Cumberland to Morgantown Drive: Scenic US-40/US-219 Route Guide

The National Road (US-40) from Cumberland, Maryland to Morgantown, West Virginia traces a historic corridor that once carried settlers westward. Today it offers a 65-minute drive (about 60 miles) through the Allegheny Mountains, passing remnants of the original toll road and crossing the Eastern Continental Divide at an elevation of 2,500 feet.

Both routes converge on Morgantown, home of West Virginia University. For a guide to finding hidden gems along any route, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Driving westward, the Allegheny Front rises sharply, with exposed stone outcrops and mixed hardwood forests. The Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, about 25 minutes off the route, is a National Historic Landmark that operates a steam locomotive up Bald Knob, offering panoramic views. UNESCO World Heritage Sites are not located along this exact route, but the nearby Fallingwater, a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece, is a 75-minute drive south and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Local commerce thrives in small towns like Grantsville, where the Penn Alps restaurant serves local trout, and at roadside produce stands open in summer.

Climate here is humid continental: summers are mild, with highs around 80°F, while winters can be harsh, with heavy snowfall typical at higher elevations. Autumn foliage peaks in mid-October, drawing leaf-peepers. Spring brings wildflowers and a few muddy stretches.

For families, the route offers several stream-side picnic areas near Friendsville, and the Swallow Falls State Park, with its waterfalls, is just a 20-minute detour. Rest areas are sparse, so plan fuel and bathroom breaks wisely.

• Pet-friendly? Most outdoor stops welcome leashed pets, but indoor facilities like the Cass Scenic Railroad do not allow them except service animals.
• For children, the Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake, a short detour off I-68, offers interactive nature exhibits.

To manage fatigue, stop at the Maryland Welcome Center near the border, which has picnic tables and vending machines. Hidden off-route spots include the charming town of Aurora, WV, known for its 19th-century architecture, and the quiet trails at Cathedral State Park, both just off US-219. Drive safely; the final approach to Morgantown includes several steep grades and sharp curves.

Take I-68 West from Cumberland for the fastest drive; the highway descends through the Savage River Gorge, crossing into West Virginia at the state line near Friendsville. For a slower, more scenic journey, follow US-40 West to US-219 South through the Youghiogheny River valley.

• Gas stations cluster around Grantsville, MD (mile 20) and Bruceton Mills, WV (mile 45).
• Diesel prices tend to be lower in West Virginia due to state tax policy.
• The route is mostly well-paved; sections of US-219 have sharper curves, but they are well-marked.

Road quality is generally good year-round, but winter can bring snow and ice, especially along Frostburg's highlands. The Maryland portion of the route is maintained by the Maryland State Highway Administration, while West Virginia's portion is under the WV Department of Transportation.