Western Maryland Scenic Railroad in Cumberland, Maryland

Written By Kelsey Cecil

Cumberland, Maryland · Updated October 19, 2026 · 14 min read

Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesThemed trains through the year; Frostburg Flyer runs May to October

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad runs steam and diesel excursions from Cumberland's 1913 Western Maryland Railway Station up the Allegheny Front to Frostburg, keeping a piece of the old Western Maryland Railway alive and working.

  • 16-mile climb to Frostburg
  • C&O steam locomotive No. 1309
  • 914-foot Brush Tunnel
  • Departs a restored 1913 station
  • Polar Express Train Ride each holiday season
  • Bikes can ride along by reservation

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad at a glance

Hours
Trains run on a posted schedule, not daily walk-in hours; check wmsr.com
Admission
Fares vary by train and class of service; see the online schedule
Train rides
Frostburg Flyer round trips May to October; winter brunch trains January to April; dinner trains on select Saturdays
Seasonal events
The Polar Express Train Ride, Frostburg Flyer, Allegheny Mountain Dinner Train, Allegheny Winter Express, Ice Cream Train
Plan for
Most of a day for a Frostburg Flyer round trip with layover
Best for
Families, rail fans and fall foliage riders
Best ages
Ages 3 and up; The Polar Express suits younger kids
Parking
Gated Canal Place lot in front of the station ($1 per hour, card only) plus city garages and lots; parking at the Frostburg depot

Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Western Maryland Scenic Railroad? Bring Rally along.

In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi's little legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to Cumberland.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

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Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

How Cumberland bought back its mountain branch

The line began as part of the Western Maryland Railway, a small Class 1 railroad that operated from 1852 to 1983 and ran a branch from Cumberland up to Frostburg. After the Western Maryland joined the Baltimore and Ohio and Chesapeake and Ohio in the Chessie System in 1973, the Frostburg branch was eventually abandoned. In the late 1980s local leaders saw it differently: Allegany County, the City of Cumberland and the City of Frostburg pooled money to buy the corridor, and the new Scenic Railroad Development Corporation received the old Western Maryland shops in Ridgeley, West Virginia, the 1913 station in Cumberland and an 1891 Cumberland & Pennsylvania depot in Frostburg.

From 1988 the Allegany Central Railroad ran steam and diesel excursions on the line under Jack Showalter, whose two Canadian Pacific G5 steam locomotives worked around Helmstetter's Curve each week. At the end of 1991 the operation was reorganized as the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, running its own equipment. In January 1992 it bought Lake Superior & Ishpeming No. 34 from the Illinois Railway Museum and had it running by July 1993.

The modern chapter has been one of rebuilding. Wesley Heinz became executive director on August 24, 2021, and his team completed the long restoration of No. 1309 while ridership and revenue grew. In January 2024 the railroad took a long-term lease on the 14-mile Georges Creek Railway between Carlos and Westernport, and in October 2026 it announced plans to restore two historic Pennsylvania Railroad locomotives. Crews at the Ridgeley shops also restore locomotives and coaches for outside owners, and many of the green and gold coaches carry the names of local towns and of the people who supported the railroad.

Sixteen miles up the Allegheny Front

Trips start at the Western Maryland Railway Station on Canal Street, built in 1913 and restored to house the railroad's ticket counter, gift shop and offices along with a coffee shop and one of the visitor centers for the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. From the platform, trains head west through the Cumberland Narrows, a deep gap cut by Wills Creek, cross an iron truss bridge, swing around Helmstetter's Curve and dive into the 914-foot Brush Tunnel under Piney Mountain. Grades reach 2.8 percent as the train climbs past Mt. Savage and the hairpin at Woodcock Hollow, first on the old Western Maryland right of way and then on the former Cumberland & Pennsylvania.

At Frostburg the train lays over for about 90 minutes at the 1891 depot while the locomotive is turned on a turntable that once served the Western Maryland in Elkins, West Virginia. That leaves time to walk into town before riding back down the same route. The roster lists steam locomotive No. 1309 and diesels Nos. 734, 558, 501, 539 and 561, and the railroad also keeps three cabooses, two from the C&O and one from the Western Maryland.

Don’t miss

  1. Steam locomotive No. 1309Built by Baldwin in 1949 for the Chesapeake & Ohio's heaviest coal trains and retired in 1956, it returned to service after a long restoration. The railroad calls it the largest operating steam locomotive of its type in the world.
  2. Helmstetter's CurveThis sweeping horseshoe in Cash Valley is the classic view of the line, and a good moment to have a camera ready.
  3. Brush TunnelThe 914-foot bore under Piney Mountain is the dark stretch kids wait for on every trip.
  4. The Frostburg turntableDuring the layover, crews spin the locomotive on a turntable that originally served the Western Maryland at Elkins, West Virginia.
  5. Western Maryland Railway StationThe 1913 station in Cumberland has been restored and is worth a look before boarding, with the gift shop and canal park visitor center under one roof.
  6. Diesel No. 734One of the diesels on the active roster, and a popular search among rail fans planning a trip.

