Mountains along Interstate 68 is near the town of Hancock, which is sandwiched between the Pennsylvania and West Virginia borders of Maryland. This is the narrowest part of the state (just 1.8 miles from the north and south lines). The Welcome Center includes a foot bridge overpass right where the road splits through the mountain, providing stunning views into several states at once. The Rocky Gap Lodge Casino and Resort, a great getaway that’s surrounded by the greenery of the tree-filled mountains and offers Maryland’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, serves as a multi-purpose entertainment destination/performing arts venue, and features a robust variety of luxurious spa treatments. Via U.S. 40 Scenic, I-68, U.S. 40 & U.S. 40 Alt Take a break from the car and take a ride on one of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad’s choice of excursions embarking from Cumberland Station. Climbing more than 1,200 feet up from Cumberland to Frostburg and carving its way through the Allegheny Mountains, themed excursions include: murder mystery trains, caboose rentals, cab rides, “Hands on the Throttle” with an engineer and seasonal excursions. Riding the rails also provides one of the best East Coast views of the fall foliage. The 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage Rail Trail connects with the 184.5-mile C&O Canal towpath at Cumberland, making for a 334.5-mile, long-distance biker’s journey from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. The last of its kind, the La Vale Toll Gate House is the only remaining toll gate on the National Road in Maryland and serves as a window to the past that’s open to visitors at all times, with original signage on display designating the costs of crossing for wagons, animals and pedestrians. The first or last stop on the journey across the National Road, depending on your direction, the 80-foot stone arch Casselman River Bridge, was the largest of its kind at the time of its construction in 1813 and ultimately connected Cumberland with the Ohio River. Now, the bridge is part of Casselman River Bridge State Park, where you can give fly fishing a try. If you work up an appetite or need a rest, less than a mile down the road you’ll find the Casselman Historic Inn and Restaurant. Built in 1842, the Inn and its homemade country food will transport you back in time to the days when covered wagons and stage coaches traveled the road. No matter where you start, in which direction you’re traveling or whatever season, Maryland’s stretch of the Historic National Road is a remarkable road trip waiting to happen. ✥ CUMBERLAND TO STATE LINE Pictured clockwise: War Correspondent’s Arch, Gathland State Park, Burkittsville; The Great Allegheny Passage Rail Trail, Cumberland; Casselman River Bridge, Grantsville DESTINATION MARYLAND ✥ 25
Maryland Official Visitors Guide 2020 Maryland Official Visitors Guide: Page 25
