This summer, get away to the Mountain Side of Maryland in Allegany County for good times and even better views.
Grab your bike and ride along the Great Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile rail trail that runs from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Cumberland, Maryland. Continue your ride all the way to Washington, D.C. as you link up with the C&O Canal Towpath. Take in the scenery as you wind through mountains and alongside waterways on this historic trail and National Park.
Explore the area by water as you paddle or float down the North Branch of the Potomac River. This river ride will take you through small towns, historic cities, isolated gorges, and Green Ridge State Forest. Along the way, you’ll pass railway tracks and towering sandstone cliffs. Customize your experience with 10 different public access boat launches located in the county.
Head over to Rocky Gap State Park for a full day of adventure. Explore depths up to 74 feet below the surface on Lake Habeeb as you search for the underwater scuba trail. While you’re there, schedule a Scales and Tales program with the Rocky Gap State Park Aviary. View native reptiles and birds of prey up close.
Climb the highest point in the county at Dan’s Mountain State Park. Take in a panoramic view of the area from almost 3,000 feet in the air. Plus, anglers of all experience levels will enjoy testing their skills on the stocked pond in the park.
Stay Awhile
Once you’re done playing outside, you’ll find something for the whole family to do in the area. Ride the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad as the train climbs the Allegheny Mountains, offering stunning views of the mountainside. Combine dinner and a show with one of the heritage railroad trains. Work together as a team to beat the clock at the new Exit Strategy Escape Room or play a round of paintball at one of two parks in the county.
If you’re starting to feel the heat, take a drive through Allegany County along the ice cream trail. With nine different stops, these neighborhood favorites have everything from soft-serve and sundaes to inventive flavors of the day and grown-ups only menus. Be sure to check out the pet-friendly shops to pick up a treat for your four-legged friend.
Whether you’re looking for a remote campground or boutique bed and breakfast, there are dozens of lodging options to choose from at the end of a long day.
Eyes on the Calendar
While you’re in Allegany County, keep an eye out for events going on all summer. DelFest may be over, but there’s still plenty of music to keep you dancing all day and night. Check out the lineup for the Rocky Gap Concert Series with shows through September. Visit in August for the Western Maryland Music Festival featuring the Marshall Tucker Band.
Get your fill of food and music at the Tri-State Wing-Off. Vendors from all over the area will compete for the title of ‘Best Wings.’ Make it a whole week of fun when the Allegany County Fair comes to town in July. From rides and fireworks to musical performances and a demolition derby, there’s something for everyone.
Check out the full listing for Summer of Heritage events online, including Iron Rail Days, George Washington’s Whiskey Rebellion Fest, and the River and Rails Festival.
See for yourself all there is to do in Allegany County when you visit the Mountain Side of Maryland.
Maryland. Be Open For It.
