The Maryland Ice Cream Trail: A Challenge to Sweet Rewards

Maryland, a state renowned for its history and diverse landscapes, offers a unique experience that blends the love for ice cream with the joy of exploration—the Maryland Ice Cream Trail. This trail is not just a route on a map; it’s a journey through time and taste, a celebration of the state’s dairy heritage and scenic beauty.

The Maryland Ice Cream Trail was established to celebrate the state’s thriving dairy industry and to encourage exploring and hiking the countryside. The trail features a collection of family-owned creameries, each with its own story and flavors, stretching from the rolling hills of Washington County to the sandy shores of Kent County.

This year, the trail also promotes outdoor activities by partnering with the Department of Natural Resources and AllTrails. You’ll find a hiking trail near each creamery, but do not expect to see the creamery within a short hiking distance or at the end of the trail.

Patuxent River Trail > Split Rock Trail

I completed the Patuxent River Trail via the Split Rock Trail. The trail is easy and well-marked. It is narrow and shared with bikers, so watch out and let them pass. You are very likely to encounter a turtle. I saw a turtle and a small snake.

To get your ice cream, prepare to drive to the creamery when you finish the hike. I drove 12 minutes to find the one nearby Woodbourne Creamery at Rockhill Orchard. Also, remember the creamery schedule to ensure you get your scoop. Woodbourne Creamery is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Maryland Ice Cream History

The history of ice cream in Maryland dates back to the 18th century when Governor Thomas Bladen served the first scoop in America in Annapolis in 1744. Yet, a Baltimore milkman, Jacob Fussell began commercially selling ice cream in 1851. And from that time on, ice cream was transformed from an elite dessert to a national sensation. Today, the Maryland Ice Cream Trail honors this legacy by featuring cow-to-cone creameries that produce and sell their ice cream directly to consumers, offering a taste that’s as fresh as it gets.

Participating in the Ice Cream Trail is not just a treat for the taste buds, but also an adventure for the soul. Each creamery on the trail presents an opportunity to learn more about dairy farming and the important contributions of Maryland’s nearly 300 dairy farms. Visitors can even win prizes by submitting selfies at the various locations, and those who visit all creameries can win a grand prize, making the trail a fun and interactive experience.

The trail is designed to be enjoyable and educational for all ages, making it an ideal activity for families seeking to bond. It’s also a thrilling adventure for friends or anyone who adores ice cream and the great outdoors. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has even identified corresponding hiking trails near each creamery, encouraging visitors to prolong their visit and relish the state’s natural beauty.

So, whether you’re a local resident or a traveler passing through, the Maryland Ice Cream Trail offers a delightful way to explore the state’s history, culture, and landscapes—all while indulging in some of the best ice cream you’ll ever taste.

For more information on the Maryland Ice Cream Trail, including a list of creameries and trail maps, visit the Maryland’s Best website. Happy trails and even happier tastings!

Next: Gatlinburg: How to Get a Luxury Hiking Getaway on a Budget (gotravelhiking.com)