Highlands Trail Foundation:Working to create, support, and advance the Allegheny Highlands Trail system in the Potomac Highlands Region of West Virginia.
The Highlands Trail Foundation (HTF) is dedicated to developing and maintaining recreational trails in the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia. Our primary focus is on the Allegheny Highlands Trail (AHT), a scenic rail trail that stretches across Randolph and Tucker counties. Whether you’re an avid cyclist, a trail runner, or simply enjoy the beauty of West Virginia’s outdoors, our mission is to offer sustainable trails and meaningful outdoor experiences for all.
We host several exciting events throughout the year to showcase the Allegheny Highlands Trail and support our mission. From the popular Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon to the annual Ramps and Rail Festival, there are plenty of ways to get involved, meet fellow trail enthusiasts, and enjoy the beauty of West Virginia.
Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon is NOT your average half marathon!
Imagine 13.1 miles of:
🌲 Cool and Quiet Forest
💦 Stunning River Views
⛰️ Epic Canyon Scenery
🛤️ Historic Rail Trails
🏃 1,400-ft drop from start to finish
The Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon starts on the rail trail in
Thomas, WV and finishes on the Allegheny Highlands Trail in
Parsons, WV taking runners through one of the most breathtaking stretches of trail in Appalachia.
ENTRY CLOSES AT 200 RUNNERS!
Individual Entry Fees:
• Before August 12, 2026 — $60
• After August 12, 2026 — $75
A bucket list race!
🎟️ Get race details and sign up here: runsignup.com/Race/WV/Parsons/BlackwaterCanyonHalfMarathon
#blackwatercanyonhalf #halfmarathon #trailrunning #runwv
Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon
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The Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon is on Saturday September 12, 2026.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Happy West Virginia Day, from the Highlands Trail Foundation and our Blackwater Canyon Half Volunteers. Our 2026 race is already 50 percent full! 💙💛 #blackwatercanyonhalfmarathon #highlandstrailfoundation #WestVirginiaDay #countryroadstakemehomewv💙💛
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🚴 Gravel, river valleys, and pieces of Civil War and railroad history that helped shape the Mountain State. This advanced loop links Parsons, Elkins, and Belington across Laurel Mountain, past the Battle of Laurel Hill and a bakery worth the stop. Best ridden as an overnighter ⛺️
🔗 Ride With GPS: ridewithgps.com/routes/49849234?
🧭 Mon Forest Towns Gravel Guide: monforesttowns.org/gravel-route/laurel-mountain-loop/
📸 Photo Credit: Alden Roth
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Thank you, Canaan Valley Resort, Tucker Community Foundation, State Farm, @prestontaylorchc, Davis Depot, Elkins Physical Therapy and Sports Injury Clinic, @valley_healthcare_system, and @clementinescantina for their supporting sponsorship for the 2026 Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon. We look forward to hosting this event September 12, 2026. 200 racer limit! Reserve your spot at runsignup.com/.../BlackwaterCanyonHalfMarathon
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Thank you Davis Trust Company, Papa Johns of Elkins, Mountain
Valley Bank, Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine, and Mary S. Boyd Pediatrics for sponsoring the 2026 Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon September 12, 2026. 200 racer limit! Reserve your spot at runsignup.com/.../BlackwaterCanyonHalfMarathon
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Happy global running day, Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon Runners! 📸 by Imry Barsy at the 2021 race start. #blackwatercanyonhalfmarathon #runsignup #registernow #trailhalfmarathon #GlobalRunningDay
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Almost June 2026. After too much rain and some flooding Wednesday, Douglas Falls still roars. Beautiful, powerful. #blackwatercanyonhalfmarathon #douglasfalls #waterfallrace #gettuckeredwv
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Thank you, St. George Medical Clinic, Inc., for sponsoring the 2026 Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon. We look forward to hosting this event September 12, 2026. 200 racer limit! Reserve your spot at runsignup.com/Race/WV/Parsons/BlackwaterCanyonHalfMarathon
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Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon
Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon
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The Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon is on Saturday September 12, 2026.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Looks like a great trail project.
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
By supporting the Highlands Trail Foundation, you contribute to the Allegheny Highlands Trail’s development, maintenance, and promotion. Your support also helps us organize trail events that benefit locals and visitors. Find out how to support us:
