FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Allegany County Office of Tourism
701 Kelly Road
Cumberland, MD 21502
tourism@alleganygov.org
www.mdmountainside.com
Allegany County Tourism Releases 2026 Visit Mountain Maryland Destination Guide
Travelers can request a mailed copy or download the digital version online.
April 8, 2026 - CUMBERLAND, MD – Allegany County Tourism is proud to unveil the new 2026 Visit Mountain Maryland Destination Guide, a free travel publication printed annually to inspire travelers to visit Allegany County, the Mountain Side of Maryland.
This year’s guide features 84 full-color pages filled with stunning photography and curated content that highlights the destination’s outdoor recreation, arts and culture, and history and heritage, designed to encourage travel and exploration.
“Allegany County’s Destination Guide continues to be an in-demand resource for travelers planning a trip to our region,” said Ashli Workman, Director of Allegany County Tourism. “Our goal is simple, to give people a reason to get in their car, travel a few hours, and choose Mountain Maryland. When they do, they stay, explore, and support our local economy.”
Serving as a comprehensive resource for exploring the region, the magazine-quality guide includes lodging, dining, camping, events, trails, and museum listings. This year’s guide features stories highlighting Signature Moments on the Trail, showcasing the diverse landscapes and experiences along our trail systems; Mountain Maryland Culinary Trails, featuring four hyper-local food trails; Music Peaks Here, celebrating the region’s growing music scene and Appalachian roots; and the Ask the Local series.
In recognition of the 250th anniversary of America in 2026, the guide places added emphasis on history and heritage storytelling. Featured content includes America 250: Where the Nation Found Its Way West, a themed itinerary highlighting sites recognized by the Maryland 250 Coalition for their authentic connections to the nation’s story, and the debut of Mountain Maryland’s newest trail system - Roots of Freedom, celebrating Allegany County’s Liberty Tree Trail.
The cover photo captures the crossroads of Mountain Maryland’s rivers, rails, roads, and trails, featuring a family biking along the C&O Canal Towpath into downtown Cumberland, while Engine No. 1309 of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad crosses the Potomac River into Cumberland Station. The image was captured by local photographer Erin Dettinburn.
“Given that 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of America, it was important for us to highlight assets that reflect our region’s rich history and heritage,” said Workman. “We worked intentionally to capture a moment that showcases the unique convergence of our rivers, rails, and trails.”
The annual guide is produced by Allegany County Tourism, the official Destination Marketing Organization for Allegany County, Maryland, in partnership with Postern, a full-service marketing and advertising agency based in Frederick, Maryland.
Destination guides will be distributed via mail and made available at local businesses, lodging establishments, Maryland welcome centers, AAA offices, regional chambers of commerce, and travel centers throughout key markets including Maryland, Northern Virginia, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The guide is also distributed to meeting and event attendees and visiting travel media, supporting Mountain Maryland’s broader marketing and public relations efforts.
Plan your next Mountain Maryland adventure by requesting a free Destination Guide, or view the digital version available online. For a full list of tourism-related businesses, attractions, events, and travel information, explore mdmountainside.com.
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