Leave all of your worries behind and take a trip north to UpCounty. Comprised of the Poolesville, Clarksburg, Damascus, and Laytonsville communities, UpCounty is known for its easy-paced lifestyle, vast farmlands, and scenic views.
We rounded up seven activities that show off what makes UpCounty in Montgomery County, Maryland so unique including drinking beers on a farm, hiking up a mountain, and walking through vibrant sunflower fields.
Take a Scenic Drive
Hop in the car, turn on your favorite album, and head out on the open road to take a serene drive through UpCounty. As you look through the car window you will see many historic buildings and sites in Poolesville that we recommend exploring to experience the full charm of this “Canal Town” community.
Hike & Sip your way around Sugarloaf Mountain
At 1,000 feet high, the farmland view from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain is one spectacular sight and worth the hike. It’s a go-at-your-own-pace type of hike, whether you’re an extreme hiker or just enjoy a more weekend leisure hike. After your hike from Sugarloaf, Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard is located at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain and is a perfect way to finish your day. Sip on a delicious bottle of your choice on their patio and choose from an a la carte menu of cheese, meats, and other snacks to accompany your wine. Enjoy the company of friends and family in the vineyard, listen to live music, snack on bites from food trucks, or schedule a winery tour if you would like to learn about the making of a great wine.
Get Lost in Wildlife
Mckee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area is a 2,000-acre tract in a mixture of woodlands, fields, wooded bottomland, and green-tree reservoirs. The land provides habitat for wildlife species including deer, wild turkey, over 200 species of songbirds, reptiles, and amphibians. Hike or stroll through miles of trails taking in the sights of the forests, fields, and wetlands. Mckee-Beshers is also home to the famous vibrant sunflower fields that are, with favorable conditions, in full bloom in mid-July. These sunflowers are planted as a food source for a variety of wildlife species and benefit native and honeybees. In August, Whitetails Farm in Clarksburg holds Sunflower Fest Bands and Blooms where guests can sit on their expansive in the center of the sunflower fields and listen to local artists. This family-friendly event allows pick-you-own sunflowers, picturesque views and a chance for selfies and photo ops.
Stay at a Historic Lockhouse
Nestled in the town of Edwards Ferry in the C&O Canal National Historical Park you’ll find Lockhouse 25. Originally home to a lockkeeper and his family during the Civil War, the property can be rented for overnight stays for up to eight people. With no heat or electricity, you’ll experience life as a lockkeeper for a historic adventure that’s perfect for history buffs for the night or weekend. There’s also Lockhouse 21, known as Swains, from a family who lived there for over a century. It’s completely modernized and is ADA-accessible with a bathroom, kitchen, Murphy bed, picnic area facilities, and a second floor accessible by stairs.
Dinner with a View
Dishes like Lump Crab Cake, Panko Fried Green Tomatoes, and Crab & Spinach Dip are crowd favorites at The Manor at Silo Falls. The family-owned historic mansion creates the perfect blend of seasonal dining and home comfort with live music and a 40-acre rural backdrop and lakefront view. Head to the Comus Inn to try their Rainbow Trout, Country Fried Quail, and Honey Cornmeal Cake then explore the lower level at the Vanish Beer Garden, housing multiple beers and cider on tap, and tacos from El Segundo with rolling views of the ag reserve.
Hop Along Through Breweries Within Miles of Each Other
Waredaca Brewing Company is just one of many places to visit if you want to get a taste of Montgomery County’s local craft beer scene. Sip on flights of seasonal beers that are made using the best brewing and operating practices to be as sustainable as possible. Reserve a spot with scenic views of the farm and river and prepare to have a relaxing few hours in the countryside. Drive over to Elder Pine Brewing and Blending Co. to sample classic styles with a modern twist. Hang around the tasting room or venture into the forest where lights and picnic tables are spread out for a spacious, but fun time with friends. Right down the road…literally is Lone Oak Farm Brewing Co., a 30-area property with a taproom, porch, a playground for children, yurts, and firepits. The last stop is Brookeville Beer Farm located in Brookeville. The town was once named the capital for a day back in 1814. The beer farm specializes in great ales, Hazy IPAs, and delicious Neopolitian-style pizza baked in a brick oven. They make their dough with Italian 00 flour and pizza sauce made with tomatoes and Brookeville Beer Farm Honey.
VM Insiders Tip: Bring your furry friend along for a weekend outing—Waredaca Brewing Company, Lone Oak Farm Brewing Co., and Elder Pine Brewing and Blending Co. are dog-friendly establishments.
Share your adventures in UpCounty with us by using #MontgomeryMoment or tagging @VisitMoCo in your photo.
Looking for more places to explore Montgomery County, Maryland? Check out the Sunflower fields at McKee-Besher’s Wildlife Management Area or hit a few craft beverage stops along the Tastemakers Trail.
