Best Motorcycle Roads & Destinations in Maryland, United States

1. Introduction

Having your motorcycle trip in Maryland or “the Old-Line State” will give you the opportunity to ride through several unique regions, each with its own challenging terrain that you will have to navigate. Heading to the eastern region, you will encounter flatlands full of farms, beaches, and rivers. The capital region includes its capital city of Annapolis and has plenty of cultural and historical exhibits. Central Maryland has plenty of rolling hills which take you into urban centers. In the southern region, there are no shortage of nature preserves and historical sites for you to visit. Finally, the western region comes close to the Appalachian Mountains and takes you by many lakefronts.

This article is intended to provide a list of Maryland’s famous motorcycle roads and destinations including supplementary information on this state’s motorcycle laws and possible luggage options.

2. Best Roads and Destinations in Maryland

Best Roads and Destinations in Maryland

2.1 Catoctin Mountain & Frederick County

Distance: 64 miles
Time: 1 hour 41 minutes
Start: Libertytown
End: Liberty town

Starting in Liberty town, you may be lucky enough to check out the Frederick County Craft Beverage Festival if you happen to visit during the right season. Heading straight northwest on Maryland Route 550, you will pass by Woodsboro Park, Creager town Park, and East End Park until you make it to Thurmont.

Continuing northwest, you will pass between Seymour B. Cooper Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary and Catoctin Mountain Park. You should be able to make out the Blue Ridge Summer Vista and Thurmont Vista from the distance as you curve around the northeastern edge of Catoctin Mountain Park. When you finally make it to Sabellas Ville, you will begin to loop back around.

Heading southwest on Maryland Route 491, you may want to take a slight detour to head up to High Rock, a rocky overlook that is covered in colorful graffiti. Continuing towards Smithsburg, you will pass by Catoctin Trail Trailhead, Hagerstown Watershed, and Allenberg Orchards.

Heading east back towards Thurmont on Maryland Route 77, you will drive into the heart of the Catoctin Mountain Park. You will pass by Cunningham Falls, Huntington Creek Lake, and Chimney Rock. After you depart from Thurmont, continue on Rocky Ridge Road towards Union Bridge. You will encounter the Big Slide Mount Tabor Park at Rocky Ridge and Double Pipe Creek Park along the way.

The remainder of this route will be winding southward on Green Valley Road back towards your starting point at Liberty town.

2.2 Charles County Loop Along the Potomac River

Distance: 57 miles
Time: 1 hour 19 minutes
Start: Bel Alton
End: La Plata

Before you depart from Bel Alton, you should sample the drinks at Apehangers Bar & Grill or The Green’s Liquor. As you travel on Chapel Point Road, you will be in close proximity to Chapel Point State Park, Warehouse Point, and Port Tobacco River Park. As you draw closer to Port Tobacco, you will catch sight of Chandler’s Hope, the Port Tobacco Historic District, and Port Tobacco One-Room School House.

As you wind around the branches of the Nanjemoy Creek, you will be within the vicinity of Friendship Farm Park, Melwood Recreation Center, and Riverside Wildlife Management Area. After clearing the bottom curve of the route, you will head northward on Maryland Route 224 which will take you by Silverbrook Beach, Clifton Beach, Purse State Park, Mallows Bay Park, Smallwood State Park, and Mattawoman State Natural Environmental Area.

Heading eastward on Hawthorne Road, you will pass by Myrtle Grove Wilderness Management Area and La Plata Park. If you are willing to take a slight detour, you can also go check out the Thomas Stone National Historic Site. Either way, you eventually reach your final destination in La Plata.

2.3 St. Mary’s County Loop

Distance: 64 miles
Time: 1 hour 31 minutes
Start: Leachburg
End: Leachburg

As you head northwest on Three Notch Road, you will pass by John G. Lancaster Park and Lexington Manor Passive Park. If you have an interest in artifacts and aircraft that were developed and tested by the U.S. Navy, you should make sure to stop by Patuxent River Naval Air Museum.

After you have cleared the northern bend of the loop, you will pass by the edges of St. Mary’s State Park, St. Andres Estates Park, and Salem State Forest. Heading towards the west on St. Andrews Church Road, you will eventually make it to Leonardtown. You should be able to check out the Old Jail Museum & Leonardtown Visitor Center or Tudor Hall. If you wish to admire McIntosh Run, you can head down to Leonardtown Wharf Park.

Heading southeast on Medley Neck Road, you will be able to make out Jubilee Farm and Mulberry Fields Historic Site between you and the Potomac River. At the first bend on the southern side of the loop, you will be in close proximity to George B. Cecil Park.

