The Alleghenies Region comprises six adjoining counties in south-central Pennsylvania: Fulton, Huntingdon, Blair, Bedford, Somerset, Cambria and, in some cases, Centre County.
In economic terms, the region is far greater than the sum of its individual counties, primarily because the counties are so distinctively different. They have different physical characteristics and resources, land uses, settlement patterns, and social characteristics. They also have different economic structures and specialization. Blair and Cambria Counties are urban centers with a wide range of high-order central place functions. Bedford, Fulton and Somerset have a strong agricultural base. Fulton, Somerset, and Huntingdon are highly concentrated with light manufacturing activities.
The majority of the region is rural or forested, with a total land area of 4,600 square miles. The only geographic factor linking all counties is the Allegheny Mountain Range of the Appalachian Mountains. With some mountain ridges in each county, the mountains unite and define the region. The mountains have fostered a rich heritage of physical and intellectual conquests and perseverance.
The mountains also offer an appealing geography that defines the quality of life for the residents. The Alleghenies includes over 1.8 million acres of forested land, more than 20,000 acres of lakes and 9,500 miles of streams. Deep woods conceal a maze of trails. Miles of blacktop weave their way up ancient mountains, past covered bridges and quiet towns. Forests provide shelter for the abundant wildlife that calls this region home. Superb outdoor recreational activities such as bicycling, hiking, fishing, hunting, boating, skiing and more, improve the region’s “quality of life.”
The Alleghenies remains a uniquely separated, “stand-alone” region that is close to large, expanding urban areas. The large Pittsburgh area lies relatively close to the west. The State Capital in Harrisburg is not far on the east. Penn States University Park campus in State College is not far to the northeast. And the outer areas of the Washington metro area are only a one-hour’s drive from the southern end of The Alleghenies.
Interstate I-70 and I-99 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76 and I-70/I-76) run through the region. U.S. Routes 22, 30, and 219 serve as major arteries providing additional highway connections. North of the region, I-99 will be extended to I-80, which will give the region slightly quicker highway access to markets such as New York City (I-80). No major airports serve the region, but the Johnstown-Cambria County Airport and the Altoona-Blair County Airport provide scheduled commuter air service to Pittsburgh. Bedford County Airport provides general aviation services.
The climate of the region is known as humid continental, but it has some characteristics of a mountain type climate. It is relatively cool at higher spots in the region, with snow in the winter and relatively cool summers.
The history of the region is linked to coal, steel, railroads, and agriculture. The region had numerous mines and huge steel mills during the peak periods in those industries. The coal and steel industry in the region declined sharply in the 1980s. A stronger, diversified, more stable regional economy has evolved in the past 16 years. Today, the region features a diverse mix of jobs in manufacturing, health care, service industries, retail and wholesale trade, tourism, and government. A few “heritage industries,” such as railroads and coal mining, have made, or are making a partial resurgence. Some manufacturers have realized growth. Four-year and two-year colleges and universities in the region have developed stronger links with the business community and are a vital part of the regional economy. The tourism sector is growing, with a variety of investments in lodging and attractions.