Top Places to See When Driving from Baltimore, Maryland to City of Utica, New York

Are you planning a road trip from Baltimore, Maryland to the City of Utica, New York? This drive will span over 400 miles and take approximately 7 hours, but don't worry, there are plenty of cool places to stop and explore along the way. From beautiful state parks to charming small towns, there’s something for every type of traveler. In this post, we’ve highlighted the top places you don't want to miss. So buckle up, hit the road and let’s begin!

State Parks along the Way

If you love the outdoors and picturesque scenery, you need to stop by these state parks that are located along your route.

1. Catoctin Mountain Park - Located just north of Frederick, this park is known for its stunning mountain views and is a perfect place to stretch your legs and hike a few trails. The park is also home to several historic structures including Camp David, the presidential retreat, which you may catch glimpses of while hiking.

2. Cherry Springs State Park - One of the best places in the country to stargaze, Cherry Springs State Park is also known for its extraordinary views of the Milky Way. Located in Pennsylvania, the park is halfway between Baltimore and Utica and is an ideal place to spend the night camping and taking in the stars.

3. Watkins Glen State Park - Located in the Finger Lakes Region in New York, Watkins Glen State Park is a paradise for waterfall lovers. The park boasts 19 waterfalls that are spread throughout a two-mile long gorge. The trails are well marked and suitable for all levels of hikers.

Small Town Charm

Do you love quaint small towns with colorful downtown areas? You’ll find many of them along the way!

1. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania - Known for its role in the Civil War, Gettysburg is a small town with a big history. Take a stroll through the town square and marvel at the many historic buildings and museums. Don't forget to visit the Gettysburg National Military Park to learn more about the famous battle that took place here.

2. Corning, New York - Located in the Finger Lakes Region, Corning is a charming small town with a charming and vibrant downtown area. Here you’ll find everything from artisanal shops to art galleries. A must-visit is the Corning Museum of Glass that houses over 50,000 objects that span 35 centuries.

Exploring The Great Outdoors

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you'll love these unique spots.

1. Hershey Gardens - Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Hershey Gardens is a 23-acre botanical garden that's perfect for those who love flowers. Here, you can enjoy over 5,000 roses in the rose garden, walk through the butterfly atrium and even go on a garden tour led by a horticulturist.

2. Howe Caverns - If you're up for a unique underground adventure, stop by Howe Caverns in Cobleskill, New York. Here you can tour a vast underground cave system and take a boat ride on an underground lake.

Historical Sites

If you love history, you'll find plenty of significant sites to explore on this road trip.

1. Harper's Ferry National Historical Park - Located in West Virginia, Harper's Ferry National Historical Park is where John Brown led the famous raid in 1859. The park is a beautiful place to walk around and see the historic buildings. You'll also find a museum that houses exhibits that showcase the town's history.

2. Farm Sanctuary - Located in Watkins Glen, New York, this farm sanctuary is a safe haven for rescued animals. Visitors can walk around the property, learn more about the animals that live there and even adopt a farm animal.

Conclusion

Whether you're looking for a natural retreat, a step back in time, or an exciting attraction, you'll find it all on this road trip from Baltimore to Utica. These top places are just the highlights; there's so much more to explore. Take your time, enjoy the ride, and discover what this beautiful area has to offer. Safe travels!