Great Allegheny Passage: Cumberland to Frostburg

In Cumberland, you can find parking at Canal Place, which is also the official "Mile Marker 0" for the Great Allegheny Passage and the terminus for the C&O Canal Towpath. This provides convenient access to the start of your hike.

Yes, the Great Allegheny Passage is generally dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash and to clean up after them to ensure a pleasant experience for all trail users.

While beautiful year-round, the fall is particularly stunning, with the Great Allegheny Passage being recognized by National Geographic as one of the "Top Fall Trips In The World." Spring and summer also offer pleasant hiking conditions with good tree canopy providing shade, though summer can be warm.

No, there are typically no permits or entrance fees required to hike this section of the Great Allegheny Passage.

The hike from Cumberland to Frostburg is approximately 15.5 miles (38.86 km) and involves a continuous uphill climb. Based on typical hiking speeds, it can take around 10-11 hours to complete this section, depending on your pace and stops.

This section involves a continuous, gradual ascent, gaining approximately 678 meters (2,227 feet) over 15.5 miles. While not overtly steep, it is a steady and relentless climb, making it the most significant uphill elevation change on the Maryland portion of the GAP. It's generally suitable for most abilities but requires sustained effort, so beginners should be prepared for a consistent incline.

The trail surface is predominantly packed, crushed limestone, offering a smooth path. The initial mile after Canal Place in Cumberland is paved, transitioning to crushed limestone for most of the segment. You'll also encounter short paved sections at road and railroad crossings.

You'll encounter several interesting features, including the Great Allegheny Passage KM 0 and C&O Canal Towpath Northern Terminus in Cumberland. The trail winds through the dramatic "Cumberland Narrows" and parallels the active Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, offering chances to see trains. Other highlights include the Brush Tunnel, Helmstetter's Curve, and the Mason-Dixon Line Monument. You'll also pass the WM Scenic RR Double Bridge.

The segment from Cumberland to Frostburg is a continuous uphill climb. If you prefer a more challenging ascent followed by an easy descent, hiking from Cumberland to Frostburg and then returning would be ideal. The return trip from Frostburg to Cumberland is a pleasant and easy downhill descent, dropping over 1,000 feet in elevation.

Yes, both Cumberland and Frostburg offer amenities. Cumberland, as "Mile Marker 0" for the GAP, has various options. Frostburg, a certified "Trail Town" at mile marker 15.5, provides access to a vibrant downtown via a switchback trail, where you can find cafes, pubs, and accommodation.

Yes, this route is part of the larger Great Allegheny Passage and connects directly to the C&O Canal Towpath in Cumberland, forming a continuous 334.5-mile route from Pittsburgh to Washington D.C. It also shares sections with the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (left bank) and the 9-11 Trail (Maryland).