A scenic train ride through the Allegheny Mountains has just earned a spot among the best in the country.
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad was voted No. 7 on USA TODAY 10Best’s 2026 list of Best Scenic Train Rides, putting the Maryland attraction among the nation’s top 10 scenic rail experiences.
And with fall approaching, the railroad offers a particularly appealing way to experience the changing leaves without spending the day navigating mountain roads.
The roughly 4.5-hour Frostburg Flyer round trip departs Cumberland, climbs through the mountains and stops for 90 minutes in the small town of Frostburg before returning to Cumberland.
What is the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad?
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is a heritage railroad based in Cumberland, Maryland, offering excursions through the mountains of Western Maryland.
Its signature Frostburg Flyer travels from Cumberland into the Allegheny Mountains, following a scenic route that includes the dramatic Cumberland Narrows, Helmstetter’s Curve and the historic Brush Tunnel.
The railroad says the train climbs nearly 1,000 feet in elevation before reaching Frostburg and passing through the 916-foot Brush Tunnel. The full round trip takes approximately 4.5 hours, including a 90-minute layover in Frostburg.
That stop is part of what makes the excursion feel like more than simply a train ride. Passengers have time to get off the train and explore Frostburg, including its shops, cafés and restaurants, before reboarding for the trip back down the mountain.
The railroad operates with steam locomotives on Saturdays and Sundays and diesel locomotives on weekdays on the 2026 Frostburg Flyer schedule, although equipment can be substituted.
What to expect if you’re thinking about going
For Washingtonians and other travelers in the D.C. region, the Frostburg Flyer offers a different kind of fall day trip: instead of driving through the mountains looking for foliage, you can sit back and watch the scenery unfold from a historic train.
The route winds through the Allegheny Mountains, with forested hills, mountain streams, curves and tunnels along the way. Fall is an especially appealing time to ride, when the surrounding forests begin taking on their seasonal colors.
Once the train reaches Frostburg, passengers have 90 minutes to explore the town before the return journey. That makes it possible to grab a meal or coffee, browse local businesses or simply take a stroll through the small mountain community before heading back to Cumberland.
For an even more immersive foliage-viewing experience, passengers can upgrade from Coach to Open Air, Dome or First Class.
The Dome Class features an enclosed glass-domed car designed for panoramic mountain views, while First Class offers plush leather seating, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast for passengers ages 21 and older.
How much do tickets cost?
There are several ways to experience the Frostburg Flyer, with prices varying considerably depending on the class of service.
2026 ticket prices include:
- Coach: $45 adults, $40 children 12 and under
- Open Air: $50 per person
- Lunch Class: $110 adults, $105 children 12 and under
- First Class: $95 per person, ages 21+
- Dome Class: $130 adults, $125 children 12 and under
With the railroad’s national recognition and fall foliage season approaching, travelers interested in riding should check the schedule and reserve ahead of time, particularly for premium seating.
