Road Trips from South Bel Air, MD
South Bel Air is a good launchpad for day trips across Maryland. You've got options that are all under two hours, mostly on a mix of highway and surface roads, with a generally flat terrain. Many of these routes offer access to national parks, making them great for a quick nature fix. If you're looking for a slightly longer drive with a different profile, there's also a longer route to consider.
Total Routes
23
Shortest
1.1h
With Parks Nearby
22
Under 2 hours
21 total in this range
Beltsville, MD
1h 13m55.6 mi one way
This is your quickest option to a national park, just 1.2 hours to Beltsville. It's a mixed highway and surface road drive, covering 55.6 miles with a high drive score of 9. The terrain is mostly flat, and you'll have access to Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. It's a solid choice for a short, park-focused outing.
Boonsboro, MD
1h 59m92.7 mi one way
Go west for 2 hours and 92.7 miles to Boonsboro. This route features a high drive score of 9 and passes by three major parks: Monocacy National Battlefield, Antietam National Battlefield, and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. The terrain is mostly flat, offering a good blend of driving and historical exploration.
Four Corners, MD
1h 18m58.9 mi one way
At 1.3 hours and 58.9 miles, Four Corners is another convenient park destination. This drive has a drive score of 9 and features mostly flat terrain. You'll be near Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park and the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, making it ideal for a day focused on outdoor recreation.
Bartonsville, MD
1h 34m74.4 mi one way
This 1.6-hour drive to Bartonsville covers 74.4 miles with a drive score of 9. It's a bit longer than some other options but offers access to Monocacy National Battlefield, Antietam National Battlefield, and the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. The mostly flat terrain makes it accessible for a day trip focused on parks.
Landover Hills, MD
1h 24m58.9 mi one way
Landover Hills is a 1.4-hour drive, covering 58.9 miles with a solid drive score of 9. Similar to other nearby options, this route is mostly flat and provides access to Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. It's a straightforward trip for those seeking a quick park visit.
Full-day getaway
Hancock, MD
2h 34m128.7 mi one way
For the longest option at 2.6 hours and 128.7 miles, consider Hancock. This route is mostly highway with a drive score of 9. The terrain is gently rolling, and you'll pass by Monocacy National Battlefield, Antietam National Battlefield, and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. It's the most extensive park-focused drive available.
Delmar, MD
2h 51m132.6 mi one way
Delmar is your furthest option east, a 2.9-hour drive covering 132.6 miles with a drive score of 8. This route sticks mostly to surface roads and has a mostly flat terrain. While it doesn't list specific parks nearby in the data, it represents a longer excursion.
Browse by Mood
Beltsville, MD
1h 13m55.6 mi one way
Boonsboro, MD
1h 59m92.7 mi one way
Four Corners, MD
1h 18m58.9 mi one way
Bartonsville, MD
1h 34m74.4 mi one way
Beltsville, MD
1h 13m55.6 mi one way
Boonsboro, MD
1h 59m92.7 mi one way
Four Corners, MD
1h 18m58.9 mi one way
Damascus, MD
1h 31m68.5 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring is ideal for exploring the parks near these destinations, with mostly flat terrain making for easy walks.
Summer
Summer offers ample daylight for exploring the various national parks accessible from South Bel Air.
Fall
Fall foliage could enhance drives through the mostly flat terrain and park areas.
Winter
Winter drives are manageable with mostly flat terrain, though park accessibility might vary.
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Ready to plan?
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