Alleghenies -

: An 17.6-mile trek through history featuring two dark, damp, and abandoned tunnels (Sideling Hill and Ray's Hill) left behind when the highway was rerouted.

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 Allegheny Portage Railroad was a 19th-century marvel that used inclined planes to haul canal boats over the mountains. alleghenies

: The region's rich deposits of bituminous coal, timber, and iron fueled the Industrial Revolution, though this legacy includes significant environmental impacts from practices like mountaintop removal.

: A flat, well-maintained trail between Ohiopyle and Confluence that follows beautiful rapids and connects to the broader Allegheny Highlands Trail . : An 17

The mountains have shaped American industry and transportation:

: A massive protected area in Pennsylvania offering thousands of miles for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching . Historical and Industrial Legacy Geological and Natural Highlights : The Allegheny Portage

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