Maryland's Best Fall Foliage - Annapolis Rock via Appalachian Trail

For outdoor lovers, Annapolis Rock trail is a popular hiking destination along the Appalachian Trail in Maryland. Address: 11175 Baltimore National Pike, Myersville, MD 21773.  Parking lot at the trail head is not large and by 9:30am, it was full.  We parked at the next-door Greenbrier State Park which is about 15-minute walk from the trail head. 

This trail is a moderate hike, about 5.1 miles round trip, with some elevation gain (around 700 feet). Along the way, you’ll encounter rocky terrain, dense forests, and an occasional clearing.  At the end of the trail, you arrived at the scenic views which is the main highlight, a view from Annapolis Rock, a rocky outcropping that overlooks the valley and Greenbrier Lake.  It is a great spot to see fall foliage!

Maryland's Best of Fall Foliage -Lake Needwood Park

Now is the perfect time to enjoy the fall foliage in Maryland! My favorite spot to visit is Lake Needwood Park. Over the past week, I’ve gone multiple times and captured some of the most stunning fall colors there. I’m excited to share them with you. Happy Fall!

Lake Needwood Park is a Park located in Montgomery County, Maryland.  Address: 15700 Needwood Lake Cir, Derwood, MD 2085.

Fall Foliage in my Backyard

Beautiful fall foliage isn't exclusive to faraway destinations. If you pay attention, it's right here, all around us! Here are some examples I spotted in my own neighborhood.

Fall Foliage at Lake Needwood

I traveled to other states to see the fall foliage this autumn, and suddenly, when I came home, I realized the best display was right in my own backyard.

On a quiet early morning, everything was still, and to my surprise, the long-absent geese were enjoying themselves on this autumn day!  I hope you are going out and exploring your neighborhood! 

Hagerstown City Park and Washington County Museum of Fine Arts- The Best of Hagerstown

My unplanned visit to Hagerstown on a beautiful fall day allow me to discover a hidden gem:  Hagerstown City Park and Washington County Museum of Fine Arts (I was on the way to visit West Virginia and decided to take a detour to see Hagerstown. Boy, I am so glad I did!).

Located in Hagerstown, Maryland. Hagerstown City Park is a popular recreational area that offers a variety of amenities and attractions for both locals and visitors to enjoy. The park is known for its scenic beauty, including a picturesque pond with waterfowl. Visitors can enjoy walking, jogging, picnicking, and birdwatching. The paved pathways make it a great place for leisurely strolls.

The park is home to the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, which is an integral part of the park and a cultural gem in Hagerstown. The admission is always free.

Washington County Museum of Fine Arts houses a diverse collection of art, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and more. The collection spans various time periods and artistic styles, making it an appealing destination for art lovers. One of the special exhibit I enjoyed most is the dresses designed by Claire Mccardell who is considered the pioneer of American Fashion.  Also, "the Treasures of State, Maryland's Art Collection" is one of kind and especial for someone live in the state of Maryland".

Hagerstown City Park 

Washington County Museum of Fine Arts

Claire Mccardell's dress  collection

A Portrait of George Washington, America's first president

Maryland flag consists of 74,592 beads and was created by Bearclaw, of the Cherokee Nation, from Harford County.

The Council of War, by John Rogers:  President Lincoln (center) is reading a map of the Overland Campaign of 1864. On the left is General Ulysses S. Grant and to the right is Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War.\