Savor Summer’s Final Days: Last-Minute Family Trips to the Mountain Side of Maryland

As the first day of school creeps closer, the calendar might be screaming “back to reality,” but summer still has a few golden days left. For families in the Baltimore or Pittsburgh areas, a last-minute getaway to Allegany County, the Mountain Side of Maryland, is an easy, drivable escape that packs in adventure, relaxation, and memory-making—all before the lunchboxes come out again.

Just two to three hours from both cities, Allegany County blends scenic mountain beauty with kid-approved attractions and activities the whole family will love. Whether you have a full weekend or just a quick overnight, here are some ways to make those final summer moments count.

1. Take One Last Splash at Rocky Gap State Park

School might mean the end of lazy lake days, but there’s still time to swim, paddle, or simply relax on the sandy beach of Lake Habeeb, famed for having “the bluest water in Maryland.” Rent a kayak or paddleboard, or try the Lakeside Loop Trail for a family-friendly hike with gorgeous mountain views.

While you’re there, visit the park’s Scales & Tales Aviary, a one-of-a-kind educational program featuring injured, non-releasable birds of prey and reptiles native to Maryland. Many of the birds were either raised in captivity or injured and could not survive in the wild. Here, you can see these magnificent animals up close and hear the fascinating stories of how they became part of the program—a perfect blend of nature, education, and inspiration.

Bonus: Pack a picnic from the Thursday or Saturday Downtown Cumberland Farmers Markets for lunch with a view.

📍 Cumberland, MD | 2 hrs from Baltimore | 2.5 hrs from Pittsburgh

2. All Aboard the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

Before you swap summer freedom for school schedules, hop on a vintage train ride from Downtown Cumberland to Frostburg and back with the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. Kids will love the open-air car, while parents can soak up the Allegheny Mountain scenery. Treat the family to ice cream in Frostburg before the return trip. It’s practically a back-to-school sendoff tradition.

📍 Cumberland, MD | Departs Thurs–Sun

3. Pedal into the New School Year

If your crew loves biking, book a downhill rail biking trip from Frostburg to Cumberland with Tracks and Yaks. The 15-mile rail biking adventure is mostly effortless, letting you coast through The Narrows and the historic Brush Tunnel. Add on a riverside lunch or combine it with a kayak float for a full day of fun.

📍 Frostburg, MD | Reservations recommended for weekends

4. Discover Downtown Fun in Cumberland & Frostburg

Before homework takes over, spend an afternoon exploring our walkable historic downtowns—each full of history, flavor, and fun.

In Frostburg, stroll Main Street with the Frostburg Walking Tour Map, exploring historic architecture and popping into locally owned shops. Treat the kids (and yourself) to two sweet stops on the Allegany County Ice Cream Trail, the retro-style Princess Restaurant and the beloved Freeze ice cream stand. Time your visit to watch the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad engine turn on the depot’s historic turntable - a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

In Cumberland, follow the Cumberland Walking Tour Map to uncover historic landmarks, then relax at a sidewalk café with mountain views. Browse local art at the Arcadian Gallery or Ferleman Gallery, where regional artists showcase everything from fine paintings to unique crafts.

5. Camp Under the Stars (or in a Cozy Cabin)

Give summer the sendoff it deserves with a night under the stars at Green Ridge State Forest or Rocky Gap State Park. Pitch a tent for the classic camping experience—or skip the setup and book one of Rocky Gap’s rustic cabins. Complete with a bunk bed, a double bed, electric, and a charming front porch, these simple wooden shelters offer all the fun of camping without the fuss. They’re primitive in amenities but perfect for relaxing after a day of hiking, paddling, or swimming. Roast marshmallows, swap stories, and fall asleep to the sounds of nature—a perfect way to reset before the school year begins.

📍 Flintstone, MD | Reservations recommended for cabins

6. Turn Your Getaway into a Back-to-School Adventure

Blend summer fun with hands-on learning at the C&O Canal National Historical Park in Cumberland. Stroll or bike along the towpath where 19th-century canal boats once transported goods, and imagine life as a lock keeper. Then, step inside the C&O Canal Museum at Canal Place, where interactive exhibits, historic artifacts, and kid-friendly displays bring the region’s transportation history to life. It’s a fun way to sneak in a little history lesson before the first day of class.

📍 Cumberland, MD | Free admission to the visitor center

Plan Your Trip Now—Before the Bell Rings

From Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Washington, DC, Allegany County is a short drive but a world away, making it perfect for those spontaneous summer escapes. Whether you come for the lake, the trails, the trains, or the charming mountain towns, you’ll head home with more than just school supplies. You’ll have one last dose of summer magic.

Pro Tip: Many attractions are open weekends into early fall, so if you can’t squeeze it in before school, plan a September trip for cooler temps and fewer crowds.