Cumberland Travel Guide
Discover Cumberland through our comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, outdoor adventures, hiking/biking routes, local culture, where to stay, what to buy, and more.
- Introduction to Cumberland
- List of Places to Visit in Cumberland
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Cumberland
- Best Things to Do in Cumberland: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Cumberland
- Food and Drink Scene of Cumberland
- Where to Stay in Cumberland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Cumberland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Cumberland
- Best Time to Visit Cumberland
- Do’s and Don’ts of Cumberland
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Cumberland: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Cumberland
- Where to Go Next from Cumberland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Cumberland
Cumberland is a charming city located in the western region of Maryland, United States of America, that attracts visitors with its rich cultural heritage, scenic views, and outdoor recreational activities. Founded in 1787, Cumberland is home to some of the most magnificent architectural landmarks, museums, galleries, and parklands that showcase the city’s cultural and natural diversity.
In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll help you discover Cumberland by highlighting its top attractions, outdoor adventures, hiking/biking routes, local culture, where to stay, what to buy, and more. So, let’s dive in and start exploring!
List of Places to Visit in Cumberland
Here are some of the top places to visit in Cumberland that you wouldn’t want to miss:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Allegany County Courthouse
- Allegany County Historical Society
- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
- Emmanuel Episcopal Church
- George Washington’s Headquarters
- The Gordon-Roberts House
Natural Attractions of Cumberland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Canal Place Heritage Area
- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
- Rocky Gap State Park
- Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
- Wills Mountain State Park
- Dan’s Rock Scenic Overlook
Hiking/Biking Routes of Cumberland
Cumberland is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with plenty of hiking/biking routes that let you enjoy the scenic vistas, fresh air, and exercise. Here are some of the hiking/biking routes that you can explore:
- Allegheny Highlands Trail
- C&O Canal Towpath
- Cumberland Narrows
- Great Allegheny Passage
- Piney Mountain Ridge Road Trail
- Rocky Gap State Park
Best Things to Do in Cumberland: Activities and Tours
Cumberland offers a wide range of activities and tours that cater to all ages and interests. Here are a few things that you should try:
- Explore the Allegany Arts Council
- Go on a Ghost Tour
- Visit the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
- Take a ride on the Great Allegheny Passage Trail
- Enjoy the charming architecture of the Historic District
- Take a train ride on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
Week-Long Itinerary for Cumberland
To make the most out of your trip to Cumberland, we have put together a week-long itinerary that covers all of the top attractions and activities:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Visit the Allegany County Courthouse and Emmanuel Episcopal Church |
| Day 2 | Explore the Allegany Arts Council and George Washington’s Headquarters |
| Day 3 | Take a train ride on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad and enjoy a picnic in Rocky Gap State Park |
| Day 4 | Visit the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park and go on a Ghost Tour |
| Day 5 | Hike the Piney Mountain Ridge Road Trail and enjoy the scenic views |
| Day 6 | Explore the Gordon-Roberts House and Dan’s Rock Scenic Overlook |
| Day 7 | Visit the Historic District and Canal Place Heritage Area, and end your trip with a stroll through the Great Allegheny Passage Trail. |
Food and Drink Scene of Cumberland
No trip is complete without indulging in the local cuisine and beverages of Cumberland. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Crab cakes
- Chicken and waffles
- Maryland-style seafood
- Pit beef
- Fried chicken
Local Beverages
- National Bohemian Beer (Natty Boh)
- Rye whiskey
- Cider
- Wines from the Catoctin Breeze Vineyard
- Craft beer from 1812 Brewery
Where to Stay in Cumberland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Cumberland has a variety of options for accommodation to cater to different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay:
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Cumberland
- Hampton Inn Cumberland
- Rocky Gap Casino Resort
- The Bruce House Inn
- Gunter Hotel
What to Buy in Cumberland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Looking for souvenirs and local products to take home from Cumberland? Here are some suggestions:
- Handmade pottery from the Appalachian Arts and Crafts Center
- Sweet treats from Queen City Creamery
- Handcrafted jewelry from Traditions Grand Made in America
- Fresh produce from the Cumberland Farmers Market
Local Culture and Customs of Cumberland
Cumberland has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its architecture, festivals, arts, and cuisine. Locals are proud of their heritage and welcoming to visitors, so embrace it with an open mind and ask questions to learn more about their customs.
Best Time to Visit Cumberland
The best time to visit Cumberland is during the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant, and the foliage is breathtaking. However, the summertime also attracts visitors with its outdoor recreational activities, festivals, and events.
Do’s and Don’ts of Cumberland
Here are some of the do’s and don’ts that you should keep in mind during your visit to Cumberland:
Do:
- Respect local customs and traditions
- Ask locals for recommendations
- Take time to explore the Historic District and Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Don’t:
- Litter in public places
- Disrespect religious places and symbols
- Park illegally or in spaces reserved for the disabled
Safety and Health
Safety in Cumberland
Cumberland is a safe and welcoming city for tourists. However, it would be best if you take precautions like avoiding dark alleys and areas at night, staying alert in crowded places, and keeping your belongings safe by not leaving them unattended.
Health in Cumberland
Cumberland has several hospitals and medical facilities that can cater to your medical needs. It is also recommended that you carry medical insurance that covers your trip.
Getting to Cumberland: Transportation Options and Logistics
Here are some of the ways of getting to Cumberland and around the city:
Airports Near Cumberland
- Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Bus Stations Near Cumberland
- Cumberland Transit Center
- Greyhound Bus Lines
Other Options
- Amtrak Train Station
- Cumberland Regional Airport
How to Get Around in Cumberland
The best way to explore Cumberland is on foot or by bike. However, if you wish to travel further, public transportation is also available in the form of buses and taxis.
Where to Go Next from Cumberland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Cumberland is situated near several exciting destinations and attractions. Here are a few options:
- Deep Creek Lake
- Frostburg
- Coopers Rock State Forest
- Hagerstown
- Harper’s Ferry
Conclusion
Cumberland is a city that leaves you spellbound with its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. It offers something for everyone – outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, culture vultures, and foodies. We hope that our comprehensive travel guide to Cumberland has inspired you to pack your bags and explore this charming city. Safe travels!
