The Allegheny Highlands Trail follows the historic route of the West Virginia Central & Pittsburgh Railway (WVC&P), a crucial part of West Virginia’s industrial development in the late 19th century. The railway was initially chartered in 1866 by the West Virginia legislature as the Potomac & Piedmont Coal & Railroad Company. It was the brainchild of U.S. Senator Henry Gassaway Davis, who saw an opportunity to unlock the vast coal and timber resources of the Potomac Highlands region for global markets.
Construction of the WVC&P began in April 1880, with track-laying crews building southwestward from Cumberland, Maryland. By November 2, 1881, the railroad officially opened and expanded rapidly. The rails reached Davis, Tucker County, in 1884 and Elkins in 1889, with the first passenger train arriving in Elkins on December 3 of that year.
As Davis’s biographer Charles M. Pepper noted, the WVC&P “unlocked the imprisoned resources in the heart of the state.” The railway enabled the Potomac Highlands to tap into coal and timber markets and bring these valuable resources to the world. The line followed the North Branch of the Potomac River, then over Backbone Mountain to Thomas, through Blackwater River and Dry Fork to Parsons, before finally reaching Elkins.
Once in Elkins, branches extended to Huttonsville, Belington, and Bemis. Davis also expanded the railroad network with the Coal & Iron Railroad, connecting Elkins to Durbin, and the Coal & Coke Railroad, which stretched from Elkins to Charleston. These connections allowed the region’s economy to flourish by linking remote areas to more extensive trade routes.
In 1902, Davis sold the WVC&P to the Gould family, and by 1905, it became part of the Western Maryland Railway Company. George Gould, the son of legendary rail baron Jay Gould, oversaw the rapid expansion of the Western Maryland Railroad. It soon extended through Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, connecting the state’s abundant coal and timber resources to broader markets.
However, building and maintaining railroads in the steep terrain of the Allegheny Mountains presented challenges, with difficult grades and switchbacks. Despite these obstacles, the railroad’s expansion played a crucial role in the region’s economic development.
The Western Maryland Railroad continued to operate efficiently for several decades. In 1964, the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad (B&O) acquired the Western Maryland Railroad. By the mid-1970s, the tracks laid by the WMRR were no longer the most direct routes in the B&O’s system. Much of the Western Maryland Railway was abandoned around 1975, leaving behind a network of unused tracks.
The abandoned rail lines from the Western Maryland Railway provided an opportunity for reuse, resulting in today’s Allegheny Highlands Trail. This rail trail stretches across Randolph and Tucker counties, offering 31 miles of scenic pathways through the Potomac Highlands region. The trail allows hikers, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts to experience the area’s natural beauty while learning about its industrial heritage.
West Virginia’s history is deeply tied to coal, lumber, and related industries like paper milling and coke production. The resources harvested in the state were transported across state lines via intricate railroad systems. The Western Maryland Railroad played a significant role in this process, helping to transform West Virginia’s economy by enabling the export of coal, timber, and other resources.
Today, the Allegheny Highlands Trail is a testament to what can be achieved through vision, collaboration, and hard work. It serves as a reminder of West Virginia’s rich industrial history. Visitors to the trail can explore not only the natural beauty of the Potomac Highlands but also the legacy of the railroads that helped build the state’s economy. For more information about the Western Maryland Railroad and its significance, visit here.
While much has been accomplished, the work is far from over. As the trail continues to grow in popularity, the focus has shifted to maintaining the existing sections and addressing its ongoing needs. The HTF is now turning its attention to the continued development in Tucker County, ensuring that the trail remains a valuable resource for generations to come.
The Allegheny Highlands Trail is more than just a path through the wilderness; it symbolizes community spirit, environmental stewardship, and the enduring legacy of West Virginia’s rich natural heritage. The HTF remains committed to its mission, continually working to enhance and expand this incredible asset in the heart of the Potomac Highlands.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, an avid cyclist, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the great outdoors, the Allegheny Highlands Trail offers an experience unlike any other. Explore the trail, discover its history, and be part of the journey as we develop and preserve this extraordinary resource.
This timeline captures critical milestones in the ongoing development and growth of the Allegheny Highlands Trail. Each event has played a significant role in advancing recreational opportunities and engaging the local community.
New Trail Signs Installed
New 4 x 4 ft. signs were installed at multiple trailheads along the Allegheny Highlands Trail (AHT). These signs, designed by AmeriCorps member Daniel Flood as part of the "Kiosk Refresh" project, feature maps and essential information for trail users. The installation occurred at Highland Park, Gilman, Kerens, Montrose, Porterwood, and Parsons. The project was supported by a Tourism Development Grant from the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area and assistance from the West Virginia Division of Highways. Additional signs will be installed at the Nursery Bottom and Hendricks trailheads later in the year.
August 25, 2022Highlands Trail Foundation Events in April
The Highlands Trail Foundation (HTF) prepared for two major events in April. On April 23rd, they participated in the Ramps and Rail Festival in Elkins, setting up a booth and organizing a community bike ride. The following weekend, on April 30th, HTF hosted a trail cleanup event, with volunteers signing up through the website or at the festival.
March 25, 2022Introduction of New Board Members
HTF welcomed four new board members: Stephanie Murphy from Parsons; Jon Bush, owner of Piccolo Paula’s; Sam Blosser, also from Parsons; and Bill Hartman from Elkins. These new members' additions marked the beginning of several upcoming developments for the foundation.
February 12, 2022Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon Success
The Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon was a memorable event in 2021, with a bald eagle soaring over the starting line just minutes before the race began. Runners from across the region participated, and Sarah Forbes emerged as the race winner. The event received tremendous support from board members, volunteers, and AmeriCorps.
September 12, 2021New AmeriCorps Member: Daniel Flood
Daniel Flood, an AmeriCorps member from Long Island, New York, joined HTF in September 2021. Daniel, a graduate of Stony Brook University, began working with the Highlands Trail Foundation, focusing on trail monitoring, conservation, and civic engagement projects. He was stationed at Hendricks City Hall and spent most Mondays and Wednesdays working on-site or in the field.
September 12, 2021