Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Traveling Along the Water
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad/Tyler Clayton

Explore the C&O Canal Area’s Amazing Railroad History

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Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Traveling Along the Water
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad/Tyler Clayton

“The Grand Old Ditch” was an engineering marvel that changed the face of America, but its time as a main thoroughfare for folks and freight came to an end with the arrival of the “Iron Horse.”  Explore the region’s enthralling railroad story past and present with these great options along the C&O Canal.

1
Ride the Rail to Get to the Trail
Amtrak train
Siemens Mobility

Whether you’re planning a long trip on the C&O or just a day, one great way to start your journey is by train. The MARC commuter train can get you to the C&O Canal, as can AMTRAK’s Capitol Limited, which lets you walk on with your bicycle and offers service from Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Chicago.

2
Take a Trip on the Western Maryland Historic Railroad
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Traveling Along the Water
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad/Tyler Clayton

Leaving Cumberland from the historic Western Maryland Railroad Station in the 58-acre Canal Place Heritage Park, there’s nothing in the world to transport you back through time like a ride on a vintage train. With daily trips running through Western Maryland’s beautiful Appalachian Mountains, it’s an absolute must for train lovers and sightseers alike. Look for specialty trains like murder mystery excursions and holiday adventures to take your trip to the next level.

3
Explore the Rail Trails
Biking in Western Maryland

Running parallel to the C&O Canal, the Western Maryland Rail Trail offers 28 miles of paved path. It’s a great change of pace from the canal, literally, as the paving allows cyclists to kick it into another gear. And for C&O explorers looking to extend their adventure, consider the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) rail trail, a spectacular trail on converted trainways that runs 150 miles, across the Eastern Continental Divide from Cumberland to Pittsburgh.

4
Visit Point of Rocks Train Station
Point of Rocks Train Station
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Completed in 1876  for the B&O Railroad, the Point of Rocks station is still working hard as a stop on the MARC commuter train line. The beautiful Gothic Revival brick tower was designed by legendary B&O architect E. Francis Baldwin, and remains an impressive site. So impressive, in fact, it’s considered the most photographed railroad station in the nation.

5
Tour the Brunswick Railroad Museum
HO scale model train exhibit inside the Brunswick Heritage (Railroad) Museum
Brunswick Heritage (Railroad) Museum

Located in the Brunswick Visitor Center, astride the historic freight yards, the Railroad Museum is a great window into the town of Brunswick’s important past as part of the legendary B&O Railroad (That’s right, you can really live the Monopoly board!). Displays include impressive model trains, period costumes, and a fascinating look into the past.