This Saturday Dave and I went on the 2:45 hour Western Maryland scenic train ride with 1 hour stop in Frostburg. The Cumberland’s Crescent train departs from Downtown Cumberland climbing high into the Allegheny Mountains to Frostburg.
We arrived in Cumberland a little early, so we had some time to look around the Western Maryland Railway Station. This historic railway station was built in 1913 and was continued to be used by the railway until 1976. It was subsequently restored and currently serves as a museum and offices, as well as the operating base for a heritage railway.
This statue of a barge-hauling mule stands in Canal Place, a heritage area commemorating Cumberland’s role in the history of the C&O Canal.
Here we just boarded the train. The train had some festive decorations, comfortable seats and an on-board snack bar inside. A narrator was aboard to provide us with information about the scenery, history, and culture along our route.
Leaving Cumberland. Here we are passing the C&O Canal. In the 19th century Cumberland was known as the “Gateway to the West”. The Potomac River cuts through the mountains in and around Cumberland and afforded one of the easiest westward passages. Today a major revitalization is taking place in and around the terminus of the C&O Canal in Cumberland and that area has been recognized as Maryland’s first Certified Heritage Area, Canal Place.
Passing the bridge. The train continued west climbing through a breach in the Allegheny Mountains, over a truss bridge, around Helmstetter’s Horseshoe Curve (The Narrows) passing through a dark, spooky Brush Tunnel under Piney Mountain, until we arrived in Frostburg.
Honestly, the scenery wasn’t as impressive as we expected, but it was still an enjoyable ride. The conductor encouraged us to go to the vestibule between the cars for the photo shots. We did enjoy staying in the space between the cars open to fresh air and better views.
A lot of greenery there along with the sparse houses on the side of the road.
We saw a lot of beautiful green hills along the road. People were waving as we went by, and sometimes cyclists accompanied us as well along the way. We had a diesel engine up front (though I wish we had had a lovely old steam engine).
Passing Brush Tunnel. Constructed in 1911, this 914-foot long curving portal was originally built for a pair of railroad tracks. Since the railroad uses only one, there is now room for the Great Allegheny Passage bicycle trail in the tunnel.
Some cute villages in the mountains.
Arrived in Frostburg.
In Frostburg, the engine was reconnected to the caboose end of the train for the return trip.
We were given about one hour to visit Frostburg before re-embarking for the return trip back to Cumberland. We took this cute shuttle to the Frostburg town center.
Frostburg’s Main Street.
A downhill view of the Main street.
We stopped for coffee and ice cream at Mountain City Coffeehouse & Creamery, the cutest little place. The ice cream was absolutely delicious there.
We had about 10 minutes to explore the Thrasher Carriage Museum before our train departure. Located right across from the terminal, the Thrasher Carriage Museum pays homage to the early transportation from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. In total, there are more than 90 carriages in the Thrasher Collection, but only 50 are on display.
Here is a few exhibits from the museum. As we approached the top of the landing the first coach we were met with was the Five Class Landau, President Theodore Roosevelt’s inaugural carriage! This green beauty features a convertible roof and glass drop side panels. It was manufactured by James Cummingham Sons & Co. in Rochester, New York in 1890.
The pinnacle of upper class society, this Vis A Vis Sleigh was owned by Cornelius Vanderbilt around the 1900s. It was known for having seats facing each other.
The Park Trap is a light sporty vehicle featuring a moveable seat so that the vehicle could be converted from two to four passenger capacity. Mr. Thrasher bought this piece from relatives of Theodore Roosevelt and had only to replace the wheels and rubber tires.
Back on board, we once again found seating with the best of views. We rode past rolling farmlands, a scattering of houses, past huge rocks and boulders jutting out from each side of the tracks. Along the ridge of the verdant hills, we could see sleek, modern windmills generating electricity. They are barely seen in the back of the picture. The photo can be enlarged.
Passing rocky hillsides.
Arriving back in Cumberland. I like the little historic towns on both the Maryland and Virginia sides. They have a lot in common with their historic houses, charming streets and cute cafés.
A historic hotel.
On our way home from Cumberland, we took a couple of scenic side roads. We also stooped at this scenic spot – Town Hill Overlook. This overlook is along scenic Route 40 in Western Maryland.
Such a beautiful view from there.
A couple more views from our ride home.
Overall, we had a nice day spent in Western Maryland and got more acquainted with this part of the state and its history. And it was definitely cooler in the mountains than in the city. 🙂
