The best walks and hikes around Cumberland

The Lakeside Loop Trail offers a delightful journey around Lake Habeeb, providing beautiful, near-constant views of the water and surrounding mountains. You'll experience a varied terrain of gravel, paved sections, and singletrack, winding through woodlands and along the shoreline. Keep an eye out for wetlands and wildlife, including deer and various bird species, as you cross four-foot bridges and pass over the dam and spillway.

This moderate 5.9-mile (9.6 km) hiking route, with a gentle 197 feet (60 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 2 hours and 28 minutes to complete. You can access the trail from parking lots at Rocky Gap State Park's beach or resort casino. It's a multi-use trail, popular for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running, and it's also Lakeside Loop Trail Rocky Gap State Park family friendly, welcoming dogs on leash.

What makes this trail stand out is its blend of accessibility and scenic beauty, making it one of the Lakeside Loop Trail best trails for a relaxed day outdoors. The park itself offers additional amenities like fishing and swimming in warmer months, allowing you to extend your visit beyond the hike. The changing seasons bring different charms, with fall foliage being particularly vibrant around the lake.

The Great Allegheny Passage from Cumberland to Frostburg offers a unique hiking experience, following the historic Western Maryland Railway route through Maryland's mountains. You'll traverse the impressive Cumberland Narrows, a 900-foot-deep gorge, and pass through the lighted Brush Tunnel, which is shared with the scenic railroad. The trail is primarily packed, crushed limestone, offering a smooth surface as it winds through diverse, often wooded scenery.

This difficult 24.1-mile (38.9 km) hike involves a continuous 2227 feet (679 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 10 hours and 29 minutes. Parking is readily available at the Cumberland trailhead. For a less strenuous return, consider taking the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad from Frostburg back to Cumberland, which can also transport bikes. This makes it a great option for those who want the challenge of the uphill without the full out-and-back.

This section of the GAP trail is rich in history and natural features, including the Mason-Dixon Line Monument. You might even spot a vintage train from the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad running parallel to the trail. Frostburg itself is a charming college town with amenities, making it a rewarding destination after your long climb.

The Bishop Walsh to Cumberland Overlook trail offers a delightful escape into nature, leading you along a well-worn path that transitions to a dirt road. This easy 2.8-mile (4.6 km) hike, with a modest 169 feet (51 metres) of elevation gain, culminates in a spectacular viewpoint over "The Narrows." You'll pass through areas rich with azaleas and mountain laurel, making the 1 hour and 13 minutes estimated duration a truly pleasant experience. It's a perfect choice for a quick, scenic outing without a demanding climb.

To start your adventure, you can conveniently park at either Bishop Walsh School or Allegany High School. This accessible route doesn't require any special permits or have complex seasonal restrictions, making it a flexible option for hikers. Consider visiting in the morning for crisp views or in the late afternoon to catch the golden hour light over the landscape.

This trail is a true local gem, providing an accessible greenspace that showcases the natural beauty of Western Maryland. The highlight is undoubtedly the panoramic vista of "The Narrows," a unique geological formation where Wills Creek has carved a deep gorge. From the overlook, you can also spot "Lover's Leap" and even see into Pennsylvania, offering a rich sense of place and history.

The C&O Canal Trail: Cumberland to North Branch offers a unique journey through history and nature, following the path of the 19th-century canal. You'll hike along the picturesque Potomac River valley, often shaded by dense woods, and encounter well-preserved historical features like Locks 73, 74, and 75 (Keifer's Lock) near North Branch. The surface is primarily dirt and gravel, which can be rough in spots with roots and mud, but the overall experience is a tranquil step back in time.

This moderate 9.5-mile (15.2 km) hike with a minimal 74 feet (22 metres) of elevation gain takes about 3 hours and 50 minutes, making it an excellent option for a half-day outing. Parking is readily available in Cumberland, which serves as a trail town for both the C&O Canal and the Great Allegheny Passage. No permits are needed, and the trail is generally accessible, though conditions can be muddy after rain, so plan your footwear accordingly.

What makes this section truly special is its historical significance as part of the larger 184.5-mile C&O Canal Towpath, preserving a vital era of American commerce. It also connects directly to the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) in Cumberland, forming a continuous 330-mile traffic-free route. Beyond its historical value, the trail is a natural refuge, home to over 200 rare and threatened species, and offers excellent birding opportunities, particularly around North Branch.