Frostburg Outdoor Recreation Economy Institute - FOREI

09/04/2026

Join FOREI and Jesse Tubb with GRIT Adventures - Generating Resilience, Independence and Tenacity on September 15th for this interactive workshop. Follow the link for more information and to RSVP.

The Frostburg Outdoor Recreation Economy Institute (FOREI) at Frostburg State University will host “The Power of Story: Navigating the Mental Maps We Create,” an interactive workshop with Jesse Tubb, on Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. on FSU’s campus in the Atkinson Room of the Lane Univer...

09/02/2026

FOREI BASELINE Project Update!

New updates are live on the FOREI BASELINE StoryMap! The project continues to move forward, with the Phase 1 Research Report now available and work progressing toward a future interactive data dashboard.

Follow the project as FOREI turns regional research and data into tools that can support investment, business development, and outdoor economy decision-making across the region.

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/6e7c81dfb9864313b064f021ae13d1e4

08/25/2026

Vote for our Western Maryland adventure towns!

08/24/2026

FOREI had a great time helping welcome students back to Frostburg State University during Welcome Weekend! In partnership with FSU CANOE, we enjoyed getting outside with students for a hike at New Germany State Park and for a campus bike ride.

It was a great way to kick off the year, explore the outdoors, and connect with new and returning Bobcats. Welcome back, FSU students - we wish you a great semester ahead! 🐾🥾🚲

08/24/2026

Plenty to do in this vibrant college town. Stop in during your next hike or ride on the Great Allegheny Passage!

Cool mountain air, historic charm, and one of the most scenic stretches of the Great Allegheny Passage…Frostburg, Maryland is a must-stop trail town along the GAP.

Ride up to Frostburg and explore its vibrant historic downtown filled with restaurants, cafés, lodging, arts, and outdoor adventure. Take in mountain views near the Eastern Continental Divide, visit the historic railroad depot, or catch the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad as it rolls into town.

While you’re there, grab a meal at Guiseppe's Italian Restaurant or Clatter, stay overnight at Allegheny Trail House, Trail Inn Lodging and Campground, or Hampton Inn Frostburg, try out a pedalcycle from Tracks and Yaks, arrange a quick shuttle with Allegheny Bike Shuttle, find out about local festivals through FrostburgFirst, and connect with local trail enthusiasts with Mountain Maryland Trails. Upgrade your trail footwear at Runners Wings or explore local history at Evergreen Heritage Center Foundation.

Plan your trip to Frostburg today. Visit: gaptrail.org/amenities/frostburg-maryland

08/21/2026

Where the Great Allegheny Passage meets the C&O Canal Towpath, you'll find one of the trail's most vibrant destinations: Cumberland, Maryland.

Whether you're beginning a 150-mile adventure, celebrating the finish line, or spending a few days exploring, Cumberland offers plenty to discover. Ride the historic Western Maryland Scenic Railroad through the Cumberland Narrows, stroll the downtown pedestrian district with Main Street Cumberland, and experience the history, culture, and outdoor recreation that make this mountain city a favorite stop along the GAP.

Fuel up at 1867 A Modern Chophouse, Crabby Pig Cumberland, JJ's & Sons, or Queen City Creamery. Stay the night at 9 Decatur Guest House and Hostel, The Inn on Decatur, The Wills Hotel, Fairfield by Marriott Cumberland, Hampton by Hilton Cumberland, or Woodland Oasis Vacation Home Rental. Looking for adventure? Connect with Mountainside Bike Tours or Wheelzup Adventures, then unwind with a visit to Rocky Gap State Park. And don't forget to stop by Lefty's Place and connect with our friends at Allegany County, the Mountain Side of Maryland while you're in town.

Whether you're here for a day, a weekend, or the start of an unforgettable journey, Cumberland is ready to welcome you.

Learn more: gaptrail.org/amenities/cumberland-maryland

Visit Cumberland Maryland City of Cumberland, Local Government

08/19/2026

Public land, recreation infrastructure, businesses, and community are the backbone of the outdoor economy. Friendsville, MD, is a great example of a small town that has all of these ingredients. Congrats on celebrating 50 years of the wild and scenic Youghiogheny River!

For 50 years, the Youghiogheny River has been more than a treasured natural resource—it has also been an important part of Garrett County’s economy.

Community members and leaders recently gathered in Friendsville to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Youghiogheny River’s designation as Maryland’s only Wild River.

Today, the river draws thousands of visitors to Garrett County for whitewater paddling, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor experiences. Those visitors support local outfitters, restaurants, lodging, retailers, and other small businesses while helping strengthen Friendsville and the surrounding region.

The Youghiogheny is a great example of how protecting our natural assets can create lasting economic opportunities, enhance quality of life, and make Garrett County an even stronger place to visit, live, work, and invest.

Here’s to 50 years of conservation, recreation, and economic impact—and to the opportunities still ahead!

Learn more:https://shorturl.at/0bVDQ

(Photo courtesy of the MD Dept. of Natural Resources.)

08/13/2026

Vote, vote, vote everyday for Allegany County!

08/11/2026

All work and no play makes Bob E. Cat a dull feline. We think FSU's new president, Dr. Shadow JQ Robinson, agrees!

07/30/2026

Are you registered for the 2026 Maryland Outdoor Recreation Summit? We hope to see you in Ocean City, Sept 29 - Oct 1. Follow the link to learn more and to register! Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Event website: https://marylanddnr2026.vfairs.com/