Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

            Steam still rides the rails in Western Maryland between Cumberland and Frostburg.

            Through the Cumberland narrows with a view of the Allegheny Front escarpment.

Not So Scenic Overlook

When is a scenic overlook not scenic? When it's Buzzards Rock in the Patapsco Valley State Park, directly over the western opening of the Ilchester tunnel. Unless you have rock climbing and rappelling gear you have no chance of seeing anything resembling a scenic view. And even with that equipment it would not be all that great.The view is completely obstructed by trees, even in winter without any foliage. Imagine the above view in summer with the trees in full leaf. You would see nothing but trunks and leaves. The Patapsco river in the center of the photo curves counter clockwise just to the right of the view to again parallel the train track as seen in the upper right corner. But that view of the river is also obstructed. If you are absolutely committed to visiting Buzzards Rock take the short, easy, almost level walk from the Hilltop Road parking area and skip the steep heart pounding cardio workout climb from the river path that starts at Bloede's dam. Unless you just want the exercise. Or leave Buzzards Rock to the buzzards. You won't miss much.