Crystal Grottoes Caverns
Crystal Grottoes Caverns is the only cave in Maryland that has public access. Crystal Grottoes is located in Boonsboro, Md at 19821 Shepherdstown Pike (Md Route 34). When traveling from Boonsboro, you'll find the caverns on the left. When traveling from Shepherdstown, WV, Sharpsburg, MD or Keedysville, MD, the caverns are located on the right.
Crystal Grottoes was discovered during the 1920's when a quarrying project for roads resulted in access to the cave. Because of the beauty of the formations in the cave, the cave was spared from quarrying and became a commercial tourist operation two years later. About 1/2 mile of cave is open to the public with about the same amount closed from public access. Read more about Crystal Grottoes at the Maryland Geological Service.
Other Places of Interest in the Area
Antietam National BattlefieldThe location of the bloodiest day in American history -- 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing after battle on Sept 17, 1862. Visit this battlefield the evening of first Saturday in December for the Illumination of Antietam, when 23,000 luminaries are set out across the fields in remembrance.
Appalachian Scenic Trail
Hike part of this 2,175 mile long trail that begins in Maine and ends in Georgia. The section in Maryland is fairly easy to walk. For the strong folks, a hard location is at Weaverton, MD where the trail ascends from the Potomac River to the ridge of South Mountain. The AT is officially maintained by volunteer member groups of The Appalachian Trail Conference which is located nearby in Harper's Ferry, WV.
Harper's Ferry National Historic Park
Located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, Harpers Ferry is rich in history. In 1859, John Brown launched a raid on the armory in Haper's Ferry in an attempt to arm slaves for an uprising.
Kennedy Farmhouse
This is the location where John Brown rented a home in the summer of 1859 to form his army for a raid on the Armory at Harper's Ferry. For three months he assembled and kept hidden from curious neighbors, 21 fellows who joined him to help abolish slavery.
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (C & O Canal)
Began in 1842, the C&O Canal stretches from Washington, DC to Cumberland, MD. Dug mostly by hand, much of the canal is a dry bed with a 10 foot wide towpath /berm on the river side. A few locations have been restored and rewatered (Notably a 22 mile section from Violets Lock to Washington DC and a few mile section in Cumberland). The C&O canal follows the Maryland Shoreline of the Potomac River and provides a wonderful outdoor experience for those the want to walk or ride a fairly level trail, go fishing, canoing, horseback riding, or birdwatching. The park is full of wildlife, and an amazing aspect of this park is that when close to the urban areas of Washington, DC, the park has the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere.
Gathland State Park
Washington Monument State Park
Fort Frederick
Falling Waters
Charles Town Races and Slots