Frederick’s scenic beauty enriches its quality of life and draws visitors year-round. Tourism generates a $539 million economic impact locally, according to Visit Frederick, with outdoor recreation ranking as the second biggest reason people visit, right behind history.
Across the county, outdoor enthusiasts can find something to enjoy. Thurmont, known as the “gateway to the mountains,” boasts some of the state’s best recreation with Catoctin Mountain Park and Cunningham Falls State Park nearby. “From March to November, people flock to our town to enjoy all that we have to offer,” said Vickie Grinder, Thurmont’s Economic Development Manager.
The pandemic sparked a surge in outdoor activity that continues today, as visitors from Baltimore and other urban areas come to hike, relax, and explore. Cunningham Falls features Maryland’s largest cascading waterfall and a 43-acre lake for swimming and boating, while both parks offer hiking, biking, fishing, and climbing. Thurmont also attracts cyclists—1,700 riders participate each year in the Civil War Century Ride organized by the Baltimore Bicycling Club.
Another popular draw is the area’s three covered bridges, which appeal to all ages. Visitors can also enjoy camping, cabins, and nearby lodging options. Grinder notes that outdoor recreation fuels downtown activity, as visitors dine and shop locally. The town’s Main Street program, celebrating its 25th anniversary, supports this connection and includes improvements like the Trolley Trail linking key destinations.
Cycling thrives throughout the county. “We get a lot of people from the cities because of the low traffic and great hills,” said bike advocate Shayne Boucher, citing events like Gran Fondo Maryland, the Tour de Frederick, and the Clustered Spires High Wheel Race. Frederick also offers three mountain bike trails—River’s Edge Trail in Brunswick for beginners, Rainbow Lake in Emmitsburg, and the challenging Frederick Watershed for advanced riders.
At the county’s southern end, Brunswick offers water-based recreation. With access to the Potomac and Monocacy Rivers and the C&O Canal, the city draws visitors eager to paddle, float, and explore. “We have a lot of awesome opportunities here,” said Mariah Baihly of River and Trail Outfitters, founded by her grandfather in 1972. Tubing remains the most popular activity for its ease and accessibility, though whitewater rafting and brewery or winery trips are also available.
Outdoor recreation saw a pandemic-era boom that has held steady, Baihly said. Visitors range from adventurous families to young adults and retirees. “Tourism brings a lot of economic impact and benefit to everyone in the area,” she added. Brunswick also offers lodging options, including hotels and the C&O Canal Trust’s Canal Quarters program.
From mountains to rivers, Frederick County continues to attract nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to unwind and explore the great outdoors.
By Shuan Butcher
