Potomac Heritage NST - Cumberland, MD

Friday, September 23, 2016

Well, we are on our way back from the Outer Banks, first successful passport trip of many more to come. In North Carolina, we got 4 Lighthouses, 3 NPS Sites and 2 USFWS sites. Anyway, living close to the Potomac Heritage NST, but in Pennsylvania, I knew that the C&O Canal was a part of that. Additionally, in Cumberland, MD, it switches from the C&O to the Great Allegheny Passage. On the way to the OBX, we seen signs for the C&O, but we were there at nighttime, Therefore, we decided to stop at the Cumberland Visitor Center of the C&O Canal, as it was easy off and easy on of I-68 after a long week of the OBX (Although we stopped at a Goodwill Store in Grantsville, MD and a Convenience Store on the way home.)

Parking is difficult in Cumberland, especially coming from the East and if you want to make it jiffy, we parked probably where we shouldn't (in the town's newspaper parking lot.) Anyway, we made it to the Visitor Center which is dully staffed by the county there (Allegany) and the park service. I was in need of a comfort facility, and sadly we all had to take turns as they only have a single unisex toilet. Anyway, I digress.

After doing the stamp thing, I was amazed of the plethora of information provided at this location, maybe because it was part park service and there was non-NPS material there. You had your state parks of Maryland, different state highway maps, different historical guides, the list goes on and on.I hope to come back to Cumberland someday.

Following collecting as much information as I could possibly not know what to do with, the ranger gives me TWO tote bags to put them in. We take a minute and explore the Paw Paw Tunnel Replica (yes, I will visit this someday, as it is on my bucket list,) we depart and head what we thought was towards Fayettenam.

Park Synopsis

Linking the tidal Potomac and upper Youghiogheny river basins, the evolving Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail network lies within a corridor rich in historic pathways and waterways. You can travel this historic corridor today—on foot, bicycle and horse and by boat—exploring contrasting landscapes between the Chesapeake Bay and the Allegheny Plateau.

An enterprise of many partners, the evolving Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail network celebrates the heritage of the corridor between the mouth of the Potomac River and the Allegheny Highlands and offers opportunities for hiking, bicycling, boating, horseback riding, and cross country skiing. Though availability can change, the list below is verified annually; please contact us to suggest corrections.

If You Go

The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (PHT) is a diverse network of trails and routes connecting five geographic provinces, two major watersheds, three states and the District of Columbia, and outstanding places in one of the most significant corridors in the United States. 

Accessibility

For those with a mobility impairment, the Unisex Comfort Facility is accessible. The orientation videos are closed captioned for the deaf and hard of hearing. Service animals are permitted everywhere visitors go at the C&O Canal. For a definition of a service animal please visit www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm. The C&O Canal is a trash free park. All animal waste must be picked up and taken with you.