Western Maryland Railroad’s engine #501 (Photo: William Ed “E” Mullan)
Enjoy a 30-mile round-trip excursion and lunch onboard the first-class dining car of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. Rail historian Joe Nevin leads the tour through some of the region's most spectacular mountain scenery and chronicles its transportation history.
Climb through the Allegheny Mountains on the Western Maryland #501, a GP30 built in the 1960s, distinctive for its high profile and stepped cab roof, unique among American locomotives. The route between Cumberland and Frostburg passes through the 1,000-foot-deep Narrows Gorge, climbs Big Savage Mountain, and negotiates a horseshoe curve, 914-foot-long Brush Tunnel, and grades up to 2.8 percent, to gain nearly 1,000 feet of altitude. Explore historic Frostburg on a 45-minute stop.
Following the 3 1/2-hour train ride, visit the rail line’s shop for a special up-close look at restoration and repair in progress. Before departing the area, take a brief tour of the Western Maryland Station and C&O Canal terminus.
Fringe stop at about 9:10 a.m.
A three-course meal is served on the train.
The railroad reserves the right to change equipment. Suitable for children ages 8 and older, accompanied by an adult.