Tunnels, turntables and a hot cocoa train

For kids the ride is the show: the big swing around Helmstetter's Curve, the dark run through Brush Tunnel, and the locomotive being turned on the Frostburg turntable. The roughly 90-minute stop at the top gives little legs a break before the trip back down. Riders who spend time in the open-air cars say they are loud and a bit sooty from the steam engine, which many kids consider the best part.

The Polar Express Train Ride is the family favorite in the holiday season, with characters from the story, treats, hot cocoa and a visit from Santa. Some themed trains, including the Ice Cream Train and The Polar Express, may leave from the Frostburg depot instead of Cumberland, so read your ticket carefully.

Plan your visit: tips for Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

  • Book early; the railroad warns that seats fill fast, especially for fall and holiday trips.
  • Check which station your train leaves from: some themed trains depart Frostburg, not Cumberland.
  • Bring a card for the Canal Place lot, which takes only Visa or Mastercard.
  • Use the Frostburg layover to walk into town for lunch.
  • Cyclists can reserve space to carry bikes up the mountain and ride the trail back down.

Each holiday season the railroad runs The Polar Express Train Ride, where characters from the story pass out treats and hot cocoa on the way to meet Santa, and some departures leave from the Frostburg depot. Winter brings the Allegheny Winter Express with brunch on board, and the Allegheny Mountain Dinner Train runs on select Saturday evenings most of the year. For more holiday ideas around the state, see our list of Christmas train rides in Maryland.

Shop crews, staff and the people behind the coaches

The railroad is run by a professional staff and shop crew at Ridgeley, and its story leans on local support from the start, from the county and two cities that bought the corridor to the benefactors whose names appear on restored coaches. Some passenger cars on the line are even owned by individuals who lease them to the railroad. Visitors help most by riding, shopping at the station gift shops and booking group trips; the railroad posts job openings and news on its website and Facebook page.

More rail stops around Cumberland

The other end of the line is the historic Frostburg Depot, where the train lays over. The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad in Romney, West Virginia, is about 20 miles away for a second ride, and the B&O Railroad Roundhouse in Martinsburg is about 45 miles east. Browse every train museum in Maryland to plan the rest of the trip.

Every train museum in Maryland

Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive

Watercolor view from inside a dark tunnel looking out at a sunny beach and cliffs
From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

Somewhere between Helmstetter's Curve and Frostburg, this train slips into Brush Tunnel under Piney Mountain, more than 900 feet of dark. That is exactly the moment my mom built into our book: Rally, Mom and Dad in the dark tunnel, and then a big bright light and happy cheers on the other side. My kids are learning to read on that page. For little ones who love a tunnel, there are pictures to color on our coloring pages.

Free for train families

Print the Rally coloring pages before you go

Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. Tuck a few in a folder with crayons for the drive or the wait for the next train.

Get the free coloring pages
Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

More for train families

Work or volunteer at Western Maryland Scenic Railroad?

We want this page to be the best introduction to your museum on the web. Send new hours, event dates, corrections or photos to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com and we will update it. You are welcome to share this page with your members.

Sources

Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad: 20 questions riders ask

Where is the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad?

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad boards at the historic Western Maryland Railway Station, 13 Canal Street, Cumberland, Maryland 21502. The western end of the line is the Frostburg depot at 19 Depot Street in Frostburg, where some themed trains also depart. The Cumberland station is in the heart of downtown, within walking distance of the Historic City Center.

How do I buy Western Maryland Scenic Railroad tickets?

Tickets are sold through the train schedule pages on wmsr.com, where each excursion has its own booking link, and at the ticket counter on the track level of the Cumberland station. The railroad warns that seats fill fast, so book ahead for steam trips, fall foliage dates and The Polar Express. Call (301) 759-4400 with questions.

How much are Western Maryland Scenic Railroad tickets?

Fares depend on the train and the class of service you choose, from coach to first class, table and dining options, so prices differ between the Frostburg Flyer, dinner trains and holiday trips. The railroad posts current fares on each excursion's booking page at wmsr.com. Check there before you go, since prices can change by season and locomotive.

Are there discounts on Western Maryland Scenic Railroad tickets?

Groups of 30 or more get 10 percent off Coach, Table or Lunch classes on Frostburg Flyer trains, and group packages include a ticket for the bus driver and tour escort. To get the discount on fall trips after September 15, groups must book by July 30. For other discounts, call (301) 759-4400 or check wmsr.com.

What is the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad schedule?

