A trip through Maryland

Hi all,

in mid August we are travelling to NYC from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. We are two parents, three girls (5,9,12) and two grandparents (sportive and in a very good shape, hiking-wise).

We would like to take the opportunity and to come back home not via the I-95, but through scenic driveways and beautiful stops in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. We have ~ 3 days for the trip back.

We plan to start by going west to Bushkill falls ans spend some time there and then continue south west towards Hershey (three girls, remember?..).

Any ideas and tips?

I though about the option of continuing southwest to Shenandoah valley and then through the skyline drive and the Blue ridge, to get back home. However, I am not so sure whether these beutiful roads are much of an attraction during mid-August. I%26#39;d be happy to get any impressions about this issue too.

Thank you very much

A trip through Maryland

From Hershey, you have a great opportunity to visit Gettysburg, which would be a shame to miss since you will be so close.

From there, you can easily drive to Catoctin Mountain National Park (Rt 15). There are several nice hikes you could all easily do in a few hours (or less) in Catoctin or adjoing Cumberland Falls State Park.

After Catoctin, you can continuing driving southwest to one of my favorite places, Harper%26#39;s Ferry. You can visit the historic town, hike some trails, or even do a rafting trip on the Shenandoah or Potomac river. Tubing is a lot fun, too.

Once you leave Harpers Ferry, it%26#39;s an easy drive to Shenandoah National Park. Personally, I would enjoy taking this route much more than driving down 95, not so much for the roads, but for the chance to see places like the ones I described along the way.

A trip through Maryland

Wow, there is so much cool stuff between Chapel Hill and NYC! Three days really limits you to only a couple of sights.

I agree with the previous poster about Gettysburg Battlefield - it%26#39;s a must see. Harper%26#39;s Ferry, WV is a beautiful town, and there are some great hikes on the Potomac and Shenadoah Rivers there in addition to the Civil War stuff. Depending on your interest, there is also the Antietem Battlefield and the Monocacy Battlefield in that same area.

The Skyline Drive/Blue Ridge Parkway is an incredible drive. It is beautiful in all seasons, and there are many places to stop and walk around, in Shenandoah Park, and all up and down the Blue Ridge Parkway.

In the area of I-81 there are some excellent Virginia wineries. Monticello (Thomas Jefferson%26#39;s home near Charlottesville, VA) is an amazing place, and the Frontier Museum in Staunton, VA would be good for the children.

Near I-70/270 in Maryland (on the way to Gettysburg) are some Maryland wineries, and some nice hikes in the Allegheny Mountains.

Of course, on I-95 you have the wealth of activities in DC, Balitimore, and Philly.

Good luck! I%26#39;m curious what you decide to do!