Exploring and traveling have enough boundaries and barriers that can impede on a great day out and about. Don’t let money be one of those factors. There is plenty of wallet-friendly fun available for explorers in Allegany County, the Mountain Side of Maryland.
1. Ride or Hike the Great Allegheny Passage
Even if you don’t have a bike, the Great Allegheny Passage offers excellent opportunities for hiking along the trail. Take in the unique features of the trail such as The Narrows - a 900-foot deep natural water gap formed over thousands of years by what is now known as Wills Creek, Helmstetter’s Curve - a famous 180-degree horseshoe curve in the railway popular for rail photographers capturing the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad trains, and the Mason-Dixon Line Park - a rest stop along the trail at the boundary between Maryland and Pennsylvania with 11 large granite blocks spelling Mason & Dixon, all accessible from access points in Cumberland, Cash Valley, and Frostburg.
2. Explore Public Art
Travel through either one of Mountain Maryland’s Arts and Entertainment districts, in Cumberland and Frostburg, and you will be met with diverse genres of art in our galleries, theaters, and art spaces. But did you know that there is a whole collection of art available in open spaces? Explore these incredible works of public art depicting history, honoring life, and celebrating culture in the county and the region. Learn more.
3. Visit Lonaconing Historical Sites and Attractions
The historic Lonaconing Iron Furnace and Park was the first in the United States to successfully use coal and coke fuel rather than charcoal to produce pig iron. The massive furnace produced nearly 75 tons of iron per week at its height of production. The furnace, used to make dowels for the C&O Canal's lock walls, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Also, enjoy the family park while visiting. Just a short walk away is the Lefty Grove Memorial Park. If you love baseball, this is a must-visit!
4. Cool Off at Lake Habeeb
Lake Habeeb, a striking 243‑acre reservoir within Rocky Gap State Park in Western Maryland, is famed for its “bluest” water and peaceful mountain surroundings, bordered by sheer cliffs and a hemlock‑laden gorge. If you own a kayak, canoe, or paddle board, you can access the lake's public access spots for free!
5. Scenic Overlook Driving Tour
Enjoy the beauty of Maryland’s largest contiguous forest, Green Ridge State Forest, from a different perspective… your car. Unlike heavily-populated scenic driving routes, Green Ridge State Forest’s Scenic Driving Tour takes you on a 45-mile journey to some of Allegany County's most spectacular overlooks. Learn more.
6. Tour Maryland's Last Standing National Road Toll House
Take a free guided tour of the historic LaVale Toll House during seasonal open dates and discover how travelers once paid to journey west on America's first federally funded highway.
7. Town Hill Overlook
An historic marker with breathtaking views, located across the street from the historic Town Hill Bed and Breakfast, the only hotel from the 1920’s that is still in business today. We recommend driving to this overlook, parking your car, and taking in the sweeping horizons of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
8. Explore the Allegany Museum
The Allegany Museum is one of the region’s premier museum spaces, with curated collections spanning numerous floors and rooms. The Crossroads of America exhibit, traces the history of human movement through Cumberland and Allegany County. Kids will enjoy the interactive displays, reminiscent of the Oregon Trail, which offer a thrilling and educational journey through American transportation history. This captivating experience is designed to capture the imagination of children as they learn about the National Road and important transportation milestones. While the museum is free, donations are recommended.
9. Visit the Coal Miner Memorial
One of Allegany County's newest heritage attractions, the Coal Miner Memorial honors more than 700 miners who lost their lives while helping build the region. Interpretive elements, scenic overlooks, and nearby trails make this a meaningful stop in Frostburg. Learn more.
10. Get Out with Your Camera
If photography is your hobby, look no further! Mountain Maryland is the ideal setting for those picture-perfect captures. Iconic locations include Helmstetter’s Curve along the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. If you time it right, you may just capture the 1309 steam engine roaring through. There is also a selfie with C&O Canal donkey statue, Daisy, just outside Canal Place in Cumberland. And, we definitely recommend capturing a photo in front of one of our many public art installations.
11. Go Fishing
With the Potomac River forming the southern border of the county and the sloping hillsides that make up the Allegheny Mountain range, the creeks, rivers, and waterways that flow through the mountains are the perfect place to cast a line and soak up some rays. Check out some of these hot spots around the county. You'll need a Maryland fishing license and your own gear, but once you have both, some of the region's best fishing is completely free to enjoy.
12. The C&O Canal National Historical Park
Did you know that the C&O Canal National Historic Park is the most visited National Park in all of Maryland and one of the most visited in the country? The park which focuses on the Canal and Towpath amenities is also a great location for bird watching, connecting with Mother Nature and taking in cultural and historical amenities.
13. Discover the Liberty Tree Trail
Explore one of the nation's largest concentrations of living Liberty Trees right here in Mountain Maryland. This self-guided trail connects visitors to America's Revolutionary past while leading them through scenic communities and historic landscapes. It's a unique way to experience both history and nature—for free.
