Emma Crow-Willard was among those who knew little about the Allegheny Trail until she moved to West Virginia. Her journey, which she calls the Allegheny Trail Economies Expedition, combines a 25-day backpacking trip with interviews in communities along the route. The Allegheny Trail defies expectationsAlthough the research explains the expedition’s purpose, she says the trail itself has been among its greatest surprises. Hiking the Allegheny Trail alone for nearly a month has tested both her endurance and her willingness to leave familiar routines behind. She hopes her documentary and economic report will encourage more people to explore the Allegheny Trail, but she also hopes they will look beyond the scenery.