Overview

The Allegheny Trail is West Virginia's premier long-distance backpacking route, stretching 311 miles 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 traverses 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. While less trafficked than its famous eastern neighbor, the AT, the Allegheny Trail rewards backpackers with solitude, mountain laurel tunnels, panoramic 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 most climbs providing switchbacks and elevation changes rarely exceeding 1,000 feet. The steepest sections occur when transitioning on and off ridges.

This trail suits self-sufficient backpackers comfortable with occasional route-finding, as sections can be brushy and overgrown due to light traffic. 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.

Permits & Regulations

No permits are required for backpacking the Allegheny Trail. However, camping regulations 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 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.

Best Season

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer ideal conditions. Spring brings high water levels in streams and vibrant 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 unpredictable conditions—80°F sunshine or snow are both possible.

Fall is arguably the best season, with stunning 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 can make 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, limiting trailhead access from December through March.

Water & Resupply

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 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—best full resupply - 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.

Hazards & Challenges

River crossings: Streams drain steep watersheds and rise rapidly during storms. The lower Glady Fork section is particularly challenging, with washouts and flash flood history. Never cross swollen streams; wait for levels to drop or turn back.

Navigation: 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 presents 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 lack of foot traffic create brushy conditions. Long pants recommended to avoid scrapes. Sections may lack visible tread—trust blazes.

Getting There

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 available in Pearisburg area; check Allegheny Trail Facebook Group.

Mid-trail access: Multiple forest roads cross the trail, allowing section hikes. High-clearance vehicles recommended for many access roads, especially in wet conditions. Davis, WV offers excellent mid-trail access 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.

Tips

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: Graham Shelter area offers a spectacular 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) encounters 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—worth the 40-minute walk from 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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