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Covered Bridges & Fall Foliage Tour


Three Days and Two Nights

Enjoy sweeping views of the Catoctin Mountains bursting with fall colors.  Fall is the perfect time to visit Frederick County’s three charming covered bridges. With the oldest dating back to 1850, these historic structures have stood the test of time.

Covered Bridges Motorcoach Driving Directions

Day One

Loy’s Station and Roddy Road and Utica Mills

Pick up your step on guide and begin your day in Thurmont with the stop at Loy’s Station. First constructed circa 1880, the Loy’s Station covered bridge has been structurally modified and rebuilt, but the bridge’s original timbers remain throughout the 90-foot long structure crossing Owens Creek.  It features the multiple king post design.  Your guide will describe the history surrounding the bridge and the meaning of its design.

Next, visit the Roddy Road covered bridge, also located in Thurmont. Built in 1856, it is the smallest of the county’s covered bridges at 40 feet long.  It is thought that Confederate General JEB Stuart and his Calvary may have crossed the bridge on his march toward Antietam.  Perhaps enjoy a picnic lunch in the surrounding area.

In the afternoon, stop at a Catoctin Mountain Orchard for some fresh-picked apples and local produce.

The final stop today is Frederick’s third covered bridge, the Utica Mills covered bridge.  Built circa 1850, the bridge originally spanned the nearby Monocacy River, but was washed away during the Johnstown Flood of 1889. Local citizens gathered the remains and reconstructed the 101 foot long Burr Arch

In the evening, The Carriage House Inn in Emmitsburg is the perfect place for dinner. This historic eatery has been serving visitors since 1857.

Day Two

The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Grotto of Lourdes and Frederick

Begin your second day in Frederick County with a visit to The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, first American born Saint. Self-guided tours of the grounds include a film presentation depicting Elizabeth Seton's life and accomplishments and a peak of the original 1770's farmhouse and the colonial style "White House" (built in 1809) that served as her home. Nestled in the glorious foothills of the Catoctin Mountains, this site is an ideal place to enjoy Frederick County's fall foliage.

In the afternoon, continue on to the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes.  Tour the oldest replica of The Grotto of Lourdes in the Western Hemisphere. It is a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the serenity.

Sit back and take in the view from the motorcoach on your way into downtown Frederick. A step on guide is available to tell the stories of our town. From our famous "clustered spires," to notable Federal-style architecture, this tour offers a tranquil way to enjoy your Frederick County experience. With just the right mix of historical vision complemented by homespun local lore, these tours are guaranteed to make Frederick's colorful past come alive for your group. Your tour will include a stop at the nationally acclaimed Community Bridge Mural, where an artist has transformed a plain concrete bridge into a permanent illusion of an old stone and ivy covered bridge.

This evening, enjoy dinner at Brewer’s Alley Restaurant, located in the heart of Frederick's historic district.  Enjoy a delicious meal and if you choose, a tasting of the many varieties of beer made on premise.

Day Three

National Museum of Civil War Medicine, Historical Society, Schifferstadt and the Frederick Wine Trail

Delve into Frederick’s role in the Civil War with a visit to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. Your group will hear the dramatic stories of the War along with the developments that set medicine on a path toward the modern era. From recruitment, to life in camp, to the road to recovery, your group will hear the personal stories of a soldier's life during the Civil War.

At the Historical Society of Frederick County, docents will lead your group on a tour of this 1820's Federal-style mansion, which maintains a unique collection of furnishings, art and memorabilia from Frederick's past

Your group may also choose to visit the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum and tour a wonderful old stone manor house. Built in 1756, Schifferstadt provides a window into life in the 1750's and maintains much of its original exposed oak beams and hardware. A historically accurate 18th century garden completes the story of everyday farm life.

Your day ends with a tour, tasting and a lesson on winemaking at one of six wineries located on the Frederick Wine Trail.  Each member of your group gets a free wine glass to remember the tour!

Please contact the following for tours, prices and operating hours:

For overnight accommodations, please refer to our Destination Frederick County Guide.

For further information please contact:

Becky Bickerton, Sales Manager, (800) 999-3613 or 301-600-4050 or e-mail at bbickerton@fredco-md.net