Situated among the Appalachian Plateau and Allegheny Mountains and bordered by the Potomac River, Allegany County is a scenic biking destination in the ‘Mountain Side of Maryland.’ A convenient drive from major regional cities, including Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Pittsburgh, you will find plenty to do in your saddle and off.
Mountains, Roads, and Everything in Between
A quarter of Allegany County is preserved public land, giving riders plenty of options to choose from. Bike the trails around Lake Habeeb, known for some of the bluest water in the state, at Rocky Gap State Park. Hang out on the park’s beaches or take a boat out on the water for a change of scenery. Green Ridge State Forest offers more than 80 miles of trail for hikers and bikers to discover. More experienced riders will enjoy the Green Ridge Mountain Biking Trail, a 12.5-mile circuit made up of mostly singletrack. Or, for more rugged pathways through mother nature, complete with logs, rock jumps, and opportunity for speed, check out the newest trail developed in Dans Mountain State Park. The trail is about 5 miles long and great for intermediate and advanced riders.
Additionally, two internationally recognized trail systems meet in Allegany County to give you countless riding options. Head north from Cumberland, Md., on The Great Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile rail trail that finishes in Pittsburgh, Pa., or take the C&O Canal Towpath 184.5 miles south to Washington, D.C., on one of the most visited national parks in the country. With so many miles available on these off-road gravel paths, it’s easy to go for a day ride or string together a multi-day bikepacking trip.
Road cyclists will love the routes available in Allegany County, especially in the fall season when the mountainside is bursting with hues of red, orange and yellow. While there are hundreds of miles worth exploring, Mountain Maryland has worked with its local trail groups to develop eight distinct road routes. The routes range in distance from 15 miles to an 80-mile ride that will take you from downtown Cumberland to the Flight 93 Memorial in nearby Shanksville, Pa. The road routes quickly become rural, low traffic, and as varied in terrain as anywhere on the east coast.
If you are looking to rent a bike or need a quick tune-up, Allegany County is home to multiple outfitters including Wheelzup Adventures. The downtown Cumberland store offers trail, road, and kid bike rentals, apparel and gear retail, and the connection for a variety of tours and guided experiences. For a family-friendly adventure, Tracks and Yaks is Maryland’s only rail biking operator. This 2.5-hour railbike tour starts from the Frostburg Depot and runs along the Western Maryland Railway line with spectacular mountain views and iconic points of interest. It is a great multi-generational experience as it is mostly downhill with little strenuous peddling, and it offers a unique fall foliage experience.
Unique Trailblazing
Check out some of the other trails in the area for a refreshing taste of the mountains. The Donut and Go, a donut and coffee trail, features 10 stops that are here to provide you with the perfect combo of sugar rush and a sustained buzz. Drive the Mountain Maryland Tap and Pour Craft Beverage Tour for a roundup of the area’s best wineries, breweries, and distilleries. After a long day outside, grab a glass of your favorite drink while you enjoy the mountains of Maryland.
Get away and ride all day in Allegany County, the ‘Mountain Side of Maryland.’
Maryland. Be Open.
