Cumberland Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of western Maryland, Cumberland is a charming city that offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures. With its rich heritage, vibrant downtown, and picturesque landscapes, Cumberland is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a unique and memorable experience.

History buffs will find themselves immersed in Cumberland's storied past. The city played a significant role in the development of the United States, serving as a crucial transportation hub during the westward expansion. Explore the historic downtown area, where beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings house a variety of shops, galleries, and eateries. Marvel at the architectural gems, such as the stunning Queen City Hotel and the ornate Emmanuel Episcopal Church.

One of the highlights of Cumberland is the iconic C&O Canal National Historical Park. Stretching for 184.5 miles along the Potomac River, this historic canal offers visitors a chance to step back in time and appreciate the ingenuity of early American engineering. Take a leisurely bike ride or hike along its towpath, and discover the lockhouses, aqueducts, and breathtaking scenery that make this park a true gem.

For nature enthusiasts, Cumberland is a gateway to outdoor adventures. Just a short drive away, you'll find Rocky Gap State Park, where you can indulge in activities like hiking, fishing, boating, and even golfing. With its serene lake, lush forests, and towering cliffs, the park provides a tranquil retreat for those seeking relaxation or outdoor thrills.

Cumberland also boasts a vibrant arts and cultural scene. Visit the Allegany Arts Council's Saville Gallery, where you can admire the works of talented local artists and attend engaging exhibitions. The city is also known for its lively music festivals, showcasing a variety of genres from bluegrass to jazz.

As the day winds down, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of Cumberland's charming restaurants. From cozy cafes to upscale dining establishments, the city offers a diverse culinary scene that caters to all tastes. Indulge in regional specialties like Maryland crab cakes or savor international flavors at one of the city's many ethnic eateries.

Alternative names: Founded: 1787 (237 years ago)Population: 20.1 thous.Area: 10.1 mi²Elevation: 617 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 39°39'4"N, 78°45'46"W

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MarylandUnited States

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Cumberland Top Attractions

Cumberland Attractions - What to See and Explore

Cumberland offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Canal Place, B'er Chayim Temple, Washington Street Library, Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Shopping • Event space
Canal Place
Canal Place is a 58.1-acre state park located in Cumberland, Maryland at the western terminus of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.
Synagogue • Greek Revival architecture
B'er Chayim Temple
B'er Chayim Temple is a synagogue in Cumberland, Maryland that is currently affiliated with the Reform movement. B'er Chayim counts approximately 72 families as members.
Library
Washington Street Library
Located in the historic district of Cumberland, Maryland, the Washington Street Library first opened its doors on June 19, 1934. This Greek Revival style building was constructed between 1849 and 1850, as a larger building for the Allegany County Academy, the first public school in Allegany County which was founded in 1799.

