The Allegheny Trail is a 311-mile long-distance backpacking route in West Virginia, stretching from the Pennsylvania border at Bruceton Mills south to Peters Mountain, where it meets the Appalachian Trail at the Virginia border. This ridge-running trail crosses the heart of the Allegheny Mountains, passing through Monongahela National Forest, George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, three state parks, four state forests, and two wilderness areas. It carries far less traffic than its famous eastern neighbor, the AT, and the payoff is solitude, mountain laurel tunnels, long ridge views, and wild river valleys.
The trail is divided into four sections, though a 30-mile gap currently exists between Sections 3 and 4, requiring a road walk. Elevations range from just over 1,000 feet along the Cheat River to over 4,000 feet on the highest ridges. Terrain is moderate overall, with switchbacks on most climbs and elevation changes rarely exceeding 1,000 feet. The steepest sections come when the trail climbs onto or drops off ridges.
This trail suits self-sufficient backpackers comfortable with occasional route-finding, since light traffic leaves some sections brushy and overgrown. Navigation requires attention to blazes, especially through blowdown areas. The 50th anniversary in 2024 brought renewed maintenance efforts, but expect a wilder, less manicured experience than heavily trafficked trails.
No permits are required for backpacking the Allegheny Trail. Camping regulations do vary depending on which land management area you're in:
Monongahela National Forest (majority of trail): Dispersed camping allowed. Camp 200 feet from trails, water sources, and roads on bare soil when possible. Use lightweight stoves; if fires are necessary, use only dead-and-down wood and keep fires small. A 6-person shelter near the Plantation Trail intersection is available first-come, first-served.
Food storage requirements: All food and attractants (toothpaste, soap, garbage, cooking equipment) must be either: (1) suspended at least 10 feet off ground and 4 feet horizontally from any tree/pole, (2) stored in IGBC-approved bear canister, or (3) stored in closed vehicle with hard top. Burning or burying food/garbage is prohibited.
State parks and forests: May have designated camping areas only. Check specific regulations for Blackwater Falls State Park, Canaan Valley State Park, Seneca State Forest, and Watoga State Park.
Group size limits and 14-day stay limits apply in national forest areas. Bear canisters are not required but recommended given active bear populations. Contact Monongahela National Forest (304-636-1800) or West Virginia Scenic Trails Association for current conditions.
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) have the best conditions. Spring brings high water levels in streams and wildflowers, but also heavy rainfall and potential flooding in valleys like Glady Fork. Snow typically clears from high ridges by late April, though early-season hikers should prepare for anything: 80°F sunshine and snow are both possible.
Fall is arguably the best season, with fall foliage, stable weather, and fewer biting insects. October thru-hikes have proven successful, with 13+ days of dry weather reported in 2024. Fall colors peak mid-to-late October at higher elevations.
Summer (June-August) brings humid 80-90°F temperatures in valleys, somewhat cooler on ridges. Consistent rainfall throughout summer keeps water sources reliable but trails muddy. Expect heavy thunderstorms.
Winter backpacking is for experienced winter campers only. Higher elevations receive over 100 inches of snow annually. Most forest roads are not plowed, which limits trailhead access from December through March.
Water reliability varies seasonally. Spring and early summer provide abundant sources; late summer and fall require more planning. Some ridge sections have 10+ mile dry stretches.
Notable water concerns: - Graham Shelter's spring is notoriously unreliable and poor-tasting even when flowing. Plan for dry camping here; trail coordinators sometimes maintain water caches. - Glady Fork area has reliable water but is prone to flash flooding and washouts - Ridge sections require carrying 2-3 liters between sources
Resupply towns (north to south): - Albright (Mile 27.5): Small convenience store, pizza, sandwiches, limited resupply - Thomas (Mile 91): Convenience store, restaurants (3 miles before Davis) - Davis (Mile 94.6): Full grocery, dollar store, outdoor shops, restaurants; the best full resupply on the trail - Laurel River Club B&B (Mile 111.2): Hiker-friendly lodging, accepts mail drops, free primitive camping, discounts for hikers (304-402-7095) - Durbin (Mile 168.9): Restaurants, laundromat, lodging, campground, library; stores ~2 miles off trail - White Sulphur Springs (after 40 miles from southern start): Full supermarket on route
Mail drops can be arranged through Laurel River Club B&B. Most backpackers resupply every 4-6 days given town spacing.
River crossings: Streams drain steep watersheds and rise rapidly during storms. The lower Glady Fork section is particularly challenging, with washouts and a flash flood history. Never cross swollen streams; wait for levels to drop or turn back.
Navigation: The trail can be overgrown with faint tread in places, requiring blaze-to-blaze navigation. Blowdowns occasionally obscure the path. Download offline maps and carry current trail guides from WVSTA (digital or print versions available).
Bears: Black bears are common throughout. Expect frequent scat, and you may spook cubs or adults. Follow food storage regulations religiously. Make noise in brushy sections.
Gap section: A 30-mile unfinished section between Monongahela and George Washington-Jefferson National Forests requires road walking. Research current routing before attempting. Check with WVSTA for updates on gap completion efforts.
Weather: Ridgetop exposure during thunderstorms means lightning risk. Monitor forecasts and descend from ridges during electrical activity. High elevations can be 10-20°F cooler than valleys.
Overgrowth: Mountain laurel tunnels and light foot traffic create brushy conditions, so long pants are recommended to avoid scrapes. Sections may lack visible tread; trust the blazes.
Northern terminus (Mason-Dixon Line, Bruceton Mills area): Nearest public transportation is Morgantown, WV (35-40 minutes west), with bus service and rideshare. From Morgantown, arrange rideshare or contact hikers via the Allegheny Trail Facebook Group for shuttles.
Southern terminus (Peters Mountain/AT junction): Access via Peters Mountain Trailhead on Big Stony Creek Road (VA 635), approximately 14 miles northeast of Pearisburg, VA. From US 460 west of Blacksburg, turn right on VA 635, continue 10 miles to parking on left. Nearest airport is Roanoke, VA. Shuttles are available in the Pearisburg area; check the Allegheny Trail Facebook Group.
Mid-trail access: Multiple forest roads cross the trail, allowing section hikes. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for many access roads, especially in wet conditions. Davis, WV is a convenient mid-trail access point near mile 95.
Shuttle services: Limited commercial shuttles exist. The Allegheny Trail Facebook Group connects hikers for ride sharing. hikethealleghenytrail.org lists shuttle services, rooms, camping, and mail drop locations.
Join the Allegheny Trail Facebook Group before your hike. It's the primary resource for current trail conditions, beta, shuttle coordination, and connecting with recent thru-hikers.
Download Purple Lizard Maps for the trail or purchase the WVSTA digital trail guide ($15-20) with detailed maps, water source notes, and waypoints. The trail is also mapped on navigation apps with offline capability.
Camp selection: The Graham Shelter area has a big mountaintop meadow at 3,400 feet but plan for no water. Many ridge sections have flat camping among mountain laurel with long sunset views.
Timing strategy: Northbound (NOBO) hikers face steeper climbs onto ridges; southbound (SOBO) hikers get easier grades. Most thru-hikers complete the trail in 12-18 days depending on pace and gap routing.
Hanging Rock Observatory on Peters Mountain (southern end) provides 360-degree views at 3,812 feet and is worth the 40-minute walk from the Monroe County Road 15 parking area.
Expect solitude. You may go days without seeing other backpackers, especially outside fall color season. Tell someone your itinerary and carry emergency communication.
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