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Allegheny Trail Newsletter

August  2023 - Vol 1, No. 8

We appreciate your support to help

"Build, Maintain, Protect, Preserve, Promote and Partner"

to grow the Allegheny Trail throughout the region.

August on the ALT

There are a few weeks left before school starts and the hustle and bustle of fall sets in.  This is a great time to get on trail and see the milkweed and rhododendron in bloom and grab a trail nibble of blackberries and apples that nestle along the ALT.

August ALT Spotlight

At the moment of writing this…the “Fastest Known Time” (FKT) on the Allegheny Trail belongs to Brad Morris- AKA “Brad In The Buff” from West Virginia, Congratulations BRAD !

His record was set earlier this year on 4/21/2023.  The 311 miles took him 14 days, 2 hours and 8 minutes.  Brad hiked Northbound and made a few YouTube videos along the way.  Check out Brad’s ALT hike videos here: https://www.youtube.com/@bradinthebuff5261/videos  

In June the ALT had Jeff Gwen from West Virginia and John Rinehart from Maryland  “unofficially” report a time of 13 days, 11 hours and 46 minutes, meaning they didn't register their hike at the “official” FKT website. They hiked Southbound and several of us saw these young guys cruising right along during the W5.  They also posted several pics on our FB page.

Currently there is a another person who is hiking Northbound who is attempting to break the record….this story will have To Be Continued !!

Brad Morris at the ALT Northern Terminus as he completes his hike.

John Rinehart (left) and Jeff Gwynn (right) at one of the ALT shelters

ALT Follow-Up

Our partners at the U.S. Forest Service offered a chainsaw certification for 3 WVSTA volunteers in July.  If you are interested in getting more info on this certification to help WVSTA, email nicolle@wvscenictrails.org

WVSTA partnered with Friends of Cheat to work on trail maintenance in Section 1 on 7/29,30.  Four of the thirteen volunteers are seen here having fun after a long day of work in the heat.  Thank You Volunteers!

August Volunteering Opportunities

Both trail work weekends will be in held in Section 2.  Please email Section 2 coordinator Jeff Byard with questions at : grizzlyjb@yahoo.com.  If you are attending, please register at the link here-

August 12-13 in the Greenbank / Cass area,

August 26-27 in Gladwin, WV  

2023 ALT Main Events

Oct 6,7,8 "TREK" Located in Section 3 near Seneca State Park, W.V. This is a great event for beginners and seasoned hikers alike. This is a supported hike, meaning WVSTA organizes camping sites and will carry your pack if you want each day.  WVSTA also provides snacks, water, and shuttles each day.  Dinner is provided on Sat night. Bring a friend and come have fun with us !  Limited to 20 people- register here- https://www.hikethealleghenytrail.org/altevents/20231006

Oct 21,22 Wild Foods Work Weekend  This tasty annual event will be held in conjunction with a work weekend this year in Section 4 at Hopkins Mountain Fireman’s Tower.  The tasty Wild Foods potluck dinner will be held Sat Oct 21.  Full details will be coming in the Sept newsletter.  Primitive camping will be free Fri, Sat. For more info click the link below. https://www.hikethealleghenytrail.org/altevents/20231021wfw

Off Trail

August 22 at 7pm WV Scenic Trails Association (WVSTA) is having a board meeting via Zoom.  The link will be emailed to members 48hrs prior to the call.  Hope to see you there!

The New MEMBERSHIP TIERS are live on the ALT website!  

Student, Military Veteran, Introductory, Senior and Business Memberships are all new tiers that have new prices.

These NEW Memberships also come with New Benefits be sure to check them out on the ALT website.  If you own a business or know of a business that might want to help support the ALT, they can NOW become a member.

SAVE THE DATE!!!!!

ALT 50th Celebration will be

Sept 6,7,8 2024 held at the

Greenbank Observatory in Greenbank, WV

We will be updating you in the section each month as this MILESTONE event approaches.   If you are interested in helping with the 50th planning committee, please email Nicolle@wvscenictrails.org  

NEW Membership starts at $10,

click the button below to join or donate.