Alleghenies May 2026

The —often called the Alleghenies—form the rugged western-central portion of the Appalachian Mountains . Historically a formidable barrier to westward travel, they now serve as a premier destination for outdoor recreation, stretching approximately 300 to 400 miles from north-central Pennsylvania through western Maryland and eastern West Virginia. Geological and Natural Highlights

The range is defined by its dramatic topography and unique ecosystems:

The Alleghenies are a hub for hiking and cycling, often utilizing abandoned railroad corridors that once breached the mountain barrier: alleghenies

: The range has been home to humans for thousands of years, from the indigenous Monongahela and Shawnee to the Scotch-Irish and German immigrants who braved the "western waters" in the 1700s. Expand map Industrial History Scenic Peaks & Wilds Rivers & Trails Pennsylvania Turnpike Abandoned Tunnels

: A sharp, massive escarpment that serves as the Eastern Continental Divide , separating the Mississippi River and Chesapeake Bay watersheds. Expand map Industrial History Scenic Peaks & Wilds

: Areas like Dolly Sods Wilderness feature high-altitude-esque plateaus with stunted trees, heath, and sphagnum bogs typically found in much more northerly latitudes.

: The bedrock is primarily sandstone and quartzite, which are extremely resistant to weathering. Outdoor Recreation & Rail Trails Outdoor Recreation & Rail Trails : A flat,

: A flat, well-maintained trail between Ohiopyle and Confluence that follows beautiful rapids and connects to the broader Allegheny Highlands Trail .