Long Beach to Cumberland: Scenic Road Trip Guide

The journey from Long Beach, NY to Cumberland, MD spans roughly 300 miles and typically takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and route choices. Along the way, you'll traverse the coastal plains of Long Island, cross the Hudson River, and climb into the Appalachian Mountains, offering a diverse range of landscapes. Notably, the drive passes within 10 miles of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, a premier spot for hiking and river views.

Begin on the Meadowbrook State Parkway, then merge onto the Southern State Parkway and cross the Throgs Neck Bridge into the Bronx. From there, take I-95 South through New Jersey, then I-78 West into Pennsylvania, and finally I-81 South before exiting onto I-68 West toward Cumberland. This route offers consistent road quality with most sections being interstate highways, but expect construction delays around the Harrisburg area.

• Fuel costs: About $30-45 for a standard sedan, with gas stations plentiful near major exits.
• Tolls: Several tolls on the NY side, totaling $12-15; use E-ZPass for convenience.
• Rest stops: Well-maintained service plazas on I-78 and I-81, with restrooms and food options.

For alternate routing ideas, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

As you leave the coastal flatlands, you'll climb into the rolling hills of the Pocono Plateau, then eventually descend into the Allegheny Mountains. The most scenic stretch is the final 50 miles on I-68, which cuts through deep valleys with dense hardwood forests. This area is also home to the Cumberland Narrows, a dramatic water gap where the Potomac River cuts through the mountains.

Local commerce along the route includes farm stands in rural Pennsylvania offering seasonal produce, and antique shops in towns like Bedford. In Cumberland, the historic downtown features a restored train station and Victorian architecture.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are not directly on the route, but a short detour to Philadelphia (about 60 miles off the highway) brings you to Independence Hall, a UNESCO site.

This route has generally good safety ratings, with well-maintained shoulders and clear signage. However, watch for deer crossings particularly in the dusk hours on I-81 and I-68. For families, consider stops at the Crayola Experience in Easton, PA (exit 71 on I-78), which offers interactive color exhibits, and the Hershey Story Museum in Hershey, PA, about 20 minutes off the route. These are well-suited for children.

For pets, many rest stops along I-81 have designated pet walking areas. If you need a veterinarian, there is one in Hagerstown, MD, near the I-81/I-70 interchange.

To manage fatigue, plan to stop every 2 hours; the last viable rest area before Cumberland is the Sideling Hill rest area on I-68, which offers a spectacular geological cut with interpretive displays. Hidden off-route spots include the 'Pulpit Rock' overlook in the Delaware Water Gap, accessible via a short hike.