Community Corner

Great Escape: The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

Take a 3 1/2-hour trip back through time aboard a historic railroad as it climbs the breathtaking Allegheny Mountains.

Looking for a day trip to escape it all or a way to get the kids to experience the world waiting beyond the TV? How about going back in time to accomplish your mission and hopping aboard the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad’s 32-mile round trip takes you on a climb through the rich verdure of the Allegheny Mountains, where you’ll experience breathtaking views.

To guide you along the way, a narrator will share information about the scenery, history and culture you’re traveling through. So it’s an adventure and an education in one.

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And you can take in the beautiful landscapes while sitting in a restored coach, as most coach seats are located by large windows. There’s also a snack bar on the train if you get the munchies.

The railroad departs at 11:30 a.m. from the Western Maryland Station in Cumberland, Maryland. Once on board, you’ll travel to Frostburg, Maryland.

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You’ll have 1 1/2-hours to look around. So you'll have time to stop in a local restaurant and enjoy lunch or to visit the shops on Frostburg’s Main Street and the Thrasher Carriage Museum.

If you're a biking enthusiast, there’s another opportunity you may want to check out. The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad states for a small fee, you can ride the train one-way and take advantage of the Allegheny Highland Bike Trail.

There are other historic trains you can trek out from College Park to experience. But your commute to the trains may be agonizingly greater than the 45-minute or so train ride you get in exchange.

With the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, the payoff is a refreshing 3 ½-hour trip teeming with mountain scenery that also offers shops and restaurants for you to visit and a little history lesson along the way.

The 2011 cost for the standard excursion trip is listed as $30 for adults, if you’re riding coach; $28 for seniors (60+); and $16 for children (12 and under). Children under 2 years old ride coach free.

Check out the prices, for the standard excursion trips. They go up a little if you want club service, which includes sitting in a dining or lounge car but does not include food service. They also are higher if you want to travel first class, which includes lunch. Two-year-olds no longer ride for free when traveling club service or first class.

The railroad folk recommend advance reservations, as trains can sell out. They also state you should plan to arrive by 10:45 a.m. to pick up your tickets.

In 2011, The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad offers a steam engine ride on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, May 6 through August 28. It also offers a Diesel engine trip on Thursdays, from June 2 through August 25. Check the schedule for your desired travel day to see if any special conditions apply, such as on on Saturday, August 20th the train will depart at 2:00 p.m.

Although the trip schedule changes after August, the trains continue running. The train folk even offer a Santa Express in November and December.

If you’re a Myers Briggs J-type and want to plan ahead, you can check out the details of the Santa Express early. Both Js and Ps (non Myers-Briggers, that means everyone) will enjoy taking a look at the other Western Maryland Scenic Railroad adventures, like the evening murder mystery train rides and the specialty train experiences.


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