StaysBed & Breakfast
1878 Riverrun Bed and Breakfast
Bed & Breakfast in Hancock.
Bed & Breakfast
For riders
Cumberland for cyclists
Cumberland is the hinge between the Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal towpath. Here's where to sleep, refuel, fix a bike and rest a day, all within reach of the trailhead.
The short list
Pulled from the guide, best-rated first.
StaysBed & Breakfast
1828 Trail Inn Bed & Breakfast
Relaxed guesthouse featuring cozy rooms with old-world accents, plus a porch & river views.
Bed & Breakfast
Eat & DrinkHamburger Restaurant
Allegania
Hamburger Restaurant in Cumberland.
Hamburger Restaurant
ServicesConsultant
Boggs & Company Wealth Management
Consultant in Cumberland.
Consultant
On the calendar
Events that suit this kind of day.
Late September (single day)
Mountain Maryland 3M Challenge
The 3M Challenge is an annual multi-sport endurance event (biking, hiking/running, and paddling) organized by Mountain Maryland Trails along the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal corridor near Cumberland. The 2026 event date has been set for September 26.
Select evenings and weekends, late November through December
The Polar Express™ Train Ride
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad recreates the classic story with a themed evening excursion from the historic Cumberland depot, featuring hot chocolate, storytelling, and a visit from Santa. Trains depart from the Western Maryland Railway Station in downtown Cumberland.
Annually in late July/early August
Allegany County Fair
The Allegany County Fair is an annual summer agricultural fair held at the county fairgrounds featuring 4-H livestock shows, carnival rides, food vendors, and grandstand entertainment.
Memorial Day through Labor Day (seasonal)
Rocky Gap State Park Summer Beach & Recreation Season
Rocky Gap State Park opens its sandy beach on Lake Habeeb for swimming, along with boat rentals, hiking trails, and campground access during the summer recreation season.
Seasonally in spring, around the Easter holiday (schedule varies by year)
WMSR Easter Bunny Train
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad has run seasonal Easter-themed excursions from its Cumberland depot in past years, featuring a visit from the Easter Bunny aboard vintage coaches through the Cumberland Narrows. Scheduling varies by year, so riders should confirm current offerings on the WMSR site.
Summer months (check NPS event calendar)
C&O Canal / Great Allegheny Passage Summer Ranger Programs
The National Park Service offers summer ranger-led programs, hikes, and towpath activities along the C&O Canal National Historical Park in Cumberland, which also serves as the terminus of the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail.
Good to know
Mile zero is downtown
The GAP starts at the Western Maryland Railway Station; the C&O towpath runs from the same basin toward Washington.
Plan resupply before Frostburg
The climb west is long and services thin out — top up water and food in town first.