What to do When Visiting Maryland's Piedmont Plateau
Maryland’s Piedmont Plateau—a vast area in the central part of the state—is a picturesque region of rolling hills, lush forests, and crystal-clear rivers. Piedmont Plateau is a fantastic destination for anyone who loves nature and outdoor adventure, and there's plenty to explore. Here are some of the best activities to enjoy in Maryland’s Piedmont Plateau.
Hiking at Piedmont Plateau
The Piedmont Plateau is home to some of Maryland’s most stunning hiking trails. From easy one-mile hikes along gentle streams to more strenuous five-mile treks through thick forests, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the area’s natural beauty on foot, even with kids.
For an especially scenic experience, explorers can visit the trails at Patapsco Valley State Park. This park spans over 16,000 acres along the Patapsco River and includes more than 200 miles of trails. The paths take hikers along the river's banks and offer views of old-growth forests, historic landmarks, and wildflowers in bloom.
Hikers interested in geology are in for a special treat. Many rocks and minerals are found in the Piedmont Plateau region. These include gneiss, limestone, slate, and many more. The diversity of rocks and minerals at the Piedmont Plateau will make anyone an instant lover of geology.
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Fishing at Maryland's Piedmont Plateau
The rivers, streams, and lakes that dot the landscape of the Piedmont Plateau offer excellent fishing opportunities. There are several lakes in Columbia alone, and it’s just one of many cities in the Piedmont region that offer fishing opportunities. The following fish species are abundant throughout the region:
Smallmouth bass
Walleye
Brook trout
If you’re older than 16, you’ll need a freshwater fishing license to fish recreationally. The license lasts 365 days from the date of purchase, though there are options for buying shorter-term licenses.
Canoeing & Kayaking at Piedmont Plateau
The Piedmont Plateau is also an ideal destination for paddlers looking to explore its winding rivers by canoe or kayak. A couple of popular “trails” are along the Monocacy Scenic River and the Middle Potomac River. The latter offers a guided whitewater experience near Harpers Ferry.
Whether it be on the whitewater of a river or touring around lakes, canoeing and kayaking offer a chance to appreciate the surroundings at Piedmont Plateau. Plus, these routes often take paddlers past historical landmarks.
Horseback Riding at Piedmont Plateau
The Piedmont Plateau is a great place to explore on horseback thanks to its miles of trails winding through stunning countryside with views of mountains in the distance.
There are plenty of options for horseback riding for beginners or experienced equestrians. Riders can take guided tours through some of the region’s most scenic landscapes, such as Catoctin Mountain Park, which features six miles of trails for horseback riding.
Wine Tasting at Piedmont Plateau
The Piedmont Wine Trail gives visitors plenty of wineries to check out while they’re visiting the Piedmont Plateau. Local wineries like Basignani Winery and Royal Rabbit Vineyards offer guided tours for visitors as well as sample some of their best wines.
Some vineyards also teach about how the grapes are grown and let visitors see firsthand how they are processed into delicious wines. In addition to traditional wines, these vineyards often make specialty wines, such as dessert wines or sparkling wines, that are perfect for any occasion.
Animal Spotting at Piedmont Plateau
The Piedmont Plateau of Maryland is home to a wide variety of wildlife that can be spotted throughout the season. Visitors should be sure to bring their binoculars and cameras to catch sight of animals like white-tailed deer, mallards, and foxes.
Fawns can often be seen in fields and forest edges, while red and gray foxes hunt for mice across the meadows. Cotton-tailed rabbits browse the undergrowth and river otters splash through streams and ponds. Visitors driving through the plateau at night may even spot a bobcat or two sauntering along the roadside.
Due to its diverse landscape, bird-spotting opportunities are abundant here, especially in spring when both migrating warblers and shorebirds visit. Raptors, including hawks and kestrels, soar above the trees all year round.
Visiting Maryland's Piedmont Plateau
Piedmont Plateau has an activity for everyone. The area offers magnificent views for hikers and horseback riders, and for those who enjoy the water, there are plenty of streams for canoers and kayakers.
Visitors are also offered an educational opportunity to learn about—and taste—some of Maryland’s finest local wines. With its rolling hills and stunning scenery, Maryland's Piedmont Plateau offers visitors an unforgettable experience.
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