ALCO Visitor Guide 2025 Paperturn - Flipbook - Page 33
SCAN TO PLAN
CHESAPEAKE & OHIO (C&O) CANAL
SCENIC BYWAY - WEST
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal - West Scenic Byway traces
the historic C&O Canal National Historical Park, which follows the
Potomac River. For nearly a century, this canal served as a vital
transportation route, carrying coal and other resources to
Maryland’s eastern ports. Along the byway, you can venture off
to bike the C&O Canal Towpath, hike or mountain bike through
Green Ridge State Forest, or explore the impressive Paw Paw
Tunnel—an engineering marvel that bypasses the Paw Paw
Bends of the Potomac River. Nearby canal towns also invite you
to stop for a bite, a drink, or a relaxing pause in your journey.
HISTORIC NATIONAL ROAD
SCENIC BYWAY - WEST
America’s first road trip begins here in Mountain Maryland, home to
Mile Marker “0” of the National Road. As you travel through Allegany
County on this historic route, you’ll uncover stories from America’s early
transportation era. Dive into exhibits about the National Road, or embark
on a biking adventure on the Great Allegheny Passage, whose own
Mile Marker “0” is right by the National Road Monument, marking the
start of a 150-mile journey from Cumberland, MD, to Pittsburgh, PA.
Board the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad for a nostalgic roundtrip
ride between Cumberland and Frostburg. Along Route 40, you’ll also
find the last standing toll house of the National Road in LaVale.
MOUNTAIN MARYLAND SCENIC BYWAY
The Mountain Maryland Scenic Byway begins at Cumberland’s Canal
Place Heritage Park and Western Maryland Railway Station, a hub for
recreation on the C&O Canal Towpath, the Great Allegheny Passage,
and excursions on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. Following
Route 40 and Route 36, travel through the Narrows to Mount Savage,
where America’s first iron rails were forged. Along this route, visit the
Evergreen Heritage Center with its new Miner’s Coal Museum, nature
trails, and interactive exhibits featuring a historic boarding house,
blacksmith shop, and mine entrance.
Next, head to Frostburg’s Main Street and Arts and Entertainment
District to explore the Frostburg Museum, offering insight into the area’s
coal mining past and early life in Frostburg. As you continue down
Route 36 through Lonaconing and Westernport, be sure to stop by the
Iron Furnace and Park—the first furnace in the U.S. to produce pig iron
using coal and coke. Lefty Grove Memorial Park and the Westernport
Railroading Museum are also must-see historical sites. Conclude your
journey back to Cumberland along Route 220, where you can enjoy
fishing or paddling on the Potomac River.
MDMOUNTAINSIDE.COM
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