Visit the the Catoctin Mountain Scenic Byway in Maryland This Summer

The Catoctin Mountain Scenic Byway is forty miles of history and natural beauty in Frederick County Maryland, the perfect pace to visit this summer. You can take a couple of days to visit all the places along the way, or take some more time and get in some summer adventures in the national and state parks. The byway follows along route 77. One of the great features of the byway system is just that. For the most part, everything is right off the same road. You can take as little or as much time as you want, visit just what you want and have a great summer time adventure.

Start your Catoctin Mountain Scenic Byway journey in Thurmont, Maryland. Have a hearty breakfast at one of the restaurants It is known as the "Gateway to the Mountains" and a perfect place to begin your summer visit. It is also home to two great parks where you can fish, camp, to kayaking, and hiking. They are Catoctin Mountain National Park and Cunningham Falls Maryland State Park. These alone would make a great summer vacation, but if you want to see the whole trail, you will have to limit your time and maybe come back later, after you have gone the whole way and spend some time hiking and exploring. The parks are the two biggest attractions along the Catoctin Mountain Scenic Byway in Maryland and leaving them to the last will give you all the time you need to have a great summer visit.

In the town of Emmitsburg, Maryland you can take some time for reflection at The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. She was a remarkable woman and America's first saint. The story of her life can be an inspiration to anyone. Admission to the museum and grounds are free and visitors can just stroll around the gardens and take a rest break. You can also visit The National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes, just a few minutes away.

Back on the Catoctin Mountain Scenic Byway, Maryland for your summer visit, stop in The City of Frederick and have lunch, do some shopping and make sure to visit the historic district and see the homes that have been standing since the Revolution. If you like antiques, this is the place to really do some hunting.