Traveling alongside St. Mary’s River while heading southward on the Point Lookout Road, you will pass by St. Mary’s City Historic Park, Cardinal Gibbons Memorial Park, and Confederate Memorial Park, Inc. You will eventually arrive in Point Lookout State Park which is right beside the Chesapeake Bay. If you continue towards the beachfront, you should find yourself underneath the Point Lookout Lighthouse.

2.4 The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Loop

Distance: 41 miles
Time: 1 hour 1 minute
Start: Church Creek
End: Cambridge

Heading south away from Church Creek, you will enter the middle region of the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. Turning towards the east on Key Wallace Drive, you will pass by the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, and Blackwater Refuge. If you are interested in exploring the wilderness, you can trek towards Osprey Nest, Woods Trail, Marsh Edge Trail, and Key Wallace Hiking Trail.

Exiting Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, you will continue to head east until you catch sight of Harriet Tubman’s Childhood Home, Bucktown General Store, and Decoursey Bridge. When you have made it to Vienna, you will turn around the right bend and begin to head west towards Cambridge. But before you go, you should check out the Vienna Waterfront Park and the Nanticoke River.

Traveling on Ocean Gateway, you will be able to admire the natural scenery of Linkwood Wildlife Management Area. As you draw closer to your final destination, you will be able to get a better view of Choptank River. In Cambridge, you can learn about the historical figure at the Harriet Tubman Museum and Education Center.

2.5 Maryland Panhandle History Run

Distance: 129 miles
Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Start: Frederick
End: Accident

While you are still in Frederick, you may be able to check out the art galleries at the Delaplaine Arts Center. You can also check out exhibits of how soldiers were treated at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. If you wish to know more about the Civil War, you can visit Barbara Fritchie House, a woman who defied General Stonewall Jackson by waving the U.S. flag and lived.

Heading out on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, you will pass by and travel through Gambrill State Park, Greenbrier State Park, and South Mountain State Park. When you are in Hagerstown, you can check out the exhibits at Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum, and Jonathan Hager House Museum.

Continuing towards the west, you will travel on the National Freeway which will take you through and beside Green Ridge State Forest and Rocky Gap State Park. In Cumberland, you can check out the exhibits at Allegany Museum. If you have any interest in locomotives, you can take a look at the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.

For the final leg of the trip, you will continue to head westward towards Accident. You will be able to take a look at the natural scenery of Savage River State Forest, New Germany State Park, and Casselman River Bridge State Park.

2.6 Jefferson to Downsville

Distance: 30 miles
Time: 38 minutes
Start: Jefferson
End: Downsville

Heading westward away from Jefferson while traveling via the U.S. Route 340, you can get a quick bite to eat at the Brookside Inn. Approaching the bend at the southern tip of Gathland State Park, you will be close to the Maryland-Virginia border. You will pass by Weverton Cliffs, Pleasant Valley, and the Appalachian Trail and C&O Canal.

Turning northward as you travel on Rohrersville Road, you will ride alongside the western edges of Gathland State Park. When you transition towards the northwest, you will pass by Mt. Briar Wetlands Preserve.

The highlight of this route will be when you make it to the Antietam National Battlefield. You can head on over to the Antietam Battlefield Observation Tower if you wish to scan the surrounding landscape and imagine what it was like during the Civil War.

2.7 Turkey Point Lighthouse Run

Distance: 18 miles
Time: 30 minutes
Start: Elkton
End: Turkey Point Lighthouse

If you choose to hang around Elkton, you have the chance to relax by hanging around Meadow Park or Hollingsworth Park. If you consider yourself a history enthusiast, you should check out the Historical Society of Cecil County. After traveling a bit on West Pulaski Highway, you will turn southward onto Old Elk Neck Road.

As you navigate the twisty roads, you will travel through an eastern region of the Elk Neck State Forest. If you decide to park nearby, you can follow the map that takes you deeper into the Elk Neck Arboretum.

Continuing to head towards the end of the peninsula, you will win around until you enter Elk Neck State Park. There are many natural points of interest including Timber Neck, Rocky Point, Thackery Point, and Turkey Point. When you get to the shore of Elk River, you should find yourself within the shadow of Turkey Point Lighthouse.

2.8 Frederick to Point of Rocks

Distance: 24 miles
Time: 42 minutes
Start: Frederick
End: Point of Rocks

Starting in Frederick, you can check out the models and miniatures that are on display at the Roads and Rails Museum. If you are looking to enjoy some peace and quiet before you set off on your motorcycle, you can take a gander through Baker Park, Carroll Creek Park, or Max Kehne Memorial Park.

