Cumberland has received another national travel mention, with Southern Living naming the Western Maryland city one of its “16 Best Southern Mountain Towns To Visit This Fall.”
The list is an unranked editorial selection highlighting mountain towns across the South that Southern Living recommends for a fall getaway. Cumberland is the only Maryland destination included.
Southern Living highlighted Cumberland’s location along the Allegheny Mountains and North Branch Potomac River, along with the fall foliage surrounding the city’s historic redbrick landmarks. The publication also pointed to the revitalized Baltimore Street pedestrian mall, with its cafes, boutiques, galleries and restaurants.
The city’s transportation history and outdoor attractions were also featured. Southern Living highlighted the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad and its Frostburg Flyer excursions, as well as the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath, which converge in Cumberland and provide routes toward Washington, D.C. and Pittsburgh.
The recognition gives the Cumberland area its second national fall travel mention in a matter of days. Allegany County, which includes Cumberland and Frostburg, recently finished No. 2 in USA Today’s 2026 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Place to Visit for Fall. That recognition was based on public voting among destinations initially selected by an expert panel, while the Southern Living feature is an editorial selection rather than a reader poll or formal tourism award.
Southern Living described Cumberland as the “Gateway to the West” and highlighted the combination of mountain scenery, fall colors, historic architecture, outdoor recreation and the city’s revitalized downtown as reasons to visit this fall.
