Get Out ThereExplore Cumberland

Ride vintage rail from Cumberland to Frostburg through the Allegheny Mountains, passing Helmstetter’s Curve and the Brush Tunnel. Seasonal excursions include dinner trains, murder mysteries, and holiday events, with steam locomotive No. 1309 starring on select dates. It’s a photogenic, family-friendly activity.

Pedal or stroll the 150mile GAP rail trail linking Cumberland to Pittsburgh and connecting with the C&O Canal Towpath for a 335mile route to Washington, D.C. Expect lightly graded terrain, trail towns every 10 miles or so, and big views at the Eastern Continental Divide. Start at Mile 0 in Canal Place near downtown Cumberland.

Explore 184.5 miles of towpath along the Potomac River, ending in Cumberland. Hike, cycle, birdwatch, and visit historic lockhouses and aqueducts. Multiple visitor centers and trailheads make day trips easy. Download trip-planning tools or join ranger-led programs to add context to your canal adventure.

Cumberland's downtown Main Street District is a charming blend of historic character and vibrant local culture. With beautifully preserved architecture, unique shops, cozy cafés, a growing arts scene, and scenic mountain views, it offers visitors an inviting place to explore and unwind. 

Home to the Allegany County Fair & Ag Expo and year-round events, the fairgrounds feature large indoor/outdoor venues and a half-mile dirt track. Look for concerts, festivals, and winter light displays. Check the calendar when planning your stay.

Just east of Cumberland, 3,000+ acres surround Lake Habeeb—famous for clear, blue water. Hike the Lakeside Loop, paddle, swim at sandy beaches, or visit the nature center. Scenic overlooks and hemlock forests offer year-round beauty minutes from town.

Play 600+ slots and table games, dine at multiple restaurants, and tee up at Maryland’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, all inside Rocky Gap State Park. Guests enjoy a spa, events, and lake views—easy to pair with a day on the trails.

Sip awardwinning craft beers at Western Maryland’s farm brewery, set in a repurposed 1812 barn on a scenic property. Expect live music, food trucks, and family friendly vibes. This is your relaxed stop after riding the GAP or exploring Downtown. Check the events page before you go.

Coast downhill from Frostburg on tandem or quad railbikes along the Western Maryland Railway line, gliding through the Brush Tunnel and past mountain views. Guided tours include shuttle return and combo packages with kayaking or the Scenic Railroad.

A Main Street accredited college town with indie shops, bakeries, taverns, galleries, and the historic Palace Theatre. It’s the western stop for the Scenic Railroad and launch point for rail biking. Plan a meal, grab a coffee, and explore local arts and history.

This 481-acre park offers an Olympic size pool (seasonal), a stocked fishing pond, four, large group picnic pavilions, a playground, and new hiking loops. Nearby Dan’s Rock Overlook serves dramatic valley views. A lowkey day park that’s perfect for families. 

Maryland’s largest contiguous public forest (≈49,000 acres) offers primitive camping by permit, extensive hiking and biking trails, scenic overlooks, hunting (permit), and a self guided 44mile driving tour. It’s a serene, rugged escape within easy reach.

Comprehensive inpatient (CAR accredited) and outpatient rehab services—physical, occupational, and speech therapy—are available minutes from downtown. Whether you’re visiting or here on business, the hospital is a regional hub for specialty care.

Headquartered in Downtown Cumberland, Care Ventures provides rehabilitation management and related healthcare services to providers across the continuum. It’s part of the community’s healthcare ecosystem supporting residents and employers.

A major cabinetry manufacturer with a long presence in Cumberland, American Woodmark’s Allegany Plant underscores local industry and employment. The facility sits southwest of town in Barton Business Park.

Just a quick 5-minute drive from The Wills Hotel, Allegany College of Maryland offers a welcoming campus with athletics, cultural events, and community programs. Stop by for a Trojans sports game, art exhibit, or open lecture during your stay—immerse yourself in the local college experience and enjoy a taste of Cumberland’s vibrant scholarly spirit.

Head 15 minutes west on I‑68 to reach Frostburg State University, a scenic campus nestled in mountain views. Root for the Bobcats at football, soccer, or lacrosse games, or catch a cultural event like performances and exhibits. Take in the collegiate atmosphere and enjoy a day exploring the academic energy just beyond Cumberland.

The official city site offers event calendars, parking info, permits, and services helpful for planning your visit, attending downtown happenings, or exploring parks and recreation facilities like Gene Mason Sports Complex.

Stay current on local news, sports, and community events with the region’s newspaper—great for checking weekend happenings, feature stories, and weather before you head out.

Nearby Rocket Center, WV and Elkton, MD facilities contribute to advanced defense manufacturing and hypersonics and are key employers in the broader region. Their operations reflect the area’s engineering heritage and innovation.

IBM maintains federal consulting roles and technology operations in Rocket Center, WV. For business travelers, the site underscores the region’s federal and IT presence within a short drive of Cumberland.

This 55-acre riverfront complex offers soccer fields, ball diamonds, volleyball courts, tennis, BMX, and access to the C&O Canal. It’s ideal for pickup games or spectating local league play. Check facility details and field availability online. Temporarily closed due to recent flooding.

Catch Trojans basketball or volleyball in a renovated arena seating about 950, or attend special events. Named for the legendary NJCAA coach, it’s a lively venue close to downtown and an easy add to a sports-focused itinerary.

Visit the Parris N. Glendening Recreation Complex in Frostburg—about a 15-minute drive from your downtown stay. The 27-acre park boasts athletic fields, basketball courts, a playground, walking trails, and stocked fishing ponds. Bring the family, stretch your legs, or enjoy a lakeside snack after exploring Cumberland’s downtown scene.