Looking for a scenic mountain escape filled with charm, history, and fresh-air adventures? I think you’ll love Cumberland! I’ve wandered its historic streets, biked along the C&O Canal, and soaked up those Allegheny Mountain views, It’s the kind of place that feels both peaceful and full of possibilities. Whether you’re into hiking, riverside picnics, or just taking a slow stroll downtown, Cumberland offers that perfect mix of small-town warmth and big outdoor energy.
Where to Stay
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Cumberland – I’ve stayed here before—it’s super comfy and just steps from the C&O Canal towpath and downtown’s artsy spots. You’ll be close to everything.
- Rocky Gap Casino Resort – If you’re up for more of a getaway vibe, this lakeside resort is a great pick. I’ve enjoyed the spa and trails at Rocky Gap State Park, and you might just get hooked on the lake views and golf course.
Best Things to Do in Cumberland, MD
Bike or Hike Scenic Wonders on the Great Allegheny Passage
I began on the Great Allegheny Passage, the iconic 150-mile trail that connects Pittsburgh to Cumberland. I didn’t need to ride the whole thing—just a few miles out and back gave me the flavor: crushed limestone under tires, sunlight flickering through trees, the low rumble of a train echoing through the valley. The air smelled like honeysuckle and damp rock. I passed a few cyclists with panniers and trail-dusted smiles. "This is the slowest and best way to cross a state line," I thought.
Ride Through Time on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
Next came a different kind of ride—aboard the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. The restored locomotive pulled out of the historic station with a whistle that rattled my chest. The journey to Frostburg took me through forested hills, across creeks, past backyards and forgotten bridges. Inside the vintage coach, everything creaked and clicked in rhythm. I leaned back and let the mountains roll by like a moving mural.
Back in town, I stopped at George Washington’s Headquarters, a tiny log cabin tucked into a quiet corner of Riverside Park. The structure was simple—rough beams, stone chimney, worn floorboards—but it pulsed with history. Washington stayed here during the French and Indian War, long before he was anyone’s president. The cabin felt honest and small, like something built to survive.
C&O Canal National Historical Park and Paw Paw Tunnel
Then I headed toward the C&O Canal National Historical Park, a place where water, stone, and time seem to move together. I hiked a portion of the towpath leading to the famous Paw Paw Tunnel, a 3,100-foot passage carved through the mountain. Inside was damp, dark, echoing—the kind of tunnel where footsteps turn mythic. Light flickered at the far end. It smelled like river rock and old effort.
Lunch in Downtown Cumberland
For lunch, I wandered into a local café in downtown Cumberland. I ordered a grilled panini with sharp cheddar and applewood bacon, paired with a cup of tomato basil soup. The bread crunched perfectly. The soup was smooth and bright. Outside, brick buildings caught the early afternoon sun, and the streets buzzed with a slow, easy kind of life.
Explore Local Stories at the Allegany Museum
Next, I ducked into the Allegany Museum, which surprised me with its depth. Exhibits covered industry, transportation, and local folklore. A section on glassblowing and canal construction caught my eye, and I spent far too long staring at a map of 19th-century railroads that looked like an old spiderweb. The museum smelled faintly of old wood and linseed oil. It was warm, quiet, and steeped in local pride.
Cumberland Narrows
Later, I drove up to the Cumberland Narrows, a dramatic mountain pass carved by Wills Creek. On either side rose steep rock faces known as Lovers Leap and Haystack Mountain. The wind picked up as I looked down over the tracks and river that still snake through the gorge. Hawks circled above. Cars traced the old route below. It was both grand and strangely intimate—nature shaping history in stone.
If You’re Ready for Classic Fun, Head to the Allegany Fairgrounds
As evening rolled in, I passed the Allegany Fairgrounds, which stood quiet on the edge of town. I imagined it buzzing during county fair season—funnel cakes, 4-H livestock, glowing rides. Even empty, the place felt ready. The wind tugged at flags on empty poles. The grass was neatly mowed. Sometimes even silence carries a sense of anticipation.
Cumberland At a Glance
- Drive Time from D.C.: ~2.5 hours northwest
- Vibe: Historic, outdoorsy, quietly bold
- Highlights: Canal trails, scenic train rides, dramatic overlooks, rail and frontier history
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for crisp hikes and foliage; summer for train rides and lake time
- Cost: Mostly low-cost; train tours and museums offer good value
- Hours: Tunnel and parks open daily; museums and train vary by season
- Address Base: Start near the Western Maryland Railway Station downtown
Best Time to Visit
If you ask me, the best times to visit are in the spring and fall (April–June and September–October). That’s when the weather’s perfect for long hikes and bike rides, and the mountain scenery really shines. I love catching the fall colors or arriving just in time for one of the town’s laid-back local festivals.
How to Get There
- By Car: I usually drive in along I-68—it’s about 2 hours from Pittsburgh or 2.5 from D.C., and honestly, it’s a beautiful drive.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Capitol Limited line is a great way to get here—I’ve taken it from D.C., and the mountain views along the way are worth the ride alone.
- By Plane: If you’re flying, I’d suggest landing in Pittsburgh or Dulles. From there, you’ll have about a 2–2.5 hour drive through rolling hills and quiet countryside.
Final Thoughts
Cumberland doesn’t try to impress with flash. It waits for you to notice its backbone—the rail lines, the stone trails, the rivers that never stopped moving. It’s a place built by labor, weathered by history, and softened now by hikers, artists, and travelers like me. I came for the passage. I stayed for the sense of place that still runs deep.
Jump to a Spot...
- • Bike or Hike Scenic Wonders on the Great Allegheny Passage
- • Escape to Nature’s Playground at Rocky Gap State Park
- • Tunnel view: C&O Canal National Historical Park and Paw Paw Tunnel
- • Ride Through Time on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
- • C&O Canal National Historical Park and Paw Paw Tunnel
- • Explore Local Stories at the Allegany Museum
- • Step Into the Past at George Washington’s Headquarters
- • Marvel at Natural Beauty in the Cumberland Narrows
- • If You’re Ready for Classic Fun, Head to the Allegany Fairgrounds