Rail biking, the activity of pedaling along railroad tracks, offers an exceptionally unique way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the outdoors. While it had been on my radar for some time, the perfect opportunity arose when friends from Wisconsin planned a summer visit in 2023. Eager to experience rail biking themselves and with a goal to visit all 50 states, I thought this would be an ideal and fun way to showcase Maryland, a state yet to be explored by their family.
The idea quickly expanded beyond our initial group. When I mentioned our rail biking plans to my family, my parents and sister’s family were enthusiastic to join, and just like that, our group grew to sixteen, spanning ages from five months to seventy years! Planning activities for such a large and diverse group can often feel daunting, but this rail biking adventure proved surprisingly simple to organize, and to my delight, it was an activity that everyone genuinely enjoyed.
Family preparing for a rail bike tour in Frostburg, Maryland.
Having navigated the experience myself, and with initial questions before embarking on our Rail Bike journey, I wanted to share a closer look at our rail biking adventure, complete with helpful tips for anyone considering this unique outdoor activity.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through these links.
Tracks and Yaks: Your Rail Bike Outfitter in Frostburg, MD
Our rail biking tour was organized through Tracks and Yaks, located in the charming town of Frostburg, Maryland. These very tracks are also familiar to us as they host the magical Polar Express experience with the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. The rail lines wind through the scenic Allegany Mountains along the renowned Great Allegheny Passage, providing breathtaking views throughout the ride.
If your schedule allows, Frostburg itself is a delightful, walkable town well worth exploring before or after your rail bike tour. On previous visits, we’ve enjoyed stopping at Clatter Cafe for coffee and treats and Frostburg Freeze for ice cream. I am also looking forward to visiting Mountain City Coffeehouse & Creamery, browsing Main Street Books, and exploring the Frostburg Museum – just a few ideas to get you started. I am sure there’s much more to discover in this quaint mountain town.
Frostburg Train Depot building exterior on a sunny day.
You will check in for your rail bike adventure at the historic Frostburg Train Depot. The train station is pictured above from our Polar Express visit. Parking is available around the station, but if it’s busy, overflow parking is accessible near the GAP trail. It’s wise to allow a little extra time for parking upon arrival, especially during peak seasons. At the train depot, you can complete your check-in, use the restroom facilities, browse the gift shop, and relax while waiting for your tour to begin. Games like checkers are available to pass the time.
People waiting outside the Frostburg Train Depot.
Queen City Excursion: Rail Biking to Cumberland
Tracks and Yaks offers a variety of rail bike excursions to cater to different interests and timeframes. Options include rail biking to Cumberland and returning by train, combining rail biking with kayaking on the Potomac River, or enjoying a bonfire after your rail bike ride, among others.
Our group selected the Queen City Excursion. This tour features a two-hour rail bike ride to Cumberland, covering approximately 15 scenic miles. Upon arrival in Cumberland, we had time to enjoy lunch and explore the Canal Place area before a shuttle bus transported us back to Frostburg.
Group of people on rail bikes on a sunny day.
While some in our group might have preferred a train ride back, the train departure coincided immediately with our arrival in Cumberland. I wanted our Wisconsin friends to have a chance to experience a bit of Maryland beyond the rail tracks. Personally, I am a big fan of Downtown Cumberland. I appreciate its unique topography and historical atmosphere, along with the walkable areas offering a variety of shops and restaurants.
Downtown Cumberland cityscape with historic buildings and train tracks.
What to Expect on Your Rail Bike Adventure
Weather Considerations
Rail bike tours operate regardless of the weather, rain or shine. Therefore, it’s crucial to be prepared for potential inclement weather. Given the elevation of the Allegany Mountains, it’s reasonable to expect slightly cooler temperatures and potentially more variable weather patterns. Fortunately, we enjoyed sunny weather on a warm summer day. We were sure to apply sunscreen and bring plenty of water. I imagine rail biking would be particularly stunning in the fall when the foliage is at its peak.
Riding in a Group
Our large group of sixteen was divided into smaller groups of four, each riding quad rail bikes, positioned one after the other on the tracks. While there might have been opportunities to link the bikes together at certain points during the ride, we mostly traveled in our groups of four, allowing for socialization at designated stops along the route.
Four-person rail bike on train tracks in a wooded area.
Rail Biking with Kids
The elementary, middle, and high school-aged children in our group participated in the rail biking without any issues. My primary concern was how our younger children would manage. We brought our kids aged 5 years, 3 years, and just 5 months old.
