Where Is Western Maryland? Map Of Western Maryland

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Western Maryland is distinguished by its rugged landscape, rolling hills, sharp cliffs, and extensive expanses of wooded area, among other characteristics. There are slow-moving rivers suitable for fishing and floating in this part of the state as well as Class V whitewater for more experienced paddlers in this part of the country.

This region of the state’s waterways is often freshwater, stony, and shallow, and it is strongly impacted by times of drought or large amounts of rain.

A number of large waterways, including as Deep Creek Lake, the Youghiogheny and Savage rivers, as well as the North Branch Potomac and Upper Potomac rivers, are popular among recreational boaters in the area.

Where Is Western Maryland?

Western Maryland is a region of the United States state of Maryland that typically includes the counties of Washington, Allegany, and Garrett, with western sections of Frederick County, also included in the region. The Mason-Dixon line runs through the area to the north, Preston County, West Virginia, runs through it to the west, and the Potomac River runs through it to the south. In Western Maryland, there is a disagreement concerning the eastern boundaries of the state.

Western Maryland is defined by the majority of people of the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan region as anything west of Frederick city. Sideling Hill, on the other hand, is considered by the residents of Allegany and Garrett counties, which are more mountainous and isolated, to be the dividing line between Western Maryland and what they refer to as “down state.”

Compared to the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area, where the majority of the state’s population resides, western Maryland is much more rural; even Frederick and Washington counties are less urbanized than areas closer to Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, respectively.

There are just a few of settlements with populations more than 10,000 people. Western Maryland is known for its picturesque rural landscapes in the eastern section of the state, as well as its hilly topography in the western portion.

In general, the region is considered to be a part of Appalachia, with the extreme western half of the state having a stronger connection to Pittsburgh than the rest of the state. The Appalachian Regional Commission includes the counties of Washington, Allegany, and Garrett in Maryland.

Garrett County, Maryland’s westernmost county, has generally aligned itself with West Virginia and the Pittsburgh region, rather than with the state of Maryland, in terms of marketing and athletics.

The four westernmost counties of Maryland, spanning roughly 120 miles from eastern Frederick County to western Garrett County, are the state’s furthest western counties (190 km).

Climate

Western Maryland has a climate that is more similar to the mountains of northern West Virginia than it is to any other section of the state of Maryland. Compared to the rest of the state, summers are generally colder and winters are harsher in this region.

During the winter, temperatures may dip to below zero degrees Fahrenheit (17.8 degrees Celsius), with snowfall ranging from 20 inches (0.51 m) further east to over 120 inches (3.05 m) in the highest altitudes on around eight nights every winter season.

In contrast, Prince George’s County, located in the eastern half of the Washington, D.C., region, receives an average of just 25 inches (0.64 m) of snow each year and has wintertime maximum temperatures that surpass 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) on a third of all days.

History

The population of Western Maryland reached a critical mass in 1748, resulting in the formation of a new county known as Frederick County. Despite the fact that hunters and merchants had been in Western Maryland as early as 1715, there were not many efforts at settlement in the area’s more distant areas for some years following that date.

There were a large number of immigrants who started settling in the Western Maryland, Western Pennsylvania, and West Virginia districts in 1768. German immigrants from Pennsylvania who arrived in Maryland during the colonial period had the most impact on the development of the plains and valleys of Western Maryland during the early days of the colony.

Washington County, named after George Washington, was established in 1776 as a result of the separation of Frederick County. Antietam National Battlefield, located in this county, was the site of one of the most bloody single-day engagements of the American Civil War, which took place in 1862. Hagerstown is the county seat and the county’s major city. It was given this name in honor of Jonathan Hager, a German pioneer.

The city of Cumberland, which is located in Allegany County, was founded in the year 1785. When traveling through the Cumberland Narrows, a 1,000 foot high fissure in the ground, many pioneers made their way to the County. This chasm serves as the primary route across the Allegheny Mountains on the way to the west.

English immigrants arrived in the area in the mid-18th century and started mining for gold and establishing towns and farms. Many passengers travelling west relied on this county’s transportation network to reach their destination. They would travel across the area using a variety of modes of transportation, including canal boats, trains, and horse and buggies.

Garrett County, located in the state’s westernmost region, was the final section of Maryland to be populated when the state was founded in 1764. The county was established in 1872 by John Work Garrett, the head of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.

Demographics

The United States Census Bureau estimates that the population of Maryland’s three westernmost counties is 252,614 people, accounting for 4.4 percent of the state’s overall population in 2010.

Washington County, with an estimated population of 147,430 persons, is the most populous county in the state. Allegany County is the second most populous county in the state, with 75,087 residents, while Garrett County is the smallest, with 30,097 residents, according to the 2010 census.

Tourism

Tourism is very vital to Western Maryland, and railways played a major role in the development of the region throughout the nineteenth century. As stated in the Overview of Western Maryland published by the University of Maryland, “A large amount of expansion is expected in the tourism industry, second home building, and retirement housing.

