in the lower town.
If you like a mix of walking, light hiking, history, and scenic views, Harpers Ferry is hard to beat for a day trip.
7. Shepherdstown, West Virginia – Artsy, Laid-Back River Town (Jefferson County, WV)
Just a short hop from Harpers Ferry (and about 35–45 minutes from Hagerstown),
Shepherdstown has a completely different vibe—more artsy college town, less battlefield.
What to do in Shepherdstown:
- Stroll German Street, lined with shops, cafés, and bookstores.
- Look for live music or theater events tied to Shepherd University.
- Walk down toward the Potomac River for a peaceful riverside break.
Shepherdstown is an easy place to spend a lazy afternoon. Park once, wander, eat, repeat.
8. Berkeley Springs, West Virginia – Spas, Springs, and Slower Days (Morgan County, WV)
If you’ve been craving a bit of self-care, point your car west toward
Berkeley Springs, about an hour from Hagerstown.
Why people love Berkeley Springs:
- Berkeley Springs State Park – Famous mineral springs right in the middle of town.
- Book a soak or massage at one of the town’s spa centers.
- Explore local art galleries and specialty shops.
- Drive up to Prospect Peak for an impressive overlook of the Potomac River and surrounding hills.
This is one of the best relaxing road trips near Hagerstown—perfect for a low-key Saturday or a couples’ day out.
9. Charles Town & the Hollywood Casino – Lights, Horses, and History (Jefferson County, WV)
If you want a road trip with a little more energy, head to
Charles Town, about 45–55 minutes away.
Things to do in Charles Town:
- Visit Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races for gaming and live horse racing.
- Walk through the historic downtown and check out buildings tied to the Washington family.
- Grab dinner at a local restaurant before heading home.
This is a good option if you’re planning an adults-only night out close to Hagerstown.
10. Loudoun County Wine & Countryside Drive (Loudoun County, VA)
To the south, just across the Potomac River in Virginia, you’ll find rolling hills, vineyards, and charming small towns in
Loudoun County. Depending on where you go, it’s usually 45–75 minutes from Hagerstown.
Ideas for a Loudoun County road trip:
- Visit wineries or cideries scattered across the countryside.
- Explore historic towns like Leesburg, with its brick-lined downtown and antique shops.
- Drive quiet backroads and stop at roadside farm stands in season.
If you’re looking for a scenic drive with grown-up stops—wine tastings, country views, farm-to-table meals—Loudoun County is a great pick.
Tips for Planning Your Hagerstown-Area Road Trips
A few simple tips can turn a quick drive into a memorable day:
- Check drive times before you go so you know how much exploring time you’ll have.
- Pack a basic bag with water, snacks, a light jacket, and comfortable walking shoes.
- Look up hours for museums, parks, and restaurants—especially in smaller towns.
- Bring a backup plan (a second hike, another café) in case something is closed or crowded.
You don’t need a week off or a long flight to feel refreshed. These
short road trips from Hagerstown prove that a simple day on the road can be enough.
Where Will You Drive Next?
From
Frederick’s breweries to
Berkeley Springs’ mineral baths and
Harpers Ferry’s river views, you’ve got a full menu of out-of-county adventures waiting just beyond Hagerstown and Washington County.
Which of these road trips would you try first? Have you already visited any of these spots?
- Share this post with a friend or family member who’s always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.”
- Drop a comment with your favorite day trip near Hagerstown—or one I should add to a future list.
Your ideas and experiences help other travelers discover new places, so don’t be shy—join the conversation and help fellow locals plan their next mini escape.
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