Mother and children on a rail bike, child in front wearing a harness.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that rail biking is considered an activity suitable for all ages. Infants can even ride along in a child carrier worn by an adult. We are big fans of our Sunveno Child Carrier, especially due to the supportive bolster seat for the baby. It seems this specific model is currently unavailable, but here is a similar option. Our baby thoroughly enjoyed the experience, taking in all the sights. My husband wore her in the carrier and simply adjusted his pedaling stance slightly to accommodate the carrier, handling it with ease!
Father wearing a baby carrier with a baby on a rail bike.
Children wearing harnesses on a rail bike.
Our 3-year-old and 5-year-old wore safety harnesses for added security. I was initially concerned about them managing a two-hour ride. They did become a bit restless towards the end, but strategically deployed snacks and gummies kept them content. They were not able to reach the pedals themselves, so they simply enjoyed the ride as passengers.
My main advice would be to avoid bringing children who are excessively squirmy or prone to trying to get out of their seats during activities. Personally, I would likely not bring a child younger than my three-year-old again, perhaps avoiding the age range from roughly 12-18 months to 3 years old – when they are too big for a carrier but perhaps too young to sit still for an extended period. However, this can vary greatly by child. If you are uncertain about your child’s ability to sit relatively still, opting for a shorter tour or waiting until they are a bit older might be a better choice.
Essential Packing List for Rail Biking
As mentioned earlier, sunscreen and water are absolute necessities.
Each rail bike is equipped with a small basket located between the seats, convenient for storing personal items like water bottles. However, I would advise against placing valuable items like wallets or phones directly in the basket, as the ride can be somewhat bumpy, and items tend to bounce around.
Close up of a basket on a rail bike holding water bottles.
I packed diapers, wipes, and special snacks for my younger children in my Patagonia cross-body bag, and placed water bottles in the provided baskets. Prioritizing security, I recommend using cross-body bags, fanny packs, or similar secure bags. Smaller bags are generally preferable to avoid added bulk while pedaling.
Woman wearing a cross-body bag and holding a phone on a lanyard while rail biking.
Knowing I would be taking photos and videos, I was glad to have brought a lanyard phone holder to keep my phone secure and readily accessible, as dropping it seemed like a real possibility.
Some people opted to place backpacks over the back of their seats. If you choose this method, ensure the straps can be securely fastened around the seat to prevent the bag from falling off. If wearing a hat, make sure it is securely fitted. For example, we are fans of Sunday Afternoons Sun Hats which feature an adjustable chin strap.
The Rail Bike Ride Experience
While stationary in the sun before the ride began, we definitely felt the heat. However, once we started moving, a pleasant breeze and ample shade along the tracks quickly cooled us down and made the temperature very comfortable.
Rail bike riders have control over stopping their bikes, which was necessary at road crossings. Staff members were also present to guide us safely through several crossings. The road crossings were generally minor, more like quiet country roads than major intersections.
The initial section of the ride departing from Frostburg felt like a gentle downhill coast, making for an easy and enjoyable start. The majority of the middle section of the ride required consistent pedaling effort.
Rail bikes on tracks going through a tree-covered area.
It was fun to parallel the Great Allegheny Passage and wave to passing cyclists and pedestrians. The mountain views were stunning, and riding across bridges and through a tunnel added extra excitement to the experience.
The last mile or two into Downtown Cumberland required more noticeable pedaling effort, feeling like a slight uphill grade. I was grateful to have at least two adults pedaling in our quad bike with our younger children to ensure we made it into town without difficulty.
Canal Place – Exploring Downtown Cumberland
Upon reaching Canal Place in Cumberland, restroom facilities are conveniently located inside the train station for the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.
Canal Place is a charming and walkable area to explore in Downtown Cumberland. It marks the junction of the Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Towpath, making it a significant location for outdoor enthusiasts.
People walking around Canal Place in Cumberland, Maryland.
Shops and restaurants in Canal Place, Cumberland.
Playground at Canal Place in Cumberland.
Historic buildings and train tracks in Canal Place, Cumberland.
After using the restrooms, we headed straight for lunch and enjoyed delicious food and outdoor patio seating at The Crabby Pig. Maryland’s state food is indeed crabs (blue crabs, to be specific, I believe), and The Crabby Pig offered several tempting crab dishes on their menu.
Outdoor patio seating area at The Crabby Pig restaurant in Cumberland.
There are various other shops and eateries to discover in this walkable district.
Following lunch, we had about half an hour before the shuttle arrived to take us back to Frostburg. Some of our group opted for ice cream, while others, including us, headed to the playground, where we all eventually reconvened before our departure. However, there are many other attractions to explore in Canal Place if you have more time.
Plan Your Rail Bike Adventure
I hope this overview of our rail biking experience has been helpful and informative. If you decide to try rail biking, be sure to tag me in your photos on Instagram (@adventureswkelly) or leave a comment below! I’d love to hear about or see your rail biking adventures!
