About Allegany County
Our Story
Thank you for your interest in Allegany County, the Mountain Side of Maryland! The mountainside is filled with so many experiences. Our hope is that one will resonate with you and ultimately inspire you to visit.
The Natural Beauty of This Region Is Unparalleled.
Allegany County features nearly 70,000 acres of public land, with one out of every four acres being available for public access. Outdoor recreation enthusiasts will find their haven with Rocky Gap State Park, Green Ridge State Forest, the majestic Potomac River, and the C&O Canal Towpath and Great Allegheny Passage, which was named by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice travel awards for the top 10 Best Recreational Trails in North America.
A Vibrant and Successful Arts Community.
The mountainside has gained a well-deserved reputation as a regional arts destination with flourishing Arts and Entertainment districts, a rich theater community, vibrant public art murals and displays, and the second-largest bluegrass festival in the country, DelFest, which calls Allegany County home.
History and Heritage Live Here.
Enjoy three centuries of American history from the George Washington Trail to the start of the country’s first federally-funded road, the National Road, and from Maryland’s first certified heritage area to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, which by the way, is also one of USA Today’s choices for “Top 10 Railroad Destinations in the Country!”
In addition, Allegany County accommodations can serve as a home base for exploring attractions and Mother Nature’s miles of beauty. A true getaway, this region tucked in the Appalachian Mountains boasts a handful of charming and unique bed and breakfasts, a large selection of chain hotels, beautifully set campgrounds, and a casino resort - one of six in the state of Maryland.
From an abundance of incredible outdoor recreational activities to amazing historic sites, dining, and entertainment venues - no matter your interest, passion, sport, or idea of fun, you’ll find a trail for just about any type of adventure here in Allegany County, Maryland.
THE TRAIL STARTS HERE.