Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Allegany County, the Mountain Side of Maryland, offers a winter experience unlike anywhere else in the state. With its high elevation and stunning mountain landscapes, this region welcomes the chill of winter in a truly magical way. Expect crisp, cold air and scenic views dusted with snow, as temperatures often dip below freezing, with average highs in the upper 30s.

So, if you crave a change of season, outdoor adventures, snowfall, or simply enjoying the serene beauty of the season, Mountain Maryland’s winter charm is sure to captivate you.

 

Outdoor Adventures

If you love the chill of mountain air, the crunch of fresh snow under your feet, and a stray snowflake that lingers on your eyelash, well then, winter fun in the outdoors is a Mountain Maryland must!

 

Tommy-O'Connell-drilling-hole-with-hand-held-ice-augerIce Fishing

We are fortunate to have Rocky Gap State Park in Allegany County, Maryland, which can provide an outstanding ice fishing experience on Lake Habeeb. The lake is well managed with an abundance of bluegill, yellow perch, crappie and largemouth bass, and some of the lake’s best fishing area is a short walk from a parking area.

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First-Day-HikeHiking

Hike Mountain Maryland's highest peak, Dans Mountain, which sits at 2,895 feet elevation. Rocky Gap State Park encompasses over 3,000-acres of public land and features a variety of trail options from 0.3-miles to a moderate 5.3-mile loop.

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A woman is bundled up in winter gear and wearing corss country skis with poles in hand at a snow-covered trail head.Snowshoe & Cross-Country

When the conditions are right and natural snowfall has created a solid base, locations such at the Great Allegheny Passage, C&O Canal, Green Ridge State Forest, and Rocky Gap State Park are all ideal for winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing adventures. 

Skier
Just Outside the County

If you are into downhill skiing and snowboarding, we invite you to consider making Allegany County, the Mountain Side of Maryland your homebase to explore beyond the county lines on nearby ski mountains such as Wisp Resort and Timberline Mountain.  

 

Escape to the Indoors

One doesn't need to stay bundled up in their home waiting for spring's thaw. Instead, we encourage you to get out an explore the many indoor based attractions that are available for a winter getaway, date night, or family outing in the Mountainside. 

 

Rocky-Gap-Casino-Resort-Table-Games
TEST YOUR LUCK

Rocky Gap Casino Resort is a AAA Four-Diamond Award® winning resort featuring a casino, hotel, events and conference center, Bonkerz Comedy Club, three restaurants and a coffee shop, the only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course in Maryland, a spa, indoor pool, fitness center, pro shop, and more. Test your luck at the casino resort's 665 slot machines and 17 table games. On the flipside, you can easily opt to relax at the Spa at Rocky Gap which features a wide variety of services and pampering experiences.

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Winter-Train-Station-in-Mountain-Maryland--Allegany-County
Ride the Rails

Explore the mountainside by rail! The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is a heritage railroad in the heart of downtown Cumberland, Maryland. Book a winter excursion with their Allegheny Winter Express, which includes a roundtrip experience from Cumberland to Frostburg. Riders can also pair the train experience with their 'Brunch and Munch' menu featuring breakfast, fresh fruits, soups and salads, and access to a full-service bar. 

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Escape Room
Escape Rooms

Check out Exit Strategy Escape Rooms for some family or friend team bonding. Look for clues, open locks, decipher messages, solve puzzles all while trying to complete your mission and beat the clock. Exit Strategy is located in the Allegany Museum building and featured four uniquely themed escape room experiences. So, when you beat the clock, it is time to test your luck in another space.

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A man holds an axe ready to throw it at a target.
FORE AXES

There’s nothing like connecting with family and friends over some healthy competitiveness! Let off some steam at Fore Axes by scheduling an axe throwing lane, booking a golf simulator bay, or just enjoying the high-end cocktails and oversized board games. Fore Axes also has Bocce Ball and Corn Hole boards for guests’ enjoyment.

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Fuel Up

After a day adventuring out in the elements, we are sure that you have worked up an appetite. If you crave comfort foods or think the perfect end to a great day is with a 'Made in Allegany County' food and beverage, we have plenty of culinary trails to entice your palate.

Lorenzos-Bakery--Donut-and-Coffee-Trail
Donut + Coffee Trail

We pride ourselves in top-notch creators, and that includes artisans in the kitchens and baristas behind the controls. The Donut and Coffee Trail provides you with the perfect morning combo of a sugar rush and sustained buzz as you venture out to explore the mountainside.

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Couple cheers holding craft beers at the bar with the brewery behind the bar.
TAP AND POUR TOUR

The Mountain Maryland Tap and Pour Tour trails features a wide range of wineries, breweries, distilleries, tasting rooms and taprooms where you can raise a glass and imbibe in your favorite spirit. Our Mountain Maryland Taprooms are a great place for entertainment with award-winning brews and wines and can be a relied upon for a great live music scene.

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Restaurant Sub
ICONIC FOODS

From seasoned lettuce to two hot dogs “with,” for generations these foodie favorites have stood the test of time, flavor, and tradition, serving as symbols of Allegany County, the Mountain Side of Maryland. Taste your way through this food journey to discover what all the locals are talking about with these iconic Mountain Maryland foods. 

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There are plenty more restaurants in Mountain Maryland to choose from, just check out our Eat + Drink page. 

With so much winter fun it is no wonder you're already thinking about when you can come and where should you stay. Learn about our lodging options by visiting our Places to Stay page.