Thru-Hiking the Allegheny Trail

Thru-Hiking the Allegheny Trail: The Ultimate Logistics Guide for all 316 Miles

Hiking the 316-mile Allegheny Trail (ALT) is wild, wonderful, and a unique experience. Hikers will enjoy 6 West Virginia counties that have tranquil rivers, rugged mountains, and small towns that take you back in time. Allegheny Trail volunteers have worked hard to upgrade on-trail and off-trail amenities like shelters, bridges, kiosks and relationships with landowners.

The FarOut app has everything a thru-hiker needs to have a safe and fun adventure.

1. The Directional Choice is Yours: NOBO vs. SOBO

SOBO (Southbound): The “Grand Finale” Route

Start: Northern Terminus (Mason-Dixon Line near Bruceton Mills, WV).

Finish: Southern Terminus (Peters Mountain, VA/WV border, junction with the AT).

Pros: You start with easier logistics (drive right to the start). You finish at a spectacular, historic junction with the Appalachian Trail and the Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory.

Cons: You finish your hike road walk followed by some of hardest terrain right at the very end of your trip. It can be a mental grind to walk pavement when you are smelling the finish line.

Best for: Hikers who want a dramatic finish and easier start logistics.

NOBO (Northbound): The “Eat Your Vegetables First” Route

Start: Southern Terminus (Peters Mountain).

Finish: Northern Terminus (Mason-Dixon Line).

Pros: You knock out a long road walk in the first few days while your legs are fresh and your patience is high. The terrain is arguably tougher at the start, which whips you into shape quickly.

Cons: Reaching the Southern Terminus to start is a logistical headache (see below). The Northern Terminus is a simple stone monument in a field/wooded area—much less climactic than reaching the AT.

Best for: Hikers who want to get the road walking over with immediately.

2. Getting to the Termini

Northern Terminus (Bruceton Mills, WV)

Access: Located right on the PA/WV border.
By Car: Easily accessible via I-68, Exit 23 (Bruceton Mills). Follow WV-26/WV-72 or Skyline Drive to the border.
Public Transit: Fly into Morgantown (MGW) or Pittsburgh (PIT). Morgantown is about 35-40 minutes away. You will need a shuttle or Uber/Lyft from Morgantown to the trailhead.
Shuttle Tip: Check the “Allegheny Trail” Facebook group for local trail angels; rides from Morgantown are relatively easy to find.

Southern Terminus (Peters Mountain, VA/WV)

Access: This is remote. The ALT ends where it meets the Appalachian Trail on a ridge. You cannot drive to the white blaze/yellow blaze junction.
The Hike-In: You must hike in to start. The most common access points are:
- From Pearisburg, VA: Hike ~10-14 miles North on the AT to reach the ALT junction.
- From Hanging Rock/Big Stony Creek Rd: A shorter hike up to the ridge.
Public Transit: Fly into Roanoke (ROA) or take the bus to Pearisburg, VA.
Shuttle Tip: Because the AT crosses near here, there is a robust shuttle network in Pearisburg (check AT shuttle lists). Drivers like Don’s Shuttle Service or local hostels in Pearisburg can often get you to a trailhead near Peters Mountain.

3. Resupply & Towns

The ALT is lonely. You won’t find a “hiker bubble” or frequent delis.

Davis/Blackwater Falls:

Full resupply (Shop ‘n Save), gear shop, restaurants. A great “town day” stop.

Durbin:

Critical mid-point. Limited resupply at the station store. Send a mail drop here (Post Office or sometimes the Rail & Trail store will hold packages).

Cass:

Touristy train town. Good for a hot meal and snacks, but limited grocery.

Marlinton:

Requires a hitch (about 5 miles off trail), but has a grocery store, pharmacy, and lodging.

White Sulphur Springs:

Full resupply (grocery stores, fast food) right on the route. This is your last major resupply before the southern terminus (or first if NOBO).

4. Camping & Permits

The ALT goes through 6 WV counties, 6 WV State Parks, 2 WV State Forests, and 3 National Forests.

There are 12 shelters along the way and several Airbnbs, BnBs, hotels, and campgrounds to accommodate hikers’ budgets and needs.

Please comment in the hiker logs for us- these metrics help us garner funding for future trail improvements.

Yellow notebook cover labeled 'Shelter Journal' with a large round yellow 'ALT' sticker on it.

5. Allegheny Trail Hiking Gear Tips & Apps

Summary Checklist for the Thru-Hiker

Choose Direction: SOBO for the glory, NOBO to finish the hard part early.
Download FarOut: Buy the ALT guide.
Mail Drops: Ample maildrop options, but plan for Durbin as it is the center of the trail.
Join the Group: The “Allegheny Trail” Facebook group is the most active source for shuttle contacts and trail conditions.
Embrace Solitude: You might go days without seeing another hiker. Enjoy the quiet wild of West Virginia!

Navigation: The trail is marked with yellow blazes (often 2×6 rectangular). However, the FarOut App (Allegheny Trail guide) should be considered non-negotiable. It helps predict water sources, indicates cell service, and has a thorough list of trail amenities. You will be hiking through some of the most remote places east of the Mississippi River, and in the National Radio Quiet Zone, where cell service will not be available.
Blaze Orange: 100-inch blaze orange is the requirement while hiking through active hunting public lands.
Attire: Please know, we recommend hiking this trail for 9 months. In the winter, it can be used for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing—not hiking. West Virginia has unpredictable weather and can drop ~60 degrees in a day; we recommend layering in all seasons. Long pants are highly recommended over shorts.