As of October 2026, the Frostburg Flyer runs May to October, the Allegheny Mountain Dinner Train runs on select Saturday evenings from January to November, and the Allegheny Winter Express runs January to April. The Polar Express Train Ride runs in the holiday season. Exact dates and departure times are on the train schedule page at wmsr.com.

What are the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad hours?

The railroad does not keep daily walk-in hours like a museum; it runs trains on a posted schedule with multiple departures each week in season. The Cumberland station, with its gift shop, restrooms and ticket counter, is busiest around departure times. Check the schedule at wmsr.com or call (301) 759-4400 before you drive in.

How long is the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad ride?

The route is 16 miles each way between Cumberland and Frostburg, climbing grades as steep as 2.8 percent. At Frostburg the train lays over for about 90 minutes while the locomotive is turned, and riders can explore town before the trip back. Plan on most of a day for a Frostburg Flyer round trip.

What is the route of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad?

Trains leave Cumberland heading west through the Cumberland Narrows, cross an iron truss bridge, round Helmstetter's Curve and pass through the 914-foot Brush Tunnel under Piney Mountain. The line climbs past Mt. Savage and Woodcock Hollow on the old Western Maryland right of way, then joins the former Cumberland & Pennsylvania into Frostburg.

What is Western Maryland Scenic Railroad No. 1309?

No. 1309 is a steam locomotive built by Baldwin in 1949 for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway to haul its heaviest coal trains in Kentucky and West Virginia. It was retired in 1956 and later restored to run on this line. The railroad says it is the largest operating steam locomotive of its type in the world.

When does No. 1309 run on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad?

The Frostburg Flyer runs with either a historic steam or a diesel locomotive at the head of the train, so not every trip is a 1309 trip. If seeing the steam engine matters to you, check the locomotive listed on each date at wmsr.com before you buy, or call (301) 759-4400 to ask which departures are steam.

What is Western Maryland Scenic Railroad No. 734?

No. 734 is one of the locomotives on the railroad's roster, alongside steam engine No. 1309 and diesels Nos. 558, 501, 539 and 561. The railroad keeps a page for each locomotive on its website with an in-depth look at its history, so that is the best place to read about No. 734 before your trip.

Does the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad run The Polar Express?

Yes. The Polar Express Train Ride is the railroad's holiday excursion, with characters from the story, treats, hot cocoa and a special visit from Santa. Some Polar Express trains may operate from the Frostburg freight depot rather than Cumberland, so check your departure station. Tickets are sold through wmsr.com and tend to sell out early.

What do people say in Western Maryland Scenic Railroad reviews?

Riders often praise the friendly staff, the mountain views and the chance to see No. 1309 under steam. Polar Express families mention the crew and Santa's visit on the way back. Riders who sat in the open-air cars note they are loud and a bit dirty from the steam, so dress for it.

Where do I park for the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad?

As of October 2026, Canal Place runs a gated lot directly in front of the Cumberland station for $1 per hour, paid only by Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card. The city also runs garages and lots, and street parking is free on evenings and weekends. Parking is available at the Frostburg depot for trains leaving there.

Does the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad have a gift shop?

Yes, two. The Cumberland station has a gift shop next to the ticket counter on the track level, along with restrooms and a coffee shop in the building. The Frostburg depot also has a gift shop and restrooms. Both are handy for a souvenir before or after your ride.

Can I bring a bike on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad?

Yes, with a reservation. The Allegheny Highlands Trail, part of the Great Allegheny Passage between Cumberland and Pittsburgh, runs alongside the line. Cyclists can book space to put their bikes on the train for the climb up to Frostburg and then ride back down to Cumberland. Call (301) 759-4400 to arrange it.

Does the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad book group trips and parties?

Yes. The group office handles 30 or more seats on any excursion and welcomes reunions, church and business groups, clubs, weddings, birthday celebrations and private charters. Dinner trains, special events and chartered trains are arranged case by case. Call (301) 759-4400 or use the group request form on wmsr.com.

Is the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad hiring?

Check the railroad's website and Facebook page, where it posts news and updates about the operation. Its shops in Ridgeley, West Virginia, also restore locomotives and coaches for outside owners. To ask about jobs, email info@wmsr.com or call (301) 759-4400.

What is the history of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad?

The line is a former Western Maryland Railway branch, a railroad that ran from 1852 to 1983. After abandonment, Allegany County, Cumberland and Frostburg bought the corridor in the late 1980s. The Allegany Central Railroad ran excursions from 1988, and at the end of 1991 the operation became the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.

What train rides are near the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad?

The Frostburg Depot is the far end of the same line. The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad in Romney, West Virginia, is about 20 miles away, and the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Roundhouse in Martinsburg is about 45 miles away. The Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum and the Frederick area rail collection are both a little over 50 miles east.

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