Cumberland MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Cumberland, Maryland.
1. Rocky Gap State Park
LAKESIDE BEACHES AND TRAILS
Rocky Gap State Park features the scenic 243-acre Lake Habeeb, known for its inviting sandy beaches and clear waters. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, or enjoy a variety of water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding. The park also offers hiking trails and camping facilities for a complete outdoor experience.
2. Canal Place River Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION HUB
Canal Place River Park is a new family-friendly water park project being developed along the North Branch of the Potomac River in downtown Cumberland. Once complete, it will provide locals and visitors with opportunities to swim, relax, and play along the urban riverfront. The park will be a free community resource, aimed at revitalizing the waterfront and offering easy access to river recreation.
3. C&O Canal Towpath at Cumberland
RIVERSIDE BIKE AND SWIM
The C&O Canal Towpath begins in Cumberland and parallels the Potomac River, offering numerous scenic spots for riverside relaxation and swimming. Cyclists and hikers can find secluded stretches ideal for wading or cooling off beside the historic canal. The area blends natural beauty with rich heritage along the water's edge.
4. Paw Paw Tunnel and Potomac River
HISTORIC RIVER ESCAPE
Located just outside Cumberland, the Paw Paw Tunnel is a unique engineering marvel along the C&O Canal with nearby river access. The Potomac River here features quiet, natural settings perfect for swimming, picnicking, and exploring. Its combination of history and waterfront scenery makes it a popular regional escape.
5. Evitts Creek Waterfront
URBAN CREEKSIDE RETREAT
Evitts Creek winds through Cumberland offering several secluded spots where visitors can enjoy waterfront relaxation. The creek's banks are popular for quiet picnicking, fishing, and seasonal wading. It provides a peaceful, green escape within city limits.
6. Deep Creek Lake State Park
WESTERN MARYLAND'S LARGEST LAKE
Deep Creek Lake State Park is about 45 minutes from Cumberland and boasts a large sandy swimming beach along Maryland's largest inland lake. The park offers swimming, boating, and lakeside picnicking with mountain views. Its clear waters and recreational amenities make it a top summer destination in the region.
7. Youghiogheny River Lake
RIVERSIDE SWIMMING AND BOATING
Youghiogheny River Lake, a short drive west of Cumberland, provides a beautiful waterfront for swimming, fishing, and boating. Its expansive shoreline and picnic areas are ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The lake is known for its clean water and scenic surroundings in the Appalachian foothills.
8. Cunningham Falls State Park
MOUNTAIN LAKE AND FALLS
Cunningham Falls State Park, located within an hour and a half of Cumberland, features a freshwater lake with a sandy swimming beach and the state's largest cascading waterfall. The park is popular for swimming, hiking, and picnicking amidst the Catoctin Mountains. Its scenic beauty and recreational options attract visitors from across Maryland.
9. Blackwater Falls State Park
RIVER AND WATERFALLS ADVENTURE
Blackwater Falls State Park, just over the West Virginia border, is renowned for its dramatic river gorge and stunning waterfalls. The park also features swimming holes and riverside trails for visitors seeking water-based activities. Its breathtaking scenery and cool mountain air make it a favorite summer retreat.
10. Big Run State Park
LAKE AND STREAM CAMPING
Big Run State Park is situated at the northern end of Savage River Reservoir and offers a tranquil lakeside setting for swimming, fishing, and boating. The park's natural shoreline and streams provide inviting spots for wading and cooling off in the summer. Its rustic campsites and forest trails add to the park's waterfront appeal.