Part 4: Maryland Daytrip to the Mountains
In this issue of Daytripping Around Maryland, we explore the mountain side of Maryland! Our friends at Grow West, in Cumberland, have given us the inside scoop to explore Western Maryland by foot, boat, or bike.
Grow West is currently offering 20% off everything in addition to lots of other specials! And, mention that you're daytripping and get a Crabcakes & Cannabis sticker for $1. Before you head out on your adventure, stop by their dispensary and stock up!
The Mountain Side of Maryland
Western Maryland is as historic as it is scenic and it offers unlimited events and activities to explore the outdoors year round. With the perfect climate and landscape to make the most of every season, you can ski, bike, hike, boat, swim, raft, shop, or just get a massage! While we tried to give you a good overview, this just scratches the surface of this incredible area!
Mountain Camping & Hiking
Swallow Falls State Park: This mountain park is located nine miles north of Oakland, Maryland and contains some of Maryland's most breathtaking scenery. The Youghiogheny River flows along the park's borders, passing through hemlock-shaded rocky gorges and creating rippling rapids. Muddy Creek Falls is a crashing 53-foot waterfall – the largest in Maryland and a spectacular sight.
Rocky Gap State Park: The park encompasses over 3,000 acres of public land for visitors to enjoy. Rugged mountains surround the park. The 243-acre Lake Habeeb is known for having the "bluest water in the state." The lake is fed by Rocky Gap Run, which winds its way through an impressive mile-long gorge, displaying sheer cliffs, overlooks and a hemlock forest dense with rhododendron and mountain laurel. If you're tired of hiking, relax on the sandy beach, take a rental boat out, or just have a swim in the lake. And, if you want to test your luck, head to the other side of the lake to the casino.
Destination: Deep Creek Lake
Wisp Resort is more than just a ski lodge! There are no shortage of activities in the Summer—from Aerial Courses, Zip Lines, to Scenic Chairlift Rides and Gem Mining. If you're looking for a thrill, try out the Mountain Coaster, a gravitational hybrid of an Alpine Slide and a Roller Coaster boasting a 1,300-foot uphill track while twisting, turning, dipping and rolling for 3,500 feet downhill over 350 vertical feet on the eastern side of Wisp Mountain. Wisp also offers several Aerial courses and ziplines.
The Great Allegany Passage (GAP)
Park the car and hop on The Great Allegany Passage (GAP) non-motorized path that soars over valleys, snakes around mountains, and skirts alongside the Casselman River, Youghiogheny River, and Monongahela River on a nearly-level, crushed-limestone surface. Tracing old footpaths and railroad corridors through the wilderness, the GAP passes through a dozen welcoming trail towns, where overnight accommodations range from lovely bed-and-breakfasts to comfortable guesthouses, and from campgrounds to hotels. Whether you're looking for a day trip, overnight, or thru trip, the website offers great infomation to plan your trip.
Climb Aboard the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad!
Enjoy a scenic journey through the mountains of Allegany County in vintage passenger cars behind historic diesel-electric locomotives courtesy of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. Passengers will experience a 4.5 hour round trip, starting and ending at the historic depot in downtown Cumberland with a 90-minute layover in the beautiful town of Frostburg, allowing for time to explore the shops and restaurants on Main Street. Specialty trains include The Polar Express Train Ride, Murder Mystery Dinner Trains, Moonshine Dinner Trains, Family Pizza Trains, Easter Trains, Private Charters, as well as Hands-on the Throttle (HOTT) Trains.
Delfest Annual Music Festival
From September 23-26, the Delfest family-friendly music festival celebrates the rich legacy of McCoury Music while creating a forum for world-class musical collaborations and to showcase fresh new talent with a down-home feeling. The Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland, MD, serves as the perfect location for DelFest—nestled along the Potomac River in the scenic Appalachian Mountains. In addition to a 3-day musical line-up, the festival features an Arts & Crafts marketplace and festival cuisine including local, ethnic, vegetarian, and vegan options.
Worked up an appetite?
FireFly Farms' award-winning cheeses are produced using sustainably-produced, locally‐sourced fresh goat’s and cow’s milk and time‐honored, traditional methods of cheese making. While you're in Deep Creek, stop into their flagship market and pick up a summer picnic lunch!
Corner Tavern & Cafe: Located in Downtown Cumberland, the Corner Tavern offers delicious cocktails and paninis!
Allegany Farmers Market: Check the website for locations and times
Basecamp Coffee Co.: Start your day with a cup of Basecamp specialty coffee, produced right here in Western Maryland.
Lost Mountain BBQ Company: Started as a little BBQ shack in West Virginia, LMBBQ has recently opened a location in Cumberland. Fans rave about their unique smoking technique and the love they put into every bite!!
Allegany County Ice Cream Trail
Just because you're we're the mountains, don't think you we miss the sultry dog days of Maryland summer! Whether you’re biking through Allegany County on the Great Allegheny Passage or just want a sweet retreat from the mountain’s summer sun, Allegany County, Maryland, is home to some notable ice cream stops.
High Country Creamery & Market (Grantsville) is most known for our wide variety of Cow’s Milk Cheddar Cheeses. The milk is sourced from an Amish Farm just a few miles down the road, still in .
Queen City Creamery (Cumberland) serves the best homemade frozen custard in town with ever-changing daily flavors. They also offer "Grown-Up" treats like Adult Milk Shakes, Floatinis, and Adult Coffees
Mountain City Coffeehouse & Creamery (Frostburg) Established in 1882 and rebuilt in 1938, the building stands as a treasure to the downtown landscape and enchants locals and visitors with its Gothic architecture and outdoor seating. They have a great breakfast and lunch menu and serve hand-dipped ice cream from the local Lakeside Creamery.
Breweries, Wineries & Distillaries
1812 Brewery (Cumberland) is the first and only farm brewery in Allegany County, Maryland. The family-owned and operated craft brewery and brew house is located in a repurposed barn built in 1812. The two-story barn has been converted into a brewery with vats and tanks in place.
Charis Winery & Distillery (Cumberland) is Allegany County's first winery. Enjoy the outside patio for tasting and pouring of their hand-crafted wines.
Dig Deep Brewing Co. (Cumberland) is a self-described working persons brewery where they live out their passion and motto: "Whatever You Dig, Dig Deep!"
Locust Post Brewery (Little Orleans) was built from the ground up incorporating repurposed and upcycled materials, both in the fabric of the structure and the artwork created by the Founders, the Cornwells, and others on the property. They often have live music playing on their outdoor stage.
Route 40 Brewing & Distilling Co. (Frostburg) Step back in time in The Speakeasy, Route 40 Brewing & Distilling's exclusive tasting room. Located deep within the lower level of The Hotel Gunter, taste their craft beers and distilled spririts in their cozy den. With the bar, tables, and detailing all made from locally-sourced barn wood, you'll never want to leave.
The Toasted Goat (Frostburg) grapes are grown locally, in Keyser, WV, 45 minutes from their Frostburg location. They process and bottle our wines on-site, providing a unique tasting experience.
As always, have fun, enjoy the scenery, and every now and then, turn off your GPS and get lost. Let us know if you find any great hidden spots along your way!
Check out our other daytrips: