Road Trips

Home to America's First Road Trip

Home to Mile Marker "0" of the Historic National Road, America's first federally-funded highway, Mountain Maryland is the perfect place to plan your next road trip to find inviting views, magical main streets, enduring history, and engaging places.

Hit the Open Road

There's nothing more exhilarating than hitting the open road to discover pieces of America's history and the splendor of the great outdoors. America's first road trip started here in Allegany County at mile marker "0" of the Historic National Road - a road that expanded trade and commerce, fueled westward migration, and set the foundation for modern federal highway systems across America. Today, we have many scenic routes to take as you explore Allegany County from your car. Travel along our scenic byways, including the Historic National Road, beverage tours, scenic overlooks, and ice cream trails using the road trip itineraries below.

Scenic Byways

Allegany County is home to three of Maryland's 15 scenic byways, each worth exploring and unique to their regions throughout the Old Line State by representing the landscape, history, and recreational opportunities.

Road Trip Itineraries

America's First Road Trip - Historic National Road

America's First Road Trip starts here in Allegany County at mile "0" of the Historic National Road. In 1806, Thomas Jefferson championed the development of the National Road, the first federally-funded highway, as a way to connect trade and commerce from westward migration to colonies along the eastern seaboard, and by mid-century, the road stretched from Cumberland, MD, to St. Louis, MO, spurring continued westward migration and the development of communities and businesses along the way. Its development laid the foundation for the modern federal highway system and affectionately became known as the “Road that Built a Nation.” You could say, the National Road was America’s first road trip.

Be a pioneer as you follow America's oldest highway, the Historic National Road, to discover important parts of early American history and outdoor adventure. This two‐day journey takes you on 45 miles of scenic byway as you uncover national landmarks, vibrant downtowns, and culinary delights.

Green Ridge State Forest Scenic Overlook Driving Tour

This 44-mile driving tour winds you through the 47,560-acre Green Ridge State Forest, Maryland's largest contiguous state forest, to some of Mountain Maryland's most spectacular overlooks. A turn-by-turn guide gives you information about the history, ecology, and cultural heritage of the forest as you traverse on the two-hour, self-guided trail. For added enjoyment, be sure to bring a packed lunch, binoculars, a camera, GPS Units, and field guides. If you are using the Google Maps route below, be sure to download the local maps. Cell service is scarce through the forest.

Allegany County Ice Cream Trail

Follow along Mountain Maryland's coolest trail, the Allegany County Ice Cream Trail, taking you to our most notable ice cream stops, featuring homemade custards, adult milkshakes, delicious flavor combinations, generous portions, and more. This is one trail that will lead you to an ultimately sweet landing. Enjoy!

Mountain Maryland Tap and Pour Tour

For a little lift in spirits, be sure to hit Mountain Maryland's Tap and Pour Craft Beverage Tour, visiting some of the area's award-winning wineries, breweries, and distilleries. 

George Washington Trail 1753

Follow along the George Washington Trail 1753 through Allegany County, the Mountain Side of Maryland. Throughout Allegany County, going west from Oldtown, Maryland, to the crest of Savage Mountain, George Washington’s familiar profile is depicted on blue signs along our scenic byways and city streets. Serving as a marker for George Washington’s first military and diplomatic venture to Pittsburgh, PA, through Allegany County in 1753, the signs encourage visitors to travel along the route to discover the footsteps of the Father of our Country to learn more about his military career that began and ended in our mountains.

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