MARYLAND HERITAGE AREAS Potomac Historic preservation goes hand in hand with scenic splendor throughout the Maryland Historical Trust’s 13 certifi ed Heritage Areas, each defi ned by its historical, cultural or natural signifi cance. Montgomery County: Discover 18th-and 19th-century landmarks amid rolling farmland along the C&O Canal and Potomac River. Southern Maryland Southern Maryland: Time and tide meet amid the region’s sandy beaches, fossil-fi lled shores, ample fi shing spots and Maryland’s earliest settlement, Historic St. Mary’s City. Western Maryland Passages of the Western Potomac: Based in the Cumberland area, this area lures visitors with the romance of the rails and hiking and biking along the C&O Canal. Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West: Four themes help with understanding the pioneering spirit of the 18th and 19th centuries — transportation, man and nature, historic recreation and cultural uniqueness. Central Maryland Baltimore City: Within a 3-mile radius of the beautiful Inner Harbor area, Baltimore’s charm is on display at distinctive cultural outlets, museums and markets. Four Rivers: Annapolis is Maryland’s capital city, home of the U.S. Naval Academy and a great base of operations for exploring pastoral landscapes, waterfront villages and historic sites nearby. Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway: Learn about American history while following canal and rail routes or hiking along scenic trails, some of which head toward the Eastern Shore. Patapsco Heritage Greenway: The Patapsco Heritage Greenway, with 19th-century mill towns in a scenic river gorge, served as the cradle of the industrial revolution in Maryland. Much of the valley is protected today as Maryland’s fi rst state park. Eastern Shore Heart of Chesapeake Country: A rich Native American, Colonial, Underground Railroad and maritime heritage mingles with the natural beauty of migrating birds along pristine waterways. Stories of the Chesapeake: Celebrate the arts at small maritime towns while enjoying the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay. Beach to Bay: Parks, water trails, museums and discovery centers provide plenty of options for discovering this warm and inviting area nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. mht.maryland.gov/ heritageareas.shtml Capital Region Heart of the Civil War: Slip across Civil War landscapes in and around Frederick, with important sites also found in Western Maryland (particularly Sharpsburg) and Central Maryland. Maryland Milestones: See America’s transportation legacy at the oldest airport in the U.S. Venture o the beaten path to enjoy cycling and nature viewing. 60 | maryland scenic byways
MD Scenic Byways Digital Guide: Page 60
