The Allegheny Highlands Trail (AHT) follows the original route of the West Virginia Central and Pittsburg Railway, built by Henry Gassaway Davis in 1884. For 24.5 miles this exceptionally scenic trail provides panoramic views of the West Virginia countryside, as it passes through a mountainous region with small towns and rural farmland.
From the southern Highland Park trailhead in Elkins, the trail gradually ascends for about 15 miles, passing around Pheasant and Polecat Knob mountains. The rural views and mountainous backgrounds provide numerous opportunities for photos. Beyond the mountains, the trail starts to descend more steeply and approaches the small town of Parsons.
A short, easy-to-follow on-road section of the trail in Parsons offers the chance to grab a bite to eat at any of the several restaurants. The trail crosses the Shavers Fork River on the restored Western Maryland Railroad bridge and continues through Mill Race Park. A ramp from the park ascends to the bike lane on the Black Fork River bridge. The next trailhead is located just over the Black Fork River on the southern side of US 219. The remaining section is paved and follows the beautiful Black Fork River to the community of Hendricks.
There are plans to extend the Allegheny Highlands Trail north to Mt. Storm Lake, making it about 44 miles. The railroad grade, though not developed as part of the AHT, continues along the beautifully scenic Blackwater River to Thomas as the
Blackwater Canyon Trail. Be warned: it's steep.
From downtown Elkins, take US Hwy. 219 north to access the southernmost trailhead, Highland Park, located across from the Division of Highways District 8 Headquarters (just a mile from downtown Elkins).
The Gilman, Kerens, Montrose and Porterwood trailheads are located mid-trail, and each include parking facilities. Continue following US 219 north to the northern trailhead, located at the intersection of Main and 3rd Streets in Hendricks.
The trail is NOT open between 5 miles west of Parsons and Mt Pheasant (Tucker/Randolph Co line) – blocked by hundreds of downed trees due to heavy snow the winter.
This is more of information for all who enjoys to run the trail in WV, my MOPS Group is hosting a 5K November 10 registration at 9 am, Kids 1/2 mile race at 930 and 5k at 10 am. Come and run and help raise money for the great Organization. Special Thanks ...
Rode this trail from Elkins to Parsons a few weeks ago and it was a fantastic experience. First 12 miles or so to Montrose is level and very well maintained. From Montrose to the top of the mountain you make a steady 300-400 rise in elevation but the ...