Trailhead information
Mason-Dixon Line trailhead
Primary- No restrooms
- No water
316 miles across eastern West Virginia, from the Mason-Dixon Line near Bruceton Mills south to Peters Mountain, where it joins the Appalachian Trail. Backcountry camping on Monongahela National Forest land, including Dolly Sods and Cranberry Wilderness, needs no permit.
“Walk 316 miles across eastern West Virginia, from the Mason-Dixon Line to Peters Mountain, where the trail joins the Appalachian Trail.”
Plan your Allegheny Trail trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get Allegheny Trail
No permit is required for the Monongahela National Forest sections of the Allegheny Trail, including Dolly Sods and Cranberry Wilderness, which are free and permit-free for backcountry camping. The only paperwork is a normal reservation if you stay in a developed state park campground.
More about Allegheny TrailPlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
Allegheny Trail permit season
- route distance, point to point
- 316mi
Allegheny Trail elevation profile
Mason-Dixon Line trailhead to Peters MountainTrailhead
Mason-Dixon Line trailhead
The trail's northern terminus at the Pennsylvania-West Virginia border near Bruceton Mills.
Mile 0 of 316
0 Mason-Dixon Line trailhead316 Peters Mountain
- Mile
- 0
- Elevation
- ≈1,524 ft
Allegheny Trail landmarks
How to get an Allegheny Trail permit
As of September 2026, the managing agency does not require a permit for Allegheny Trail in Allegheny Trail, West Virginia. Allegheny Trail rates 2/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. The Allegheny Trail route covers 316 miles.
- Permit required
- No
- Type
- Thru-Hike
- Location
- WV
How this permit is issued
More on Allegheny Trail: Live availability activityAllegheny Trail permit itinerary
How much an Allegheny Trail permit costs
Allegheny Trail permit fee: Free on Monongahela National Forest land; a normal campsite reservation applies only if you stay in a developed state park campground.
The Allegheny Trail hike
- Distance
- 316 miles
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Duration
- 3-4 weeks typical thru-hike
Walk 316 miles across eastern West Virginia, from the Mason-Dixon Line to Peters Mountain, where the trail joins the Appalachian Trail.
About this permit
316 miles across eastern West Virginia, from the Mason-Dixon Line near Bruceton Mills south to Peters Mountain, where it joins the Appalachian Trail. Backcountry camping on Monongahela National Forest land, including Dolly Sods and Cranberry Wilderness, needs no permit.
The route
From Mason-Dixon Line trailhead, the route passes Bruceton Mills, Blackwater Falls State Park, Elkins, Gaudineer Knob, Dolly Sods Wilderness, before finishing at Peters Mountain.
Why it matters
The West Virginia Scenic Trails Association built the Allegheny Trail as the state's own long-distance footpath, linking Monongahela National Forest highlights like Dolly Sods and Cranberry Wilderness into one route.
How hard the Allegheny Trail hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required5/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills1/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity1/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route4/5
Best for: Experienced hikers with excellent fitness and relevant technical skills.
Recommended experience: Should have completed 10+ mile day hikes with significant elevation gain.
When to hike Allegheny Trail
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
☁️
68°
49°
26%
Mon
🌫️
60°
56°
Tue
🌧️
72°
53°
Wed
☁️
77°
54°
Thu
☁️
81°
58°
Fri
🌧️
70°
51°
31%
Sat
☁️
62°
44°
37%
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
Allegheny Trail rules, gear and safety
Rules & regulations
- 01No permit is required for the Monongahela National Forest sections of the Allegheny Trail, including Dolly Sods and Cranberry Wilderness, which are free and permit-free for backcountry camping. The only paperwork is a normal reservation if you stay in a developed state park campground.
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Allegheny Trail.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Allegheny Trail · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Allegheny Trail FAQ
Do I need an Allegheny Trail permit?
No permit is required for the Monongahela National Forest sections, including Dolly Sods and Cranberry Wilderness, which are both free and permit-free for backcountry camping. The only paperwork you'll deal with is a normal campsite reservation if you stay in a developed state park campground like Blackwater Falls.
How long is the Allegheny Trail?
316 miles according to the trail's own organization, running from the Mason-Dixon Line on the Pennsylvania border south to Peters Mountain, where it joins the Appalachian Trail.
How is the Allegheny Trail hike broken into sections?
The trail organization publishes four official sections: Mason-Dixon Line to Blackwater Falls State Park (95 miles), Blackwater Falls to Cass Scenic Railroad (92 miles), Cass Scenic Railroad to Lake Sherwood (68 miles), and Lake Sherwood to Peters Mountain (60 miles).
Can I camp anywhere on a Monongahela National Forest thru-hike?
Dispersed camping is allowed and free across most National Forest System land the trail crosses, including inside Dolly Sods and Cranberry wilderness areas, with no permit required.
Does the Allegheny Trail connect to the Appalachian Trail?
Yes. The southern terminus on Peters Mountain joins the Appalachian Trail at the Virginia-West Virginia border.
Allegheny Trail trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to an Allegheny Trail permit
Where to stay near Allegheny Trail
- Mill Run Recreation AreaYoughiogheny River Lake
- Somerfield North Recreation AreaYoughiogheny River Lake
- Youghiogheny Recreation AreaYoughiogheny River Lake
- All West Virginia campgrounds
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