Where to Have Summer Fun in Maryland’s Mountains

Mountains, forests and the Potomac River combine to make Maryland’s Allegany County a summer playground for families. All ages can enjoy hiking or walking its trails, biking along the C&O Canal towpath, camping in state parks or C&O Canal National Historical Park, and a variety of water sports in lakes and on the Potomac.

The Potomac River forms the entire southern border of Allegany County, and its gentle rapids make float or paddle sports easy for any level. Three sections of the river offer public access, making everything from two-hour floats to all-day paddling trips by canoe or kayak possible. Lake Habeeb, in Rocky Gap State Park, is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming, with two public beaches and a private beach for the camping area.

More than 200 miles of developed trail systems fill 70,000 acres of public land, where world-class trails lead through different environments where you can see wildlife on the way to scenic overlooks on trails. These trails are rated easy to difficult and accommodate all levels of ability.

An easy, hour-long hike with big rewards is the 2.5-mile Gorge Trail, which winds through a scenic glen and past waterfalls, flumes and rock formations. Here, kids will love walking behind some of the waterfalls.

For flat walking or easy bicycling (along with some history), C&O Canal National Historical Park and Towpath follows the canal, running alongside the Potomac.

For a less energetic adventure, board the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad on a three-hour roundtrip from Cumberland and through The Narrows and Allegheny Mountain range to Frostburg. A 90-minute stop there allows plenty of time to enjoy lunch and stroll its historic Main Street before the train returns to Cumberland.