Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Location
Randolph and Tucker counties
Endpoints
Elkins to Hendricks
Mileage
24.5
Roughness Index
2
Surface
Asphalt, crushed stone
The Allegheny Highlands Trail follows the original route of the West Virginia Central
and Pittsburgh 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 approximately 15 miles as it passes around the Pheasant and Polecat Knob moun-
tains. The rural vistas and mountainous backgrounds provide numerous opportunities
for photos. As you pass around the mountains, the trail starts to descend more steeply
as it approaches the small town of Parsons.
