Head two hours west on Route 70 and you'll land smack in the middle of Allegheny County and at the gateway to the mountains of Maryland. It's nice this time of year to head to the hills to find some solitude, scenery, and countless outdoor activities.
Close to Cumberland in Flintstone, MD, Rocky Gap State Park sits next to one of the highest-quality hotels to be found in 100 miles: Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort. The accommodations at this grand resort are pleasing to all, but the prices are more pleasing than that.
With staycation packages for each season, this is a place where one can easily slow down and take in the majesty of Maryland's higher elevations.
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Steps from the resort, Rocky Gap State Park offers outdoor adventures on foot, by canoe, and on four wheels too. Water trails meander through the rugged mountain terrain for kayaks and canoes, and public grounds for off-roading in the woods encourage exploration.
The 243-acre Lake Habeeb boasts beach and boating opportunities within the state park. Campsites, cabins, a nature center, trails and hiking make this the perfect destination for those who crave the outdoors. Hunting and fishing programs also lend excitement for fish and game enthusiasts.
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It's easy to find local attractions within these rural mountainsides so steeped in history. In neighboring Cumberland, explore America's railway history and walk or bike the C&O Canal towpath. Discover antique treasures and boutique items in the many small shops along the Canal Place Heritage Center walkway.
Adventure sports abound in this neck of the woods with rock climbing, rafting, caving, camping, mountain biking and more.
The further west you travel, the adventure thickens. Frostburg, MD, 15 minutes west of Cumberland, offers a few pubs, a four-star French restaurant, and Frostburg State University's music and theater shows.
Almost an hour further, you'll find Deep Creek Lake and similar activities to Rocky Gap, but with skiing in the winter and white water rafting in warmer months. This area of Garrett County—the westernmost county in Maryland—is widely visited and has a bustling tourist season. Here, you'll find a bit more diversity in activities.
Deep Creek Lake has several high-quality dining venues, a modern movie theater, go-carts, shopping mall and more choices for indoor recreation. Night clubs, water sports and horseback riding are also on the list of recreational activities, along with all-terrain vehicle rentals and guided trails.
Whether your wallet will let you travel only as far as Rocky Gap, or all the way to Deep Creek, there's certainly no shortage of adventures to be found in-between the two.
Stay in Maryland for your next trip for adventure; it's closer, cheaper, and exceptionally beautiful to the west.