The Historic National Road was the country’s first federally financed road building project.
It served as the gateway to the West for early settlers. Follow the path of history and enjoy the natural beauty of Maryland’s Historic National Road.
Day 1
Casselman River Bridge State Park
The Casselman Bridge was built is 1813 and at 80 feet was the longest single span stone arch bridge of its time. Located near the bridge are historic buildings circa 1800 moved to the site from other locations in Western Maryland. The buildings have been restored and house the “Spruce Forest Artisan Village”, the Penn Alps Restaurant and Stanton’s Mill, a working grist mill.
LaVale Toll House
The only remaining toll house in Maryland.
Rocky Gap State Park
Rocky Gap State Park beckons guests eager to enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, canoeing, cycling, hunting, even golfing.
Cumberland
In 1806 Congress chose Cumberland as the starting point for the “Cumberland Road” which eventually became part of the National Road. Be certain to visit Canal Place which offers canal boat replica tours, scenic rail excursions from the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, shops, galleries, festivals, hiking/biking and the Cumberland Visitor Center.
City of Frederick
Settled in 1745, Frederick’s 50-block historic district and is home to more than 25 museums and historic sites.
Day 2
New Market
A colonial rest stop founded in 1793. During the heyday of the National Pike New Market was a popular stopover for travelers. Today it’s known as the antiques capital of Maryland.
Ellicott City
The three Ellicott brothers operated two flour mills on the Patapsco River. As a result of the network of roads the Ellicott brothers either built or financed, Ellicott City became the largest flour milling center in the colonies. Visitors to Ellicott City are intrigued by its pre-Revolutionary War history, narrow streets, brick and stone buildings and granite cliffs.
City of Baltimore
The National Road begins and ends at the Port of Baltimore located on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.