The Allegheny Highlands Region of eastern West Virginia encompasses the highest of the Allegheny Mountains of the eastern U.S. and includes many of the most lofty peaks remote forest areas in West Virginia. Much of this large region is protected as part of the vast Monongahela National Forest and by northern parts of the Washington & Jefferson National Forests. It is a renowned destination for outdoor recreation. Hunting, fishing, caving, hiking, biking, and skiing are extremely popular pursuits. Five ski areas are located within the region. Many West Virginia rivers arise in the Allegheny Mountains, and for that reason the Allegheny region is often known as the "birthplace of rivers." Tourism, timbering, and agriculture are primary industries throughout the Allegheny Highlands.
Allegheny Highlands Counties
The Allegheny Highlands Region includes all or part of the following counties in West Virginia. The region corresponds to the western territory of the Potomac Highlands travel region of the West Virginia Department of Commerce.
Tucker County
Randolph County
Pocahontas County
Webster County
Grant County (western)
Upshur County (southern)
Nicholas County (eastern)
Greenbrier County (northern and eastern)
Pendleton County (western)
Mineral County (western)
Allegheny Highlands Communities
The following select cities, towns, and villages are located in or near the Allegheny Highands Region. Additional communities may be listed under counties within the region.
Albright, West Virginia
Bayard, West Virginia
Beverly, West Virginia
Camden on Gauley, West Virginia
Davis, West Virginia
Durbin, West Virginia
Elk Garden, West Virginia
Elkins, West Virginia
Franklin, West Virginia
Hambleton, West Virginia
Harman, West Virginia
Helvetia, West Virginia
Hendricks, West Virginia
Hillsboro, West Virginia
Huttonsville, West Virginia
Kingwood, West Virginia
Marlinton, West Virginia
Mill Creek, West Virginia
Montrose, West Virginia
Piedmont, West Virginia
Parsons, West Virginia
Quinwood, West Virginia
Rainelle, West Virginia
Richwood, West Virginia
Rowlesburg, West Virginia
Rupert, West Virginia
Seneca Rocks, West Virginia
Snowshoe, West Virginia
Terra Alta, West Virginia
Thomas, West Virginia
Webster Springs, West Virginia
White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Allegheny Highlands Highways
Interstate 68 travels through the north of this mountainous region, and I-64 skirts its southern margins, through high-speed travel is otherwise limited. The Appalachian Corridor-H expressway is under construction through the central highland between Elkins, WV, in the west, and Moorefield, WV, in the east. Highways US-219 and WV-92 are principal north-south routes. Highways US-50, US-219, US-33, and US-250 are important east-west routes.
Birthplace of Rivers
Most principal rivers in West Virginia rise in the Allegheny Highlands Region -- either in the Allegheny Mountains themselves or in highland areas nearby. The following rivers or their principal branches rise in the highlands region.
Birch River
Buckhannon River
Cheat River
Cherry River
Cranberry River
Elk River
Gauley River
Greenbrier River
Little Kanawha River
Meadow River
North Branch of the Potomac
Tygart Valley River
Williams River
Youghiogheny River
