ALLEGA NY C OU NTY, MD Take a trip to the Mountain Side of Maryland where you’ll find hundreds of miles to hike in Allegany County. Situated among the Appalachian Ridge and Valley province and Allegheny Mountains, there are plenty of places to play as 60,000 acres, or one in every four acres in the county, are public land. Whether you’re looking for an easy day hike or an overnight backpacking experience, Green Ridge State Forest has more than 50 miles of hiking trails to explore. The trail system connects with the C&O Canal Towpath, a 184.5-mile trail from Georgetown to Cumberland, Md., and part of the National Park System. Follow the loop around Lake Habeeb at Rocky Gap State Park for beautiful views of the changing leaves. The park offers plenty of other paddling, fishing, and mountain biking opportunities, plus campsites, cabins, and yurts for an extended stay. Find additional fishing, picnicking, and camping spots at Dans Mountain State Park. While primarily known as biking trails, the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath are also great options for hiking as the two long-distance trails meet in Cumberland, Md. There are hundreds of miles of rail trails to explore from Pittsburgh, Pa., to Washington, D.C. The nearby Potomac River offers several river access points for fishing, paddling, and floating. For a more primitive backpacking experience, the Great Eastern Trail is a 1,600-mile hiking trail stretching from Alabama to New York. Pass through Maryland by way of the C&O Canal Towpath and Green Ridge State Forest trail system before crossing into Pennsylvania. Get Out and Play Outfitters is your one-stop shop for all things adventure in Allegany County. Sign up for canoe and kayak rentals and bike shuttles to make the most out of your trip. For all things biking, including rentals, maintenance, and transport, Cumberland Trail Connection has you covered. They also supply everything you need to brew your own beer at home. APRÈS H I KE End your day with a refreshing drink and mountain views. Visit some of the area’s awardwinning wineries, breweries, and distilleries on the Mountain Maryland Tap and Pour Craft Beverage Tour, and be sure to visit the many area restaurants, including the open-air dining in downtown Cumberland. Conveniently located a short drive from major East Coast cities like Pittsburgh, Pa., Baltimore, Md., and Washington, D.C., hike all day in Allegany County, Md., this fall. MDMountainSide.com
Whether you’re looking for an easy day hike or an overnight backpacking experience, Green Ridge State Forest has more than 50 miles of hiking trails to explore. Photo courtesy Allegany County Tourism
The best time to see the elk in Buchanan County is sunrise or sunset when these magnificent animals are the most active. Photo courtesy Buchanan County
BUCHANAN C O U NTY, VA From the scenic mountains and lush forestland to the flowing waters, Buchanan County, Va. is the perfect fall getaway for hiking and wildlife viewing. The Coal Canyon Trail System offers 114 miles of multi-use trails. Hikers, bikers, and UTV drivers can expect a variety of easy, moderate, and hard trails to get outside and test their skills. This system boasts a total of more than 200 connected miles of trail around the county and surrounding area for multiple full days of fun. Straddling the Virginia-Kentucky border, you’ll find an additional 25 miles of hiking trails at Breaks Interstate Park. Referred to as the Grand Canyon of the South, take in the wonder of the Russell Fork running through the five-mile gorge. Discover other activities in the park, including mountain bike rentals, geocaching, fishing, and more. While you’re in the area, take some time to watch the elk from one of the public wildlife viewing shelters near the Southern Gap Visitor Center. In 2012, 71 elk were reintroduced to the area after an almost 100-year absence. Today, that population has expanded to several hundred elk. The best time to visit is sunrise or sunset when these magnificent animals are the most active. Don’t forget about the Southern Gap Elk Fest, celebrating all things wildlife and mountain culture, October 14-17, 2020.
Stop by the new visitor center for interactive wildlife displays and an observation deck with panoramic views of the mountains. Additionally, several all-purpose trails start from the parking lot, giving nature lovers the chance to watch for the 220 bird species that call the county home and beautiful views of the night sky. Cabins, RV hookups, and campsites are open for those who want to stay close to the action. The waters of Buchanan County offer a variety of recreational opportunities. Head to the Levisa River for some terrific smallmouth bass fishing from the river’s banks or Dismal Creek for stocked rainbow trout. Kayak or whitewater raft sections of the Russell Fork that feature class V rapids on the weekends of October. AP R ÈS HIK E Head into the town of Grundy at the end of the day for a variety of delicious dining options. This fall, immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of “Wild” Buchanan County and experience the natural wonder of the mountains. WildBuchanan.com OCTOBER 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
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