A landmark of road-building history stands in La Vale: the La Vale Toll Gate House. The two-story brick building was constructed in 1835–1836 with a seven-sided floor plan. It is the only surviving toll house on the National Road in Maryland and was the first toll house of its kind to be built. Thus, a single building offers a glimpse into two notable aspects of the road’s history.

Toll Houses, Inns, and Art

During the 2026 season, you can visit the La Vale Toll Gate House free of charge and without a reservation. Another historic house is the Five Mile House. It is one of eleven inns in Maryland along the National Road that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The two houses offer different points of connection: the Toll Gate House represents the history of the toll road, while the Five Mile House represents the historic inns along the National Road.

Contemporary art is also part of the cultural landscape: the LaVale Library’s public art project includes works by local artists Steven Fiscus and Jeff Dardozzi. The Cumberland Terminus Visitor Center features interactive exhibits about the history of the C&O Canal and Cumberland. Check the Visitor Center’s current operating details before your visit.

The Narrows and Trails Through the Landscape

The National Road passes through the Narrows in La Vale. This 1,000-foot-wide gap lies between Wills Mountain and Haystack Mountain. This places the road route in a specific landscape: the mountains form the sides of the gap through which the road runs.

The Great Allegheny Passage also runs through the Cumberland Narrows. In LaVale, there is a parking lot along the trail at Cash Valley Road Parking, near mile marker 5.2. The address is 11250 Cash Valley Road NW, LaVale, Maryland. Since parking details may change, it is advisable to check them before traveling.

The C&O Canal towpath also runs near La Vale. It stretches 184.5 miles from Cumberland to Washington, D.C., and can be used on foot or by bicycle. This offers several different trail options: the Great Allegheny Passage through the Narrows and the much longer C&O Canal Towpath, with its two endpoints in Cumberland and Washington.

Train Ride Between Cumberland and Frostburg

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad offers another way to experience the region, with a round trip between Cumberland and Frostburg. The train is pulled by a historic steam locomotive or a diesel locomotive. On the Frostburg Flyer, the route passes through the Narrows, around Helmstetter's Curve, and through the historic Brush Tunnel, which is 916 feet long. Excursion details may change, so check the schedule before your trip.

This gives you a clear choice of different travel interests: the toll houses and library art offer cultural history, the Narrows and trails offer scenery and outdoor activity, and the train offers a round trip between two cities. If you’re looking for accommodation for a trip to La Vale, these different interests can help you plan your visits.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Barton, Frostburg, Cumberland

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