REVIVE THE SUNDAY DRIVE!
The “Sunday Drive” originated in the mid-century
when automobiles were used more for pleasure and
less for commuting and errands. During this time in
our history, families delighted in heading out on
Sunday afternoons with no schedule and no
destination. The sole purpose of the Sunday drive
outing was simply the pleasure of getting out of town
and enjoying the scenery.
Initially the Sunday drive was primarily a custom of
the wealthier class however, it grew in popularity with
the mass production of automobiles in the 1920’s &
30’s. Cars packed with families wearing their Sunday
best were a common sight along the country roads and
this remained a popular pastime for decades. The 40’s
& 50’s was a time when automobiles were affordable
for most families - During this time, a leisurely drive
with your loved ones was the tradition of almost every
family.
Leisurely drives for pleasure were on the decline by
the mid-sixties and virtually a pleasure of the past by
the seventies. It’s hard to say what led to the demise of
this once highly regarded tradition - population
growth and over development, increase in traffic, price
of gasoline, environmental concerns, other novel things
to do - who knows? What we do know is that it was a
much simpler time - A time when schedules weren’t
overbooked, people weren’t overwhelmed, families
enjoyed an entire day of quality time together enjoying
what nature had to offer.
In today’s environment, what better way to practice
social distancing than a relaxing drive full of
picturesque views. Let’s “Revive the Sunday Drive”!
“Revive the Sunday Drive” is a scenic 2-hour self-
driving tour along the *rustic and **exceptionally rustic
roads of the County’s more rural areas.
For those with some extra time, the route also offers
the opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the
fresh country air by including ideas for picnic spots
(remember to pack it) and walking/hiking trails &
scenic photo spots.
No matter how you choose to take your tour – the full
non-stop drive, a drive with stops for exploring or a
shorter partial tour – you will be glad you did!
Entire Route is approximately a 2-hour drive without stops
Tour Directions:
1. 270 North – Exit 10 – Turn Right onto Clopper Road (Rte.
117) (4 miles)
2. Left onto Schaffer Road West (4 miles)
3. Left onto White Ground Road (1.61 miles)
4. Left onto Darnestown Road (RT 28)
5. Immediate Right onto Sugarland Road (1.5 miles)
6. Left onto Montevideo Road (2.1 miles- Exceptionally Rustic)
7. Right onto River Road
➢ Less than ½ mile on left – 1880 Historical Seneca School
House Museum (visits by appt.)
8. Left onto Hunting Quarter Road (1.9 miles Exceptionally
Rustic)
➢ McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area on left
✓ Walking/Hiking/Biking Trails & parking
✓ Wildlife: deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, numerous
reptiles & amphibians, over 200 species of songbirds
✓ Sunflower Fields (mid-July)
9. Hunting Quarter Road changes names into Hughes Road
10. Left onto River Road (Portions are Rustic)
11. River Road changes names into Mount Nebo Road (Rustic)
12. Continue straight name changes again onto West Offutt Road
(Rustic)
13. Left onto Edwards Ferry Road (Exceptionally Rustic)
➢ Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park
(Edwards Ferry)
✓ Walking/Hiking trails, fishing, boat ramp
✓ Restrooms, Parking & Picnic Area
14. As you exit back onto Edwards Ferry Road, take sharp bend
to Right which turns into River Road (1.3 miles Exceptionally
Rustic)
15. Stay Left to continue on River Road (3.7 miles), then left into
Whites Ferry Road
➢ Whites Ferry
✓ Parking and picnic tables on site
✓ Scenic access point to Potomac River
✓ Access to C&O Canal for hiking/biking/walking
16. Leaving Whites Ferry Leave, left onto Whites Ferry Road (2.5
miles)
17. Left onto Martinsburg Road (4.7 miles) to Dickerson Road
➢ Dickerson Conservation Park entrance is on left
18. Left onto Dickerson Road (1.4 miles)
19. Left onto Mouth of the Monocacy (1.2 miles)
➢ Monocacy Aqueduct
✓ Access to C&O Canal for hiking/biking/walking
✓ Scenic access point to Monocacy/Potomac Rivers
✓ Picnic tables onsite
20. When you leave Monocacy Aqueduct, Right onto Dickerson
Road
21. At railroad bridge, Left onto Mt Ephraim Road and follow (2.8
miles) to Sugarloaf Mountain
22. Road
➢ Sugarloaf Mountain
✓ Hiking/walking trails
✓ Parking, porta johns and picnic area
✓ Scenic overlooks
23. Leaving the Mountain, take Comus road then turn right onto
Route 109
24. Left Barnesville Road
25. Right on Clarksburg Road
26. Left onto Clopper Road (4 miles) Right onto 270 South
** Please note that
some of the
Exceptionally Rustic
Roads are dirt/gravel
and may contain large
potholes. Please drive
slowly and with caution
on these roadways.