After you leave the premises of the city, you will turn southward while transferring between several different roads including Mt. Phillip Road, Mt. Zion Road, Cap Stine Road, and Manor Woods Road. Following all of the swerving, you will have a straight path along Maryland Route 85 that will take you by Mayne’s Tree Farm and Thanksgiving Farms Unique Garden if you are traveling during the festive months.

During the last leg of the trip, you will travel westward on Tuscarora Road in the direction of Point of Rocks. If you are in the mood for something sweet, you should pick up an ice cream at Rocky Point Creamery. After making it to Point of Rocks, you can check out the Point of Rocks Overlook or take a rest at the Point of Rocks Community Park.

2.9 Savage River Road

Distance: 12 miles
Time: 22 minutes
Start: Merrill
End: Bloomington

Departing at the edges of the Savage River National Forest, you will head southward with most of your surroundings including rivers, mountains, rock formations, and dense forests. As you pass outside the Bear Pen Run Natural Area, you will come across the Buzz One Four Memorial. This was dedicated to the crew of a crashed Boeing B-52D bomber and the search and rescue teams who set out to find them.

Continuing towards the south, you have the chance to stretch your legs by hiking up to High Rock Summit. You will also coast around the edge of the South Savage Mountain Natural Area. Most of the road will have lots of sweeping curves and have 90 degree turns as you finally arrive in Bloomington.

2.10Maryland South Mountain Loo p

Distance: 34 miles
Time: 50 minutes
Start: Smithsburg
End: Boonsboro

Heading southward away from Smithsburg, you will pass through the northern tip of the South Mountain State Park. If you wish to engage in camping, you can find a spot to set up at Ensign Cowall Shelter. After leaving the wilderness behind, you will be able to take a rest stop at Wolfsville. You can acquire supplies, refuel your motorcycle, or hang out at Wolfsville Ruritan Community Park.

Continuing onward on Harp Hill Road and Wolfsville Road, you will pass by Doub’s Meadow Park and Gaver Park. When you make it to Middleton, you can spend some time decompressing by checking out the War Memorial, High School Watchtower, and Remsberg Park.

As you clear the southern bend of the loop, you will pass through Gathland State Park before turning northward on Maryland Route 67. You will be within the vicinity of Pleasant Valley Park, Mt. Briar Wetlands Preserve as you draw closer to Boonsboro.

2.11 Baltimore to The “Loopty Loop”

Distance: 86 miles
Time: 1 hour 49 minutes
Start: Baltimore, MD
End: Inwood, WV

You may spend most of your time exploring Baltimore before you depart on your motorcycle. You can check out the exotic aquatic wildlife being held at the National Aquarium. You can admire the exhibits at the Walters Art Museum or the American Visionary Art Museum. You can even learn about famous figures at the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum or the Babe Ruth Birthplace & Museum.

Heading westward, you will exit the premises of the city only to be met by Leakin Park and Patapsco Valley State Park. Continuing on the Baltimore National Pike, you will come in close proximity to Howard County Living Farm Heritage Museum, Crest Lawn Memorial Gardens, and Pfefferkorn Natural Environmental Area.

After you have passed Frederick, you will notice Ballenger Creek Park and Othello Regional Park on the left-hand side of the highway you travel on towards the southern tip of Gathland State Park.

Crossing over into West Virginia, you will have made it to Harpers Ferry. You can check out an important structure during the Civil War referred to as John Brown’s Fort. You can also see the remnants of the Bolivar Heights Battlefield. Before you leave on William L. Wilson Freeway, you could explore the wilderness of the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

Completing the last leg of the journey by making it to Inwood, much of your surroundings will be rural areas and farmlands accompanied by plenty of rolling hills. There should be low traffic at this point while you navigate smooth yet windy roads that make you feel like you are on a roller coaster.

3. Motorcycle Laws in Maryland

Motorcycle Laws in Maryland

3.1 Maryland Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Maryland is a state that follows a universal motorcycle helmet policy. This requires motorcyclists of every age to wear a motorcycle helmet whenever they are operating their vehicles.

The types of motorcycle helmets accepted in Maryland are three-quarter and full-face helmets. Both models have been approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation, were manufactured by the Snell Memorial Foundation, and provide both ample protection and visibility.

