Who doesn’t love a good overlook view? You can take in the sights for miles at the following rest stop in Maryland. That’s right — a rest stop! It’s also a welcome center, observatory, and is home to one of Maryland’s most wondrous marvels. Read on for the details and next time you’re in the western Maryland area, consider seeing this place for yourself.

Sideling Hill Welcome Center is located along Route 68, in the Hancock area.

Google Maps

This spot is known for the impressive mountain cut known as Sideling Hill. Many people drive through it, but few stop to enjoy the view.

Flickr / Jon Dawson

First, visit the onsite welcome center to learn information and history about Sideling Hill.

TripAdvisor / management

Then, head outside where you can take in the sights along this bridge…

Flickr / Doug Kerr

…which gives you the perfect angle to see various layers of strata in the mountain cut.

Flickr / Jon Dawson

Then be sure to climb the stairs up the side…

TripAdvisor / Sara N

…where you can see Sideling Hill from up above on one side…

Flickr / Doug Kerr

…and miles of Maryland mountains on the other side.

Flickr / Stephen

Tip: visit during the cold season, when the water that trickles through the rock becomes frozen over.

Flickr / Mad African!: (Broken Sword)

Sideling Hill Welcome Center and observatory is so much more than just a rest stop, but please do sit and stay a while.

TripAdvisor / Atlas_shrugged_12

Majestic views await.

Flickr / Jenni C

Address:

Google Maps

Flickr / Jon Dawson

TripAdvisor / management

Flickr / Doug Kerr

TripAdvisor / Sara N

Flickr / Stephen

Flickr / Mad African!: (Broken Sword)

TripAdvisor / Atlas_shrugged_12

Flickr / Jenni C

3000 Sideling Hill Welcome Center

Hancock, MD 21750

For more must-see wonders in Maryland, click here!

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