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Is your idea of fun biking for miles along well-maintained trails, soaking in the scenery? Or perhaps you like learning about history, like the early days of our nation’s roadway and railway systems. Maybe you enjoy the small-town charm of an all-American Main Street, where you can sample the local fare. Or is your answer “all of the above”?
Whatever your idea of adventure, you’re likely to find it in Allegany County, “the Mountain Side of Maryland.” With an abundance of outdoor recreational activities, historic sites, and award-winning wineries, breweries, distilleries, and eateries, you’ll find a trail for just about any age or interest in this picturesque part of the state. Here are just a few of the spring and summer trail experiences Allegany County has to offer.
Great Allegheny Passage
Connecting Pittsburgh, PA, to Cumberland, MD, the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail offers 150 miles of scenic rail-trail for biking and hiking, with majestic views of Maryland’s mountains. The trail follows the route of the historic Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, and it’s the only location along trail where bikers can ride through a tunnel at the same time as a passing train. The GAP trail links up to the C&O Canal Towpath in Cumberland.
The official trail towns of Frostburg and Cumberland boast Main Street districts full of unique and charming shops, restaurants, and arts and entertainment venues. Be sure to take the self-guided walking tours to admire the architectural beauty and enduring history when you visit.
C&O Canal Towpath
The 12-foot wide, nearly level path was built for mules to pull the canal boats along the 184.5-mile canal from Cumberland, MD, to Georgetown in Washington, D.C. Today, the path is maintained by the National Park Service and draws visitors from all over the world looking for scenic biking and hiking.
Tracks and Yaks
If you’re looking for something fun and different for all ages, try rail biking! Pedal-powered tandem or quad rail bikes take riders along the smooth, steel railroad tracks. This is not a physically strenuous activity since the tracks steer the rail bikes and the terrain is mostly downhill. The Track and Yak excursion includes a 15-mile rail bike trip, a 4-mile float on the North Branch of the Potomac River in a kayak or tube, and a shuttle bus back to Frostburg Depot. Shorter rail bike-only tours are also available.
Ice Cream Trail
If your warm weather goals are to sample as many sweet frozen treats as possible, the Ice Cream Trail is for you. From end-to-end, the self-guided drive is just under 55 miles and includes nine stops at local eateries. Or, you can take a break from biking or hiking one of the trails above to pop into one or two of them, such as the Oak Barrel Café, offering soft serve and smoothies, or Frostburg Freeze, family owned and operated for over 50 years, purveyors of the Boston Shake—a hot fudge sundae inside a milkshake or a milkshake poured over a hot fudge sundae, depending on your viewpoint.
Mountain Maryland Tap and Pour Tour
If your idea of a treat leans more toward adult beverages, this is your kind of tour. Mountain Maryland’s Tap and Pour Tour was recently named “Best Beer/Wine/Spirits Trail” by Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine. Visit the area’s award-winning wineries, breweries, and distilleries, including 1812 Brewery, the first farm brewery in Allegany County, located on 190 acres where they grow their own hops, and Charis Winery and Distillery, offering award-winning sweet and semi-sweet wines and brandy, as well as seven different oils and balsamic vinegar for sampling.
For even more ideas, destinations, and events, visit our website where you can request a destination guide.
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