As you select your motorcycle helmet, check that they meet the following requirements and are designed with the proper features:

Has a Department of Transportation (DOT) sticker
Can be fitted around your head snugly
No visible signs of damage
Has a face shield with no scratches (Full-face helmet only)
Requires separate eye protection with no scratches (Three-quarter helmet only)
Has a hard and durable outer shell that is shatter-resistant
Gives you a clear, peripheral view
Can be fastened with a neck- or chin-strap
Allows airflow without fogging up
Can allow you to wear sunglasses or goggles underneath

3.2 Maryland Motorcycle Passenger Laws

As Maryland does not have a minimum age requirement for motorcycle passengers, they all must be wearing protective gear when they are seated behind you.

You are only allowed to transport a passenger on your motorcycle if it is fitted with the following equipment: a designated passenger seat, handholds, and footrests.

The passenger seat can either be fixed to the side as a sidecar, at the rear as a separate saddle, or at the back of a large driver’s seat.

Characteristics to look for in potential passengers are individuals who listen to directions, follow your movements, cannot be carrying packages in their arms, are wearing protective attire, and can reach the footrests.

3.3 Maryland Motorcycle Equipment Requirements

Part of your responsibility as a rider is to take your motorcycle in for periodic vehicle and safety inspections. Even if there have never been occasions where your motorcycle collided with a large object nor was hit by flying debris, it is best to check that the primary components are working properly. Not only would it confirm that your motorcycle is currently working at optimal capacity, but it would help avoid being pulled over by the police. In the event that your motorcycle has faulty equipment, you have the option of taking it into the inspection station, a repair shop, or providing maintenance yourself.

You need the following minimum requirements fitted to your motorcycle for the vehicle to meet the safety requirements in Maryland. They must be working at optimal capacity to help you quickly avoid obstacles, improve your visibility to other drivers, and increase awareness of your surroundings:

Horn
Wheels
Tires
Handlebars
Front & Rear Brakes
Controls
Headlight
Rear light
Brake Light
Turn Signals
Exhaust System
Muffler
Rearview Mirrors
Fenders
Footrests

3.4 Maryland Lane Splitting Laws

In Maryland, any motorcyclists that are caught lane splitting will be penalized by local law enforcement. You cannot ride on top of the dividing lines in between traffic lanes, ride in between adjacent rows of stopped vehicles, nor attempt to overtake a larger vehicle in front of you while both of you are traveling in the same lane.

On the other hand, you are entitled to make full use of the whole space within the lane you are currently traveling in. You also can lane share with another rider so long as both of you do stay apart at least two abreast and consent to this beforehand.

4. Motorcycle Luggage for Maryland Motorcycle Tour

Motorcycle Luggage for Maryland Motorcycle Tour

Depending on the size of your motorcycle’s fuel tank and how far you plan to travel, you might need to take a few rest stops along the way. If you also happen to come across any interesting roadside attractions, that could be a good reason to spend time off of your motorcycle. Based on which activities you decide to take part in, you may need access to easy-to-carry items to help enhance your experience such as your camera, phone, wallet, etc. But to help make it easier to carry your belongings, whether aboard your motorcycle or when you are on foot, you need appropriate baggage suited to your motorcycle’s model, make, and year.

Listed below are the motorcycle luggage options you can choose from. All of them have zippered and/or mesh pockets, are made of durable and weather-resistant materials, and come with an installation guide for easy mounting. They differ in terms of design, color, size, and placement position to offer you diverse choices:

5. Parting Words

Though you may be heading to Maryland to enjoy a carefree yet exhilarating adventure alone with your motorcycle, there is no harm in being extra careful when making preparations. Even if you are confident in your riding skills, taking the time to review the rules of the road, examining your motorcycle’s condition, and checking inventory in the motorcycle luggage could save you a lot of grief in the future.

Complying with Maryland’s motorcycle laws will help promote better safety for yourself and other drivers while on the road. Whether you are a resident or an out-of-state tourist, knowing what is considered proper motorcyclist behavior and what equipment makes a motorcycle street legal is part of your responsibility. Plus, it will help you to avoid being pulled over by the local law enforcement in Maryland.

As you explore Maryland’s routes and locations, do not be afraid to take detours or research other highways that intersect with your intended path. You never know when there can be roadside attractions, historical sites, or the like just a bit off the beaten path. Just because specific roads and destinations are not as well-known, that does not make them any less interesting to visit. If you discover any hidden gems, just make sure that you have the items you need in your baggage to help make it easier to have fun when on foot. There is no harm delaying your departure in favor of looking over your checklist a few more times.

Remember to act responsibly as you handle your motorcycle and remember to make the most of your experience as you set out on your Maryland motorcycle trip.