Second home growth has been especially prominent in Garrett County’s Deep Creek Lake leisure area, but the influx of retirees from more urban counties has been seen in a number of other counties as well.”

Deep Creek Lake, located in Garrett County, is the biggest body of water in Western Maryland. Water created by humans covers 4,000 acres of land and is held by the Maryland State Government. The construction of the lake started in 1920, and it was completed by 1929. It was initially intended to be used to power a small hydroelectric plant, but it has now been transformed into a popular tourist attraction.

The lake is presently maintained for boating and fishing, while it does still offer some water for energy generation in the form of steam. Among the many amenities of Deep Creek Lake State Park are fishing piers, a beach and swimming area, covered pavilions, and camping possibilities.

Wisp Ski Resort is a popular tourist destination in Western Maryland since it is the only resort in the area that offers four seasons of skiing, golfing, and leisure activities. This resort, which is around 172 acres in size, offers a mountain coaster, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and other activities.

The Monocacy Scenic River Water Trail is known as “The River of Many Bends.”

It stretches for about 50 miles from the town of Cascade to Conococheague Creek in Williamsport, Maryland. Western Maryland is home to the Monocacy Scenic River Water Trail and all it has to offer.

From canoeing and kayaking on the Monocacy River to hiking along its banks, this scenic river is a great place to enjoy nature at its finest.

The Monocacy Scenic River Water Trail begins just outside of Frederick, MD where you can find many outfitters such as Green Valley Outfitters, and Adventure Sports Unlimited. Some popular destinations within western MD include:

-Greenbrier State Park

-Cascade Lake

-Hancock

-Deep Creek Lake

-Garrett County

With so many things to do in Western Maryland, it’s no wonder this region is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. So come on out and enjoy all that the Monocacy Scenic River Water Trail has to offer!

‘The North Branch’ of the Potomac River Water Trail

Also begins just north of Cumberland, MD. This river offers many opportunities for paddling and fishing through picturesque Western Maryland. Some popular destinations along the way include:

-Cumberland

-McMullen Cove Park

-Evitts Creek

With miles of water to explore and so much natural beauty to take in, The North Branch Potomac River Water Trail is a must-visit destination while traveling through Western Maryland. So what are you waiting for? Come on out and enjoy nature at its finest!

The Potomac River Water Trail and the C&O Canal are located in the Upper Potomac region.

With over 400 miles of paddling and hiking trails, there is so much to see and do. Some popular destinations along the way include:

-Wills Creek

-Great Falls National Park

-Potomac River

-Harper’s Ferry Historic Area

With so many things to explore in the Upper Potomac region, visitors are sure to find adventure at every turn. So come on out and enjoy all that this beautiful water trail has to offer!

The Potomac River Water Trail and the C&O Canal are located in the Middle Potomac region.

With countless outdoor activities to enjoy and so much natural beauty to take in, this water trail is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Some popular destinations along the way include:

-Williamsport

-Lockhouse 19

-Potomac River

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the water or an exciting day spent hiking through the beautiful forests of Maryland, one thing is certain—the Middle Potomac region has something for everyone! So what are you waiting for? Come on out and explore all that this beautiful water trail has to offer!

The Youghiogheny River is a Wild and Scenic River in Pennsylvania.

With over 300 miles of paddling and hiking trails, there is so much to see and do while enjoying the natural beauty of this awe-inspiring river. Some popular destinations along the way include:

-Youghiogheny River

-Little Sandy Falls

-McConnells Mill State Park

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the water or an exciting day spent hiking through the breathtaking forests of Pennsylvania, one thing is certain—the Youghiogheny River has something for everyone! So come on out and explore all that this beautiful river trail has to offer!

F.A.Q talk about Where Is Western Maryland:

What places fall within the purview of Western Maryland?

Western Maryland is a rural area that includes the counties of Washington, Allegany, and Garrett, and is widely considered to be a part of the Appalachian region.

Mountains in the west and lovely landscapes in the east, as well as mild summers and hard winters, are some of the things that distinguish this region.

What is the starting point for Western Maryland?

Stotler has a narrow definition of where Western Maryland begins: at the county line, just west of Hancock, in his home county. According to him, “it begins when it crosses the Allegany County boundary.”

Additionally, former Cumberland City Councilman Pete Elliott believes the border should be extended even farther west, to a town around 12 miles east of Cumberland.

What are the three geographical regions of Maryland?

It is possible to divide North Carolina into three geographical regions: the Atlantic Coastal Plain, the Piedmont Plateau, and the Appalachian Mountains. There are innumerable discoveries to be made in each region.

What exactly qualifies as “Southern Maryland”?

Southern Maryland is comprised of the whole counties of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s, as well as the southern sections of the counties of Anne Arundel and Prince George’s, among other places.

A rising population of individuals and families who seek the sense of a small town rural setting without being in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the metropolis are settling there.