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Finding Frostburg

Frostburg, named for the founding family of Meshach and Catherine Frost, sits high in the mountains of Western Maryland. Locals embrace the city’s tagline, “It’s just cooler here…,” which winks at the town’s “cool” name and reputation for snowy winters and temperate summers, but which really speaks more to Frostburg’s unique and interesting people and places.

Janelle Muletz

Home to Frostburg State University, Frostburg has the upbeat energy of a college town with authentic, Appalachian small-town charm. Catch dozens of artists and performers on Main Street during Arts Walk in April. Enjoy the Independence Day tradition of the Soap Box Derby as it races down Main Street. Ride the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad from Cumberland to Frostburg and back, especially in the fall to behold the stunning foliage. Take in one of the many performances at Frostburg State, productions featuring talented students or national-caliber touring acts. For those with little ones, December’s Storybook Holiday is an event not to be missed, a full day of magical fun, sure to put everyone in the holiday spirit!

Home to Frostburg State University, Frostburg has the upbeat energy of a college town with authentic, Appalachian small-town charm.

Downtown Frostburg is a special place. Over a dozen restaurants, plus coffee shops, a bakery, and a confectionary, all unique to Frostburg, are sure to please every palate. Secure a seat for a classic film or a nationally known bluegrass act at the historic Palace Theatre. When get thirsty, visit the winery on Main Street or drop in to one of the local taverns for craft beer, specialty cocktails, and plenty of live music.

Downtown Frostburg is a special place.

Venturing outside town and off the beaten path is a must when visiting Frostburg, as the area features:

  • hiking trails in the remote Savage River State Forest filled with mythical hemlock groves;
  • Finzel Swamp, a mountaintop frost pocket, where the “peepers” provide a deafening chorus after the spring thaw;
  • a path for every biker: The Great Allegheny Passage (the premier long-distance rails-to-trails pathway), miles of single-track trails, and scenic, low-volume road rides;
Finzel Swamp by Janelle Muletz
  • a variety of fly-fishing opportunities: hook a brown, rainbow, and naturally reproducing brook trout, for the fishing trifecta on the pristine Savage River; catch BIG fish on the North Branch of the Potomac; or maybe even spot an elusive hellbender while wading in the Casselman;
  • Whitewater to flatwater, you can float however you fancy within a 30-minute drive. Rafters, kayakers, canoers, and SUPers will find ample waters to make the trip unforgettable;
  • an option for every skier: Cross country skiing opportunities abound on the Great Allegheny Passage or the many trails in nearby New Germany State Park, and for the downhill thrill, Wisp, Seven Springs and Hidden Valley are all less than an hour away.

Located right off I-68, Frostburg is an easy 2- to 2 ½-hour drive from Baltimore, MD, Washington, D.C., or Harrisonburg, VA. A Trail Town along the Great Allegheny Passage, Frostburg is an enjoyable overnight stay for cyclists planning a through trip from Pittsburgh, PA to Cumberland, MD.

However you find yourself in Frostburg, you are sure to delight in the vibrant scenes and abundance of activities!

 

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