Location: Cumberland
Top Things to do in Cumberland
The 6 Best Free Things to do in Cumberland, Maryland (MD)
At the base of the Appalachian Mountains in Allegany County, Maryland, the city of Cumberland has been a military outpost manned by George Washington, a shipping hub, a manufacturing capital and "The Gateway to the West." Head to the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and explore the same paths taken by early American pioneers. A ride on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad carries visitors back to the golden age of rail, chugging past stunning mountain scenery in vintage train cars.
Restaurants in Cumberland
1. Great Allegheny Passage
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 235 reviews
The Great Allegheny Passage soars over valleys, snakes around mountains, and skirts alongside three rolling rivers on its nearly level path from Cumberland, Md. to Pittsburgh. Cyclists pass through the Cumberland Narrows, cross the Mason-Dixon Line, top the Eastern Continental Divide, wind their way through Pennsylvania’s breathtaking Laurel Highlands, journey through the region’s coke, coal, mining, and steel-making corridor, and end at Pittsburgh’s majestic Point State Park. Stunning views of waterfalls, gorges, river valleys, and farmland are everywhere, especially from outside the Big Savage Tunnel, from the sweeping Salisbury Viaduct, at both ends of the Pinkerton Tunnel, and via the Ohiopyle High and Low Bridges. Riders overlook the joining of rivers at Confluence, McKeesport, and Pittsburgh, and can explore adjoining peninsulas, state parks, hollows, wildflower stands, and forests on foot at many places along the trail.
Reviewed By obsidian2017 - Dearborn, United States
I biked this with three friends. Over the course of two days, we biked about 100 miles, starting from Pittsburgh, overnight stop in Connellsville, then to Ohiopyle and back to Connellsville. The trail is incredibly well tended--not only clean and cleared but also with great signage indicating miles to go to next city. In addition, many cities have air pumps and water stations. It is an incredibly beautiful trail and mostly level. The crushed limestone is almost like pavement. Ran into one of the guides/marketing staff for one of the cycling groups that helps tend the trail. He was full of useful info. From him, we learned that biking from Ohiopyle to Falling Water was less than ideal--no trail, no shoulder, lots of car traffic, curves, and inclines. So, once in Ohiopyle, we took a shuttle (offered by the local outfitter) up to Falling Water and back. That was perfect.
2. C&O Canal - Paw Paw Tunnel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
Reviewed By StacyInDC2012 - Alexandria, United States
We visited Paw Paw Tunnel and didn’t the trail hike in addition to walking through the tunnel. We started off from the Campground parking lot and near the sign for mile marker 156 ventured to the left of the trail onto a trail marked Tow Path Detour. It takes a long, gradual incline up the trail. At one point we reached a fork, one trail going up the other going down and realized the lower was where the Tunnel Trail actually began, right alongside the tunnel entrance. The top of the trail meets a parking lot off Malcolm Road and then we started the descent. By going this way - trail first and then tunnel back - we had a steady but less steep incline. The trail down for us had several switchbacks and very steep inclines. I was glad we went down that way and not up! At the bottom of the trail it was probably about half a mile before reaching the tunnel entrance. The tunnel has no lights so a flashlight (cell phone flashlight for the win) is a must! The path was just wide enough for single file in each direction. Total the out and back hike going over the tunnel was just under 5 miles. I’m not in great shape and the trail was tough but do-able. Having a hiking pole definitely was a help!
3. Cumberland Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By michaelbR954DT - New Jersey, United States
Free handicapped parking, CC only meters. This is also the Canal and train depot building. Canal museum is free (National Park System) which is downstairs, and the train depot and gift center (upstairs). You can check those individual reviews.
4. C&O Canal National Historical Park and Visitors Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
Reviewed By 291genej - Silver Spring, United States
Near the downtown exit of the freeway, we parked in a coin lot to the east of Parkview Liquor Store, under the freeway, and walked 1 block east to George Washington's HDQ. The small log house built in 1755 had information boards in front and just to the side was a memorial to the National Road with the Zero Marker stone nearby. A pathway to the south led to an overlook of the Potomac River and its broad Roller Dam. From here, a pedestrian bridge crossed the tracks to the Cumberland Station/Visitor Center and just to the south, a peek to Lock # 8 of the C&O Canal. So much history in a one block area for 4 quarters parking in the shade.
5. Sideling Hill Overlook & Rest Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By mysunshine1388 - Dayton, United States
Pros: Plenty of room to stretch and walk some Nice short yet tiring walk up stairs to the viewpoint Restrooms that are well stocked and maintained Nice visitor center with lots of info Amazing view of the Sideling Hill and of the valley opposite the hill Cons: None that I could see
6. Fort Cumberland Emporium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By BeckyM982 - LaVale, United States
Great shop for anyone who loves antiques and collectibles. A definite place to visit in Downtown Cumberland. The shop has three floors and is filled so you need to make sure you allot some time to see it all.
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