Highlands Trail Foundation

04/04/2026

Registration for our September 12, 2026 Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon is now open via runsignup.

03/25/2026

USFS prescribed burn for the Nursery Bottom has been rescheduled for March 25.

03/12/2026

The Monongahela National Forest has announced a prescribed burn will take place near the Allegheny Highlands Trail at the USFS Nursery Bottom in Parsons. Weather permitting, the burn is expected to take place this weekend. (March 13-15)

02/01/2026

Has anyone been out skiing on the Allegheny Highlands Trail? Please share your pictures with us.

01/13/2026

A former board member and president, Don Black was instrumental in establishing the Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon and setting up a fund with the Tucker Community Foundation to support trail projects in the area. We are grateful for his service and extend deepest sympathy to all who loved our friend Don.

DONALD CHARLES BLACK

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Donald Charles Black, 83, of Tucker County, West Virginia. Don passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026, in Arvada, Colorado. Born August 13, 1942, to Jim and Beula Mae Black (McNaughton) and growing up in Parker, Pennsylvania, Don attended Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee. There, he met and married Tena Jane Criner of Nicholasville, Kentucky.

They made their home in Carlisle, Pennsylvania and had 3 sons. In August of 1985 Don and his family moved to Tucker County, West Virginia. Don and Tena moved to Arvada, Colorado in April 2024 to stay near his son and family.

Don thoroughly enjoyed his career as a physical therapist and acting as Administrator of Courtland Acres Nursing Home in Thomas, WV. He was involved throughout the community in Tucker County with various non-profit organizations and community engagement. He impacted many lives.

Don was a patient, kind, fun-loving outdoorsman who loved adventure, hiking, hunting, skiing, and making fun memories with his family and friends. Don was a talented singer who was involved with many community choruses, church choirs and barbershop quartets throughout his life. Don leaves behind a legacy of friendliness, giving and selfless sacrifice.

Don is survived by his beloved wife Tena Black and his three sons Chris (wife Norma), James and Ben, as well as his brother Kenneth Black of Parker, PA. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Daniel (Karissa) and Analise, as well as his nephew Derek (Sarah and their children Lilly, Ivy, Violet and James).

A Memorial Service will be held at Restoration Covenant Church on Monday, January 12th at 2 p.m., at 7135 W 68th Ave, Arvada, CO.

An additional Memorial Service will be held at Canaan Valley Baptist Church in West Virginia on Thursday, January 15, at 2 p.m., at 722 Cortland Rd, Davis, WV.

A time of fellowship with refreshments and snacks will be held at the church immediately after the service.

01/06/2026

Dark, cold, and snow have nothin’ on half marathon training! Who is getting in their base miles with us this winter?!?

09/27/2025

Everyone registered to participate in Run For It tomorrow, please wear your yellow HTF shirt. Thanks!

09/19/2025

2025 Blackwater Canyon Half photos are posted on runsignup, this one is from the mid-canyon album. 📸: Katie Wolpert 📷

09/19/2025

2025 Blackwater Canyon Half photos are posted on runsignup. This one is from the Imre Barsy album. 📷

09/16/2025

2025 Photos by Imre Barsy

The Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon is on Saturday September 12, 2026.