Western Maryland Trip
 

My wife and I are planning a 5-day driving trip to Western Maryland in mid-August to escape the heat and humidity of Washington DC. We don't have kids, and prefer a quiet, nature-filled retreat.

Some friends have suggested that we stay in Cumberland, MD or Frostburg, MD or Deep Creek Lake. What is the difference between these areas? Are there any cabins with A/C or small B&B style inns that you'd recommend?

We may also drive into Pennsylvania to see the Fallingwater House, and do an easy hike in the Ohiopyle/Youghiogheny River area. Is this worth doing?

Has anyone stayed at the Rocky Gap Resort in Cumberland, MD? If so, would you recommend it? The pictures on the website look very nice. Is this a nice place to stay in the middle of August?

Sorry that I'm not a western MD expert but would the WVA State Parks be an option?Caanan Valley/Blackwater Falls is very nice with many lodging option types and unlimited activities. There are many other Parks on their site.

Catoctin Mt. State Park and cunningham falls very beautiful (out near camp david, which you cannot get close to) this is north of Frederick and east of Hagarstown. definately nature oriented place.

I just got back from a short trip to New Germany State Park in Western MD not far from Deep Creek. You might want to look that up - just type in Maryland DNR in Google. They have cabins with kitchens and baths, no AC. They all are nestled in the hemlocks - good many steps to some of the cabins from the parking area. We did a lot of hiking in the park and nearby areas. You are close to Deep Creek, Oakland, even the above mentioned WV parks if you want to drive a little more. And, a trip to Fallingwater would be doable. That is a lovely house!!!!

The difference is that Cumberland is a mid-sized town and Frostburg is a small town while Deep Creek Lake is a veylarge scenic lake with a few very small towns around it. I don't think you want to stay in either of the towns.
There are a number of lodges, cabins, motels, etc. around the lake. I haven't stayed at one in years so I can't make a recommendation. I found the lodge at which I stayed by looking in several guidebooks and calling the lodges that appeared most frequently in them. Wisp ski resort is near there and probably open all year round.
You might check the Weather Channel web site (it gives historical averages on a daily basis) to make sure that it will really be cool enough there to be worth the drive.

I stayed at the Rocky Gap Resort a few years ago -- right when it opened. It was lovely: comfortable rooms, beautiful common areas, attractive setting, and good food. At the time, the resort, though owned by the State of Maryland, was managed by a private concern.

Since then, I have heard that the state took over management of the resort (never a good sign) and went into decline. I don't know what the current status is, but it's definitely worth asking.

I too have stayed at Rocky Gap. It was nice when I was there about 4 yrs ago. There is the lake, golf course, aviary, beach, hiking...
If you are looking for nature I would recommend Deep Creek Lake. Cumberland is a "city" - a very small city but a city none the less. (My brother lived there for a couple of years.)
There is a spa type resort not too far from Western Maryland but actually in PA Nemacola (sp). Berkley Springs in WV is also nice and in the same general vicinity - probably a bit closer depending on which part of DC you live.

Thanks for the great advice! I'm going to try to find a place in the Deep Creek Lake area. Sounds like we can travel to Fallingwater as well.

Has anyone stayed at or heard of the Lake Pointe Inn? Also, is there an easy/moderate day hike near Deep Creek Lake - such as Swallow Falls Park?

I would suggest staying up in Ohiopyle, very scenic up there and a lot to do. Most of the hotels are in Uniontown, less then a 30 minute drive away from Ohiopyle State Park. You see a lot of scenery along I-68 and Route 40.