>>1949551I wasn't posting that as an example of ruggedness, I just think it's a nice scenic view in PA.
I don't particularly care about impressing others with elevation gain, I just think West Virginia is less crowded and popular than most other east coast hiking areas (save for Dolly Sods, and maybe Seneca Rocks which can get very crowded).
It is more that there are not many big towns anywhere nearby and it is mostly up on a plateau west of the allegheny front so it is more inaccessible than PA. Also, the elevation on average, especially in the potomac highlands is a bit higher and it is more lush with more rainfall I think as well.
PA it isn't quite as steep but on the plus side, in my experience, the cell phone coverage is far superior. PA is a bit more discovered and traveled and developed in general. There certainly are hollers in PA where it looks just the same as WV, but it is a little nicer and less falling apart. Again, not trying to knock PA, I just think WV is special and there's lots of minimally discovered areas/trails to enjoy.
