Explore The Scenic Line
Route of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
Come join us for a serene trip through the mountains of Allegany County aboard vintage passenger cars behind steam engine no. 1309 or our historic diesel locomotive fleet. You will experience a 4.5-hour round trip that begins and ends at the historic depot in downtown Cumberland. During the trip, we will take a 90-minute break in the charming mountain town of Frostburg, which will give you time to explore the shops and restaurants on Main Street.
POINTS OF INTEREST
POINTS OF INTEREST
Cumberland Station
The historic Western Maryland Cumberland Station was built by the original Western Maryland Railway in 1913 on top of the decommissioned Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. The Western Maryland operated passenger service through to Chicago and Elkins, West Virginia from the station until 1959. Afterward, the station fell into disrepair and was used to store tires for a time.
The station was given a new lease on life when the city of Cumberland purchased it for one dollar and began a renovation process in preparation for the creation of a new heritage railroad, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.
Today, the station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is proud to call it home. Learn more about our stations and how to get to them here.
The Narrows
Just west of Cumberland is the famous Narrows between Willis Mountain and Haystack Mountain. This gap provides the route for Western Maryland to begin its journey from Cumberland to Frostburg and is a popular spot for photographers to take pictures of the train. While riding through the Narrows you’ll spot Willis Creek and on the other side of the gap, the CSX mainline.
Once exiting the other side of the Narrows, the line crosses the truss bridge with the Great Allegheny Passage Trail.
Helmstetter’s Curve
Formerly a trestle bridge, Helmstetter’s Curve offers a spectacular view of Cash Valley and the old Hemstetter Farm that the track almost encircles. The curve has achieved legendary status as a famous photograph spot for former and current. Western Maryland trains traversing it.
When riding on one of our excursions, be sure to give a big wave to Farmer Rob who currently owns the old Helmstetter Farmstead.
Brush Tunnel
Built in 1911, Brush Tunnel is 914 feet long and was built wide enough to accommodate two tracks for the main line of the Western Maryland Railway.
Today, the tunnel carries the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad and the parallel Great Allegheny Passage Trail.
Mount Savage Overlook
High above the village of Mount Savage, the Western Maryland hugs the side of the Alleghenies as it works its way uphill towards Frostburg. As you look towards the right side of the train, you’ll see the the location of where the first rolled iron rails in the United States were manufactured in 1844. Formerly one of the largest towns in Maryland, Mount Savage housed a yard and shops for the Cumberland & Pennsylvania Railroad (C&P).
Former C&P Bridges
Just below Frostburg are two girder bridges of the former Cumberland & Pennsylvania Railroad. These were built to cross over the old Western Maryland Railway mainline. The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad utilizes the former C&P line to enter Frostburg. These two bridges are popular with photographers for photos of our steam locomotives tackling the last grade before entering Frostburg.
Frostburg Station
Arriving at Frostburg, passengers are greeted by the former Cumberland & Pennsylvania (C&P) Frostburg Station. Built in 1891, the station saw service between the Cumberland and Piedmont, West Virginia on the C&P and connected the town to the much larger Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in Cumberland.
Today, the station has been restored to its former glory and serves passengers on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. Beyond the station is a turntable and the tunnel that used to continue the line under the town of Frostburg and points west. Passengers can enjoy live music and walk up the hill to Main Street to explore shops and restaurants on their layover.