Allegany: Trails, Water and Transportation History

The C&O Canal, the trails in Green Ridge State Forest and the traces of early transportation routes give Allegany several distinct reasons to visit. In Allegany County, you can plan your days around nature, water or history: from cycling along the historic canal to visiting museums about railroads and the National Road. The experiences also vary in scale—from a short loop to a long, non-motorized route.

Exploring the C&O Canal

The C&O Canal National Historical Park preserves and interprets a 19th-century transportation canal and its associated scenic, natural and cultural resources. 48 miles of the park are in Allegany County. The C&O Canal West Scenic Byway follows the historic canal section and provides access to the C&O Canal Towpath, Green Ridge State Forest and the Paw Paw Tunnel. Cycling is permitted on the C&O Canal towpath; check conditions before setting out.

Hiking and Outdoor Trails

Green Ridge State Forest has more than 80 miles of trails open to hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. It also has more than 50 miles of hiking trails for day hikes or multi-day backpacking trips. The Green Ridge Mountain Bike Trail offers a clearly defined option within the trail network: the 12.5-mile loop consists mostly of singletrack and is rated moderate to difficult. The forest also has about 100 basic campsites spread throughout. Trail conditions and restrictions can change; check them before you set out.

The Canyon Overlook Trail is a short 0.25-mile loop with a view of the one-mile-long gorge. At the other end of the spectrum is the Great Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile non-motorized rail trail from Cumberland to Pittsburgh. Across Allegany County, there are more than 200 miles of developed trail systems for hiking, cycling and paddling.

Lake Habeeb and Its Trails

Lake Habeeb has fishing piers, swimming areas, two public boat ramps, picnic facilities and camping options. The Lakeside Loop Trail runs around the lake; the moderately difficult trail is 5.3 miles long. The 0.25-mile paved Touch of Nature Trail leads to a fishing pier and the Lakeside Loop Trail. Lake Habeeb thus offers different trail lengths and types, from a short paved path to a longer loop.

At Rocky Gap State Park, Scales and Tales is an educational program featuring injured and non-releasable birds of prey, as well as reptiles native to Maryland. Check whether the program is available before your visit.

Railroads and Transportation History

The Frostburg Flyer travels through the Narrows, over Helmstetter’s Curve and through the historic Brush Tunnel, which is 916 feet long. Tracks and Yaks offers a 2.5-hour railbike tour along the Western Maryland Railway, departing from the Frostburg Depot. Another railbike package covers 10 miles from Frostburg to Cash Valley. The details address different planning questions: the tour specifies its duration, while the package gives the route and its endpoints.

The National Road is also part of the county’s transportation history: the first section of the road was completed in Cumberland at mile marker 0. The Heritage Days Festival in Cumberland features history, art, crafts, festival food and activities for children. Check event dates before your trip.

Museums and Historic Traces

The “Crossroads of America” exhibit at the Allegany Museum traces the history of human movement through Cumberland and Allegany County. The museum displays models and artifacts related to canal boats, trains, the National Road, Fort Cumberland and the C&O Canal. At the Thrasher Carriage Museum, costumed interpreters, tours and explanatory signs bring the history of early transportation to life.

The Evergreen Heritage Center encompasses three museums and covers more than 130 acres, with gardens, wooded areas, a pond and trails. The Evergreen House and the Agricultural Museums at the Evergreen Heritage Center date from the late 18th century. The George Washington Trail 1753 offers another historical perspective: it commemorates Washington’s first diplomatic mission to western Pennsylvania and runs through Allegany County from Oldtown to the crest of Savage Mountain.

Explore more destinations: Cumberland, Frostburg, Barton, La Vale, Garrett County, Saint Mary's County, Worcester and Charles County.

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