Allegheny Highlands Trail of Maryland facts for kids
The Allegheny Highlands Trail of Maryland (AHTM) is a special path that's about 20.47 miles long. It's a "rail trail," which means it was once a railroad track but has been turned into a path for people to walk, bike, or even run on!
This trail connects the historic C&O Canal in Cumberland, Maryland, to the Mason–Dixon line. The Mason–Dixon line is a famous border that separates Maryland from Pennsylvania. When you reach this line, the trail continues into Pennsylvania, where it's called the Allegheny Highlands Trail of Pennsylvania. Together, these trails are part of a much bigger path called the Great Allegheny Passage, which stretches all the way from Pittsburgh to Washington, DC!
What is the Allegheny Highlands Trail?
The Allegheny Highlands Trail of Maryland is a fantastic place for outdoor adventures. It's a flat and easy path because it used to be a train track. This makes it perfect for families and people of all ages to enjoy nature. You can see beautiful scenery, local wildlife, and even some cool old railroad structures along the way.
A Path with History
This trail follows the route of an old train line called the Connellsville extension of the Western Maryland Railway. Imagine trains chugging along this very path many years ago! Even today, you can still see train tracks next to the trail between Cumberland and Frostburg. These tracks are now used by the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, which is a special train that takes people on fun rides through the mountains. So, while you're walking or biking, you might even see a historic train go by!