Sacred and religious sites • Church
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
The Emmanuel Episcopal Church of Cumberland, Maryland in Cumberland's Historic District is built on the foundations of Fort Cumberland, where George Washington began his military career; earthworks from the fort still lie beneath the church.
City hall
City Hall
Cumberland City Hall is a historic city hall in Cumberland, Allegany County, Maryland, United States. It was built between 1911 and 1912 and replaced the Cumberland, Maryland City Hall & Academy of Music. It is a 7-by-7-bay, two-story, stone-faced, neo-classical structure.
Forts and castles
Fort Cumberland
Fort Cumberland was an 18th-century frontier fort at the current site of Cumberland, Maryland, USA. It was an important military and economic center during the French and Indian War and figured significantly in the early career of George Washington.
Historical place
George Washington's Headquarters
The Headquarters of George Washington is a historic site located at 38 Greene Street in Cumberland, Maryland in central Allegany County.
Tower
Allegany County Courthouse
The Allegany County Courthouse is the Maryland Circuit court for Allegany County, Maryland, United States. It is located in Cumberland's Washington Street Historic District. Although many church spires dot the Cumberland landscape, it is the Allegany County Courthouse that dominates this city's skyline.
Park • Outdoor activities • Zoo
Tri-State Zoological Park
The Tri-State Zoological Park is a 16-acre zoo located in Cumberland, Maryland, United States. The nonprofit zoo opened in 2003, and contains mainly exotic animals rescued or in need of homes, including lions, tigers, primates, various exotics, birds and reptiles.
Concerts and shows • Theater
Cumberland Theatre
The Cumberland Theatre is Western Maryland's only regional professional theatre. It is located in Cumberland, Maryland, and stages a wide variety of musicals, plays, and dramas.
Park
Allegany County Fairgrounds
The Allegany County Fairgrounds is located just west of Cumberland, Maryland along McMullen Highway. Throughout the year the fairground holds musical concerts, car races, and private events.
Architecture
Bell Tower Building
Bell Tower Building, or the Allegany County League for Crippled Children building, is a historic building in Cumberland, Allegany County, Maryland. It was built in 1887 and is a two-story brick structure topped by a small wooden tower with an open belfry.
39°39'4"N • 78°46'10"W
The Gordon-Roberts House
Historical place • Museum
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
First Baptist Church
First Baptist Church is a historic church in Cumberland, Allegany County, Maryland. It is a T-shaped gable-front brick structure of one and a half stories, with a white glazed brick facade that was added in 1917 to the existing church structure erected in 1849.
39°39'21"N • 78°46'4"W
Canada Hose Company Building
The Canada Hose Company Building is a historic firehouse in Cumberland, Allegany County, Maryland, United States. It is a two-story gable-front brick structure. Above the doors used for the fire engines is a sign which reads "Cumberland Hose Co. No...
Neighbourhood
Washington Street Historic District
The Washington Street Historic District is a national historic district named after George Washington in Cumberland, Allegany County, Maryland.
Dam
Cumberland Dam
The Cumberland Dam was built across the North Branch of the Potomac River at Cumberland, Maryland, for the purpose of diverting water of the river into the head of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.
39°39'10"N • 78°45'31"W
Cumberland YMCA
The Cumberland YMCA building is a three-story wedge-shaped brick structure with a partially raised basement, built in 1925 in the Classical Revival style, located in Cumberland, Maryland, United States.
39°39'8"N • 78°45'46"W
Public Safety Building
Public Safety Building, or Old Post Office, is a historic building in Cumberland, Allegany County, Maryland. It was constructed between 1902 and 1904, in the Classical Revival style. It is built of brick, rising from a monumental stone base.

Things to See and Do in Cumberland by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Cumberland.

Active

Great Allegheny Passage
Cumberland
HikingHiking trail
Cumberland Trail Connection
Cumberland
HikingGear rentalOutdoor activities
Greenway Avenue Stadium
Cumberland
FootballStudent centerArenas and stadiums
Cumberland Race Track
Cumberland
Sport venueSport

Other categories

Church Neighbourhood

Day trips

Cumberland – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Cumberland, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Cambria County War Memorial Arena (Johnstown), Point Stadium (Johnstown), Fort Ligonier (Ligonier).

47 milesN
Arenas and stadiums, Hockey, Sport
Cambria County War Memorial Arena, Johnstown
The Cambria County War Memorial Arena is a 4,001-seat multi-purpose arena in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, that is managed by SMG Entertainment. It was built in 1950, for the Johnstown Jets of the Eastern Hockey League. The arena was built on the site of the Union Cemetery, Johnstown's first cemetery.
48 milesN
Arenas and stadiums, Baseball, Sport
Point Stadium, Johnstown
Point Stadium is a baseball park in the eastern United States, located in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The "Point" refers to its location at the confluence of the Little Conemaugh, Stonycreek, and Conemaugh rivers.
48 milesNW
Museum, Historical place, History museum
Fort Ligonier, Ligonier
Fort Ligonier is a British fortification from the French and Indian War located in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, United States. The fort served as a staging area for the Forbes Expedition of 1758.
28 milesE
State park, Spa, Hot springs
Berkeley Springs State Park, Berkeley Springs
Berkeley Springs State Park is situated in the center of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, USA. The centerpiece of the Park is its historic mineral spa. These waters were celebrated for their medicinal or restorative powers and were generally taken internally for digestive disorders, or bathed in for stress relief.
21 milesS
Museum, Greek Revival architecture
Literary Hall, Romney
Literary Hall is a mid-19th-century brick library, building and museum located in Romney, a city in the U.S. state of West Virginia. It is located at the intersection of North High Street and West Main Street. Literary Hall was constructed between 1869 and 1870 by the Romney Literary Society.

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Best Time To Visit Cumberland

Learn when is the best time to travel to Cumberland weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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October is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in June and July.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in January and February. Most of it rains in May and July.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Cumberland?

The top attractions to visit in Cumberland are:

What is the best time to visit Cumberland?

October is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in June and July. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.