Forest Evolution Trail – Phase 1 Opening Summer 2026!
Purpose
The trail will connect the existing Coal Trail to the Great Allegheny Passage and is being developed under a Congressional Appropriation in support of rural education and heritage tourism.
Background
Named for its illustration of forest succession as fewer acres were farmed over time and the woods gradually reclaimed the 100 acres of farmland that had been utilized since before the Revolutionary War.
Results
The trail will have the opportunity to host over 300,000 Allegany County visitors that utilize the Great Allegheny Passage every year, teaching them about our forest heritage, forest stewardship, and role of the Appalachian Forest in the development of the nation.
Features
Volunteer on the Trails
Join the Evergreen Trailblazers to help others discover the wonders of nature and history through recreation in the outdoors during our 2026 Season (April-October). Evergreen Trailblazers is a volunteer organization with the goal of helping to maintain the Forest Evolution Trail and to support visitors through guided hikes.
Across the property, there are multiple Continuous Forest Inventory Plots. These plots are being periodically monitored and inventoried to keep track of the various species of plants growing each season. The inventory can be used as a forest growth and yielding model, for long-term ecosystem monitoring, and to make adaptive management decisions.