Maryland Route 40 is packed with incredible surprises, and this road trip proves there is so much more to see than the interstate racing by nearby.
Along the way, you’ll find fascinating history, unforgettable scenery, charming small towns, scenic parks, and roadside landmarks that most travelers never take the time to explore.
Some stops only take a few minutes, while others are worth slowing down for an afternoon, giving you the perfect mix of quick photo opportunities and places you’ll want to wander.
If you’re ready for an adventure filled with plenty of hidden gems, this Maryland Route 40 itinerary is just for you.
1. Concord Point Lighthouse
Concord Point Lighthouse stands where the Susquehanna River meets the Chesapeake Bay in Havre de Grace, and has guided boats since 1827.
This 36-foot tower is the oldest continuously operated lighthouse in Maryland, with the original keeper’s house beside it now serving as a museum and gift shop.
For the best experience, join a seasonal lighthouse tour from April to October and climb the narrow steps and ladder to the top for sweeping views across the bay.
Afterwards, stroll around Concord Point Park for picnic tables, shady paths, playgrounds, and a boardwalk that stretches along the waterfront.
2. B&O Railroad Museum
Next, drive 50 minutes to the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore, where you can step into the story of American railroading at the historic Mount Clare Station.
It holds one of the world’s largest collections of 19th-century locomotives, along with beautifully restored passenger coaches and historic rolling stock.
If you love hands-on attractions, climb aboard a historic mail car, watch a moving HO-scale model train layout, and learn how the B&O Railroad was founded in 1827.
You can also hop aboard the Mile One Express for a 20-minute train ride along the nation’s first mile of commercial railroad during the April through November season.
3. Frederick
From there, it’s an hour drive to Frederick, where brick-lined streets and beautifully preserved buildings make downtown a highlight along Route 40.
Start your visit with a walk through Carroll Creek Park, a landscaped waterway stretching over one mile through the city, with fountains, restaurants, breweries, and local shops.
You can then stop by the National Museum of Civil War Medicine to explore fascinating exhibits about the medical, surgical, and nursing practices of the Civil War.
Before you leave, grab some fresh pastries at Bakehouse, browse the boutiques and antique stores on Market Street, or catch a festival like ‘In the Streets’ or ‘Alive @ Five’.
4. Hagerstown City Park
Just 30 minutes from Frederick, you’ll find Hagerstown City Park, a 50-acre green space known as “America’s Second Most Beautiful City Park.”
Here, you can enjoy a peaceful walk around the lake, watch ducks glide across the water, and visit the Jonathan Hager House Museum, the 18th-century home of the city’s founder.
If you’re interested in art, stop by the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts to see its collection of American paintings, sculptures, and textiles.
To wrap up your visit, spread out a picnic beneath the towering trees or just relax before continuing your adventure toward even more scenic stops along Route 40.
5. Fort Frederick State Park
Now continue for 25 minutes to Fort Frederick State Park, home to a 1756 stone fort, the only one built by a British colony during the French and Indian War.
To experience it up close, walk through its thick walls, explore the restored barracks, and imagine what life was like for the soldiers stationed here about 270 years ago.
For some outdoor time, wander the park’s easy hiking trails, take in peaceful views of the Potomac River, or walk a section of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath.
And if you’re here during one of the living history events, you can enjoy historical reenactments, an 18th-century market fair, and other family-friendly activities.
6. Sideling Hill
Along Route 40, stop at Sideling Hill, where one of Maryland’s most impressive road cuts exposes folded rock layers that are over 350 million years old.
Nearly 810 feet of the formation are visible here, making it the perfect stop if you love geology or want to capture some incredible photos.
To see it from a different perspective, cross the observation bridge on the eastern side of the hill, where you can take in panoramic views.
Whether you stop for a few minutes or simply pass through, this is one roadside attraction you won’t want to miss.
7. Cumberland
After taking in the dramatic rock formations, drive 30 minutes to Cumberland, the historic mountain city once known as Maryland’s “Queen City.”
Start at Canal Place, located at the western terminus of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, where you can tour a life-size canal boat replica and visit George Washington’s cabin.
You can also climb aboard the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad for a scenic ride through the Allegheny Mountains aboard a restored historic train.
Finish your visit with a stroll through Cumberland’s Historic City Center, where a three-block brick pedestrian mall is lined with restaurants, local shops, and art galleries.
8. Casselman River Bridge State Park
Wrap up your road trip at Casselman River Bridge State Park in Grantsville, where an elegant stone arch bridge built in 1813 crosses the Casselman River.
This eighty-foot structure was the longest stone arch bridge in the United States when it opened, and today you can walk across it for great views of the river below.
Once you’ve admired it, spend time exploring the park, cast a fishing line for trout, enjoy a picnic beneath tall trees, or simply unwind in the quiet surroundings.
Before heading home, stop by nearby Spruce Forest Artisan Village to browse handcrafted pottery, leather goods, bird carvings, and local artwork inside restored log cabins.
(At the time of writing, Casselman River Bridge State Park is temporarily closed for restoration and repair work, so check online for the latest updates before planning your visit.)
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