Since 1995, the Highlands Trail Foundation (HTF) has worked to develop recreational trail opportunities in the Potomac Highlands region of West Virginia. The all-volunteer organization has focused primarily on development of the Allegheny Highlands Trail (AHT), a rail-trail in Randolph and Tucker counties, as the “backbone” of a regional trail system to access additional hiking and biking trails in the Monongahela National Forest (MNF), as well as water trails on nearby rivers. 

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A total of 31 miles of trail is now complete in Randolph and Tucker counties, including 26 contiguous miles from Elkins to Hendricks, and a separate 5-mile section near Davis. With the Elkins Rail Trail Connector project completing the AHT in Randolph County to its southern trailhead at the Elkins Depot, our attention is now turned to maintenance needs on the existing trail and continued development in Tucker County.

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The HTF offers several events to showcase completed and proposed sections of the Allegheny Highlands Trail. Our signature Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon brings runners from West Virginia and nearly a dozen other states to experience a truly unique race event. Named to Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine's Best of the Blue Ridge in 2021, the race was nominated for recognition again in 2022. Other events include the Blackwater Canyon Bike Ride, Ramps & Rail Bike Ride, and Spring Rail Trail Cleanup. 

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Please join us for one or more of these events, or create your own on the Allegheny Highlands Trail of West Virginia. ​

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