Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the Alleghenies to Pittsburgh and the Ohio River. Today Cumberland has expanded into
the outdoor recreation trade to guide visitors to the region's rivers, forests and mountains.
Sights are a short stroll from the pedestrian-friendly streets of downtown Cumberland.
Sights & Activities
C&O Canal National Historic Park
HIKING, CYCLING
A marvel of engineering, the C&O Canal was designed to stretch alongside the Potomac
River from Chesapeake Bay to the Ohio River. Construction on the canal began in 1828
but was halted here in 1850 by the Appalachian Mountains. The park's protected
185-mile corridor includes a 12ft-wide towpath, hiking and cycling trail, which goes all
the way from here to Georgetown in DC. The
C&O Canal Museum
(
301-722-8226;
ht-
tp://www.nps.gov/choh
; 13 Canal Pl;
9am-5pm Mon-Fri;
)
has displays chronicling
the importance of river trade in eastern seaboard history.
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
TOUR
( 800-872-4650;
www.wmsr.com
; 13 Canal St; adult/child $33/16; 11:30am Fri-Sun May-Oct,
Sat & Sun Nov-Dec)
Outside the Allegheny County visitor center, near the start of the C&O
Canal, passengers can catch steam-locomotive rides, traversing forests and steep ravines
to Frostburg, a 3½-hour round-trip.
Cumberland Trail Connection
CYCLING
( 301-777-8724;
www.ctcbikes.com
;
14 Howard St, Canal Pl; half-day/day/week from $15/25/120;
10am-6pm)
Conveniently located near the start of the C&O Canal, this outfit rents out
bicycles (cruisers, touring bikes and mountain bikes), and also arranges shuttle service
anywhere from Pittsburgh to DC. Canoe rentals are in the works.
Allegany Expeditions
ADVENTURE TOUR
( 301-777-9313;
www.alleganyexpeditions.com
;
10310 Columbus Ave/Rte 2)
Leads adventure
tours, including rock-climbing, canoeing, cross-country skiing and fly-fishing.
Eating
Queen City Creamery & Deli
DINER$
