You’re standing on the absolute roof of Pennsylvania, but honestly, it feels like you’re in a flat backyard.
That’s the paradox of Mount Davis. Most people expect a jagged, alpine summit when they hear "tallest peak in Pennsylvania." Instead, they find a gentle, forested plateau that’s so unassuming you could literally drive right past the high point without noticing. It's not a mountain that screams for attention; it's a mountain that whispers.
Standing at exactly 3,213 feet, Mount Davis is the crown of the Keystone State. But here’s the kicker: it’s actually lower in elevation than the lowest point in the entire state of Colorado. It’s a humble giant.
The Optical Illusion at the Summit
If you climb the 50-foot metal observation tower at the top—and you really should, because otherwise you’re just looking at a bunch of trees—you’ll notice something weird. Several of the surrounding peaks actually look taller than the one you’re standing on.
It’s a total head-trip.
You’ll look out at the undulating ridges of the Laurel Highlands and swear that some of those distant bumps have more height. They don’t. It’s a documented optical illusion caused by the way the Allegheny Mountains roll into each other. There’s even a relief map at the top of the tower that basically tells you, “Relax, you really are at the highest point, your eyes are just lying to you.”
The peak is situated on a 30-mile ridge known as Negro Mountain in Somerset County. The name itself is a nod to a bit of frontier history involving a Black man named Nemesis who supposedly fought and died with bravery during the French and Indian War. Whether you’re a history buff or just here for the "I climbed PA" photo op, the vibes at the summit are remarkably chill compared to the tourist traps you find in the Poconos.
It Wasn’t Always the Champ (Officially)
For a long time, everyone in Pennsylvania thought Blue Knob in Bedford County was the tallest peak. It looks more like a mountain, after all. It’s steeper and more "mountain-y."
But in 1921, a geologist named Harold A. Bean showed up with actual tools and ruined Blue Knob's day. He proved that Mount Davis was about 77 feet taller. To celebrate, the local community threw a massive rager on June 18, 1921. Thousands of people trekked up there to dedicate the summit. It was the early 20th-century equivalent of a viral moment.
What to Actually Do There
You don't need to be a pro mountaineer to tackle this one. You can basically "cheat" your way to the top.
- The Lazy Way: You can drive a car almost to the very top. There’s a parking lot off Mount Davis Road, and from there, it’s a flat, 100-yard walk to the summit rock.
- The Real Way: If you actually want to feel like you’ve earned it, take the High Point Trail. It’s a roughly 1.6-mile round trip. It’s not grueling, but it’s pretty. You’ll see "sorted stones"—weird concentric circles of rocks pushed up by frost heaving over thousands of years.
- The "I Want a Workout" Way: There’s a 5.4-mile loop that combines the Shelter Rock and Tub Mill Run trails. This gets you away from the tower crowds and into the deeper parts of Forbes State Forest.
The flora here is kinda special, too. Because it’s so high up, the trees are often stunted and twisted by ice storms and wind. It looks more like something you’d see in New England than in the middle of Appalachia.
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Weather Can Be a Total Beast
Don’t let the "gentle hill" description fool you. Mount Davis creates its own weather.
In the winter, it gets absolutely hammered. We’re talking an average of 150 inches of snow a year. The temperature has dropped as low as -38°F. If you try to visit in January, bring a serious coat and probably some 4WD. Honestly, the best time to go is mid-October. The fall foliage hits here earlier than the rest of the state because of the elevation, and the 360-degree view from the tower looks like a bowl of Fruity Pebbles.
Practical Tips for Your Trip
- No Gas/Food: There is nothing on the mountain. Zero. The closest town for snacks or gas is Meyersdale or Salisbury. Pack a picnic.
- Amish Buggies: You’ll be driving through Somerset County. Watch out for horse-drawn buggies, especially on Sundays. Don't be that person who zips around them dangerously.
- The Tower: It’s a metal fire tower. If it’s windy, it might feel a little shaky, but it’s sturdy. If you have a paralyzing fear of heights, maybe skip it, but you’ll miss the only actual view.
- Baughman Rocks: If you’re already there, drive a few minutes down the road to Baughman Rocks. It’s a massive outcrop of sandstone with a great overlook that doesn't require climbing a tower.
Mount Davis isn't about the adrenaline of a steep climb. It’s about that quiet, "top of the world" feeling in a state that usually feels pretty crowded. It’s a place to stand on a rock, look at a map, and realize that sometimes the highest point isn't the one that looks the part.
Your Next Steps:
If you're planning a trip, download the Forbes State Forest trail map before you go, as cell service is spotty at best once you start climbing the ridge. Check the Somerset County weather forecast—not the Pittsburgh one—to ensure you aren't walking into a localized snowstorm or a thick blanket of fog that will ruin your view from the tower.