'Mount Davis' is the highest
mountain in
Pennsylvania, located in the 5,685 acre (23.01 km²)
Forbes State Forest in
Somerset County. The peak is the summit of a 30 mile (50 km) long ridge line known as
Negro Mountain which extends from central Somerset County southward into
Garrett County, Maryland. The peak was named for John Davis, an early settler,
American Civil War veteran, surveyor and naturalist, who was known for his studies of the mountain, its
flora and
fauna.
The top can be reached by driving or by following one of several
hiking trails. There are nine hiking trails in the park, but not all go to the summit. There is a metal
observation tower at the summit with a relief map of the region. The summit is noted for its patterns of unusual circular stone formed by
periglacial action.
Weather on the peak is characterized by frequent heavy
winds and frequent
rainfall.
Annual temperatures range from -30 to 95 °F (-34 to 35 °C) though frosts have been recorded in every month of the year.
Summer temperatures are generally mild and winters are characterized by heavy
snowfall. Average annual precipitation ranges from 38 to 42
inches (970 to 1070 mm).
Trails in the park include:
★ High Point Trail: 0.8 mi (1,300 m)
★ Mt. Davis Trail: 0.1 mi (160 m)
★ Shelter Rock Trail: 1.0 mi (1,600 m)
★ Tub Mill Run Trail: 2.8 mi (4,500 m)
★ Timberslide Trail: 0.5 mi (800 m)
★ Laurel Run Trail: 1.9 mi (3,100 m)
★ Wolf Rock Trail: 0.8 mi (1,300 m)
★ Shelter Rock Road: 1.6 mi (2,600 m)
★ Livengood Trail: 1.1 mi (1,800 m)
External links
★
Channel 6 Action News report on Pennsylvania's highest peak - Mount Davis

360° panoramic view from observation tower on Mt. Davis