Allegheny Mountains Mountains

The Allegheny Mountains are a major sub-range of the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States, spanning parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia and forming a prominent highland region. The range includes steep escarpments and dissected ridges that rise above surrounding plateaus.

Outdoor recreation is a primary draw, with hiking, scenic drives, hunting and fall foliage viewing; the range connects with long-distance trails including sections linked to the Appalachian Trail. The highest named summit in the range is Spruce Knob at 4,863 feet (1,482 meters), which has trails and overlooks.

The mountains were formed during the Alleghenian orogeny in the late Paleozoic and have been shaped by long-term uplift and erosion, producing plateaus and sharp ridgelines. Human uses have included timbering, coal and other mineral extraction, and settlement in valleys and gaps.

Geographically the Allegheny Mountains lie inland from the Appalachian Plateau and form a transition between the central Appalachian highlands and adjacent lowlands. They occupy much of eastern West Virginia and adjacent portions of neighboring states and sit inland from major coastal cities.

• Viewing points: Best scenic drives and overlooks follow the Allegheny Front, which offers abrupt western escarpments and long eastward vistas especially in autumn.
• Trail & weather notes: Many trails link to the Appalachian Trail and other regional routes; weather can change rapidly at higher elevations, so prepare for cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands.

What to See#

• Spruce Knob: The highest summit in the range, Spruce Knob, reaches 4,863 feet (1,482 meters) and is the highest point in West Virginia, with a lookout tower and trails to viewpoints.

Major access points include I-68 across Maryland into West Virginia and state routes that trace the ridgelines. For West Virginia, the Highland Scenic Highway (WV-150) provides a curated scenic drive. Regional airports in Charleston (WV), Morgantown (WV) and Pittsburgh (PA) serve as common gateways.

• Pick ascents that match experience - the Alleghenies include both gentle ridgelines and steep, rocky paths.
• For scenic driving, use the Highland Scenic Highway in West Virginia for accessible overlooks and interpretive stops.
• Autumn leaf-peeping (mid-September to mid-October) draws heavy traffic; arrive early on weekends.