FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Allegany County Office of Tourism
701 Kelly Road
Cumberland, MD 21502
aworkman@alleganygov.org
www.mdmountainside.com
Allegany County, Maryland, Named No. 2 Best Place to Visit for Fall by USA TODAY 10Best
Mountain Maryland earns national recognition as one of the country’s top fall destinations
September 16, 2026 - CUMBERLAND, MD – Allegany County, Maryland, the Mountain Side of Maryland, has been named one of the ‘Best Place to Visit for Fall’ in the United States in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, earning the second-place spot.
The recognition marks another strong showing for Mountain Maryland in the national competition and follows Allegany County’s number three finish in 2024. It is also the destination’s fourth consecutive nomination for Best Place to Visit for Fall.
USA TODAY 10Best nominations are selected by a panel of subject matter experts and USA TODAY 10Best editors before being opened to public voting. Readers then vote for their favorite destinations during a multi-week national competition.
“This recognition continues to affirm what makes fall in Mountain Maryland so special,” said Ashli Workman, Director of Tourism for Allegany County. “Our mountains, trails, scenic drives, historic communities and signature attractions create an incredible fall travel experience, but this recognition is also a reflection of the businesses, attractions and tourism partners who continue investing in the visitor experience. To be ranked in the top 10 list for the country is something our entire destination can celebrate.”
The 2026 USA TODAY 10Best winners for Best Place to Visit for Fall are:
- Mackinac Island, Michigan
- Allegany County, Maryland
- Woodstock, Georgia
- Gatlinburg, Tennessee
- Lafayette, Louisiana
- Rochester, New York
- Saratoga County, New York
- Burlington, Vermont
- Yakima Valley, Washington
- Sleepy Hollow, New York
Located in the Appalachian Mountains of Western Maryland, Allegany County offers visitors a range of ways to experience the fall season. More than 70,000 acres of public land, scenic overlooks and mountain roads provide a backdrop for hiking, biking, paddling and leaf peeping throughout the destination.
Visitors can experience autumn aboard the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, pedal through the mountains with Tracks & Yaks rail biking, explore internationally recognized trail systems including the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath, travel the region’s scenic byways, or spend time exploring the historic downtowns of Cumberland and Frostburg.
Fall also brings a full calendar of festivals, outdoor recreation, local dining, craft beverages and seasonal events throughout Mountain Maryland.
“Fall has historically been one of our strongest travel seasons, and recognition like this gives us another opportunity to introduce Mountain Maryland to travelers who may not yet know us,” Workman said. “For anyone considering a fall road trip, we invite them to come see why readers across the country continue putting Allegany County among America’s best fall destinations.” Travelers planning a fall getaway can find foliage inspiration, scenic drives, overlooks, seasonal events, trip ideas and fall experiences at www.mdmountainside.com/fall/.
USA TODAY 10Best provides travel rankings and recommendations covering destinations, attractions, food, lodging and experiences across the United States and around the world. Readers’ Choice Award nominees are selected by panels of travel experts and USA TODAY 10Best editors, with the public determining the final rankings through online voting.
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Allegany County Tourism
Allegany County Tourism is the official tourism office for Allegany County, Maryland. Allegany County Tourism enhances the quality of life in Allegany County, Maryland, and strengthens destination awareness through promotion, development, and services that attract visitors to stay longer and spend more in our community. A comprehensive listing of area attractions, lodging options, and community events can be found at www.mdmountainside.com. Tourism supports 3,600 jobs in Allegany County, generating $168 million in visitor spending and $48 million in tourism tax revenues annually. Source: Tourism Economics