This Lesser-known Maryland Destination Has Beautiful Mountain Scenery, Craft Breweries, and Charming Small Towns-and It's Under 3 Hours From Washington, D.C.

"When people think of Maryland, places like Baltimore, Annapolis, and the Chesapeake Bay usually come to mind. But tucked away in the mountains in the western part of the state is a lesser-known area that deserves equal attention. Roughly three hours from Washington, D.C., Allegany County is full of surprises, with scenic mountain views, a growing craft brewery scene, quaint small towns, and even its own ice cream trail."

"This part of the state feels like a true escape while still being close to home. From hiking and biking to sipping local brews and simply soaking in the fresh mountain air, Allegany County has the ideal blend of outdoor adventure and small-town charm. Cumberland and Frostburg, two of the county's main hubs, offer lively, walkable downtown areas, with nearby parks and trails that make it easy to relax and enjoy the surroundings."

"Allegany County is perfectly positioned about 2.5 hours from Baltimore and Pittsburgh, and three hours from Washington, D.C., making it convenient for visitors coming from any direction. I recommend flying into one of those major airports and renting a car. The drive is quick, easy, and scenic. I've done the route through the D.C. area myself and was impressed by the drive's beauty. It's the kind of trip that gets you excited before you even arrive."

"Allegany County is a bit more remote than you might expect, so I recommend bringing your own vehicle. A few hours from several major cities, it offers a peaceful, small-town feel. Downtown Cumberland has recently been renovated and now has great Wi-Fi, but cell service can still be spotty in some areas, especially in the state parks or out on the tra"

Allegany County in western Maryland sits roughly three hours from Washington, D.C., and about 2.5 hours from Baltimore and Pittsburgh, offering accessible mountain scenery and small-town charm. Scenic mountain views and outdoor activities such as hiking and biking combine with a growing craft brewery scene and an ice cream trail. Cumberland and Frostburg feature lively, walkable downtowns with nearby parks and trails for relaxation and exploration. The drive to Allegany County is quick, easy, and scenic; flying into major airports and renting a car is recommended. The region feels remote and peaceful; downtown Cumberland has improved Wi‑Fi, but cell service can be spotty in parks and remote areas.

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