14. Bring Along Your Furry Friend
Yes, you read that right! Rocky Gap State Park is a dog-friendly park where you can hike, paddle, and even swim on the dog-friendly public beaches. While hikes around the 5-mile Lake Side Loop Trail and canoeing in your own watercraft are free, you can also access the public beach day-use area for a small fee. Learn more about our dog friendly adventures.
15. Evergreen Heritage Center
Evergreen Heritage Center is a 130-acre historic farm boasts three onsite museums (the Farmhouse Museum, Living Off the Land Barn Museum and the Coal Camp Museum), plus acres of gardens, and a walking trail. The property does offer monthly programming with costs associated; however, the vast grounds and property amenities are free to explore. Learn more.
16. Explore our Art Galleries
Explore Mountain Maryland's vibrant arts scene by visiting its unique galleries. In Frostburg, stop by Mountain City Traditional Arts to discover handcrafted Appalachian artwork, folk art, and locally made goods, then browse contemporary works at the nearby Arcadian Gallery. In Cumberland, experience the thoughtfully curated exhibitions at Ferleman Gallery, showcasing regional and international artists, or venture into the city's historic district to visit Gilchrist Gallery, home to a permanent collection of fine art and rotating special exhibitions.
17. Stargaze at Dans Mountain
Photo by Charles Foye
One of the most iconic overlooks in Allegany County, Dans Rock sits at the highest point in elevation in the county and features the most stunning views of the Allegheny Front. This scenic overlook takes its name from Daniel Cresap, the oldest son of Thomas Cresap. American Indian, Chief Nemacolin, and Cresap were friends who hunted and explored the area's mountains. During one of these expeditions, Cresap was injured from a fall and the mountain then became known as 'Dans Mountain.' The overlook is reached from Midland, MD.
18. Bone Cave
Did you know… the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC, houses a saber-toothed cat on permanent display that was found right here in Mountain Maryland? Cycle or hike out to Bone Cave, located between mile markers 9 and 10 along the GAP. When the original rail line was constructed in 1912, a local naturalist discovered fossils among rocks blasted at the cave site prompting excavation by paleontologists from the Smithsonian Institution. That same year, they uncovered 41 genera of mammals including the saber-toothed tiger.
19. Rock Climb
This will require some equipment and some skill, but if you are new to the sport entirely, be sure to connect with the Western Maryland Climbing Coalition, an organization that will be more than happy to usher you into the sport. Rocky Gap State Park offers great crags, perfect for beginner to advanced.
20. Catch a Free Show or Festival
Home to the Levitt AMP Cumberland Music Series and many street festivals, Allegany County offers plenty of free opportunities for live music and culture. Check out the Levitt AMP Cumberland Music Series each Thursday through the summer at the Canal Place Festival Grounds. During the fall, get a taste of mountain culture at the Heritage Days Festival in Cumberland and the Appalachian Festival in Frostburg.
21. Take to the Road Along a Scenic Byway
Mountain Maryland is home to three of Maryland's collection of scenic byways that offer inviting views, magical main streets, enduring history, and engaging places. Download our itineraries, jump in the car, and hit the open road to the Mountainside. Learn more.
22. Downtown Window Shopping
Wander the walkable downtowns of Cumberland and Frostburg, admire historic architecture, browse local shops, discover murals, and enjoy public gathering spaces without spending a dime. If history inspires you, be sure to include a walking tour of downtown Frostburg, with 32 locations telling the story of Frostburg’s buildings, history, and architecture, including a stop at the Brownsville Monument on Frostburg State University’s Upper Quad. You can also take a walking tour of downtown Cumberland, with 32 locations that tell the story of Cumberland’s buildings, history, and architecture.
23. Explore Canal Place Heritage Area
Take a stroll through Canal Place Heritage Area, where history, recreation, and scenic beauty come together. Watch cyclists begin or end their journey on the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath, admire historic architecture, enjoy views of the canal basin, and catch the sights and sounds of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. Throughout the year, Canal Place also hosts free concerts, festivals, and community events that make it a lively place to explore.
24. Visit the Paw Paw Tunnel
One of the most important 19th century engineering feats, the Paw Paw Tunnel runs 6/10s of a mile through a mountain along the C&O Canal Towpath. Today the tunnel is managed by the National Park Service and is used by thousands of bikers. But if you plan to visit, do not forget your flashlight. Even on the brightest of days, the tunnel reduces to pinpoints as you make the walk/ride through the center.
25. Disc Golf
Allegany County is home to several disc golf courses, but the Hoffman Park Disc Golf Course is the first public disc golf course in the county, featuring nine baskets ranging from 125 feet to 223 feet on a mostly flat, moderately wooded course, perfect for beginners and seasoned players alike. Locust Post Brewery also features a Disc Golf Course, which is free to play for their patrons.