Mount Davis -- 3,213'

Mount Davis (3,213'), in south-central Pennsylvania, would be my 13th state highpoint to date. The "peak" is actually just a bump along a long, high ridge characteristic of mountains in this region. We could have drove to the summit but instead opted for the pleasant 1-mile trail that leads from a nearby picnic area. We dodged raindrops and didn't see a speck of sunshine but it was still a great way to kick off Summer Vacation 2009...

Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 39.794038, -79.166881

Difficulty: MODERATE (Petzoldt Rating: 2.60 )

Mileage Hiked: 2.0 miles

Trailhead Temp: 70'F

Min. Elevation: 3,140'

Max Elevation: 3,213'

Total Elevation Gain: 300'

Trails Used (blaze color): High Point Trail (red)

6-20-2009

Mount Davis - Pennsylvania Highpoint (2.0 miles; d=2.60)

Mount Davis Hike Route Map
Our hike of Mount Davis as depicted a la Google Earth...
Mount Davis Hike Route Map
The approximate track of our hike to Mount Davis, high point of Pennsylvania...
Mount Davis View
The high ridge in the distance is Mt. Davis. Typical of the mountains in this region there is no clearly defined summt. Since there is a highway leading over the ridge this meant there would be no strenuous hiking required to summit this peak...
Mount Davis Road
A highway sign claims to reach the summit thought the true summit is still a mile to the south (left) via trail or summit road...
High Point Trail
The High Point Trail leads a mile from the highway picnic area to the summit. We were hoping the rain would hold off for another hour or so...
High Point Trail
The recent wet weather helped the greens of the forest really glow...
High Point Trail
Navigating one of the more damp sections of trail. Being a ridgetop hike, the trail was not well-drained...
Mountain Laurel
Ahhh...signs of the south...Mountain Laurel in full bloom lined the trail to the summit...
High Point Trail
Another trail scene from along the ridge...
High Point Trail
A small trail side waterfall?...Nope, this IS the trail...
High Point Trail
When we were treated to a rare dry stretch the kids would take off running...
Mount Davis -- 3,213'
My oldest son, Alex, upon reaching the top...
Mount Davis -- 3,213'
The summit has numerous interesting displays describing the peak and surrounding area...
Mount Davis -- 3,213'
The rather abused summit benchmark...
Mount Davis -- 3,213'
Me doing my ape-man pose with the kids on the summit rocks...
Mount Davis -- 3,213'
Now for a look around...
Mount Davis -- 3,213'
The boys set out for the top braving the rather unnerving, gusty winds...
Mount Davis -- 3,213'
Alex at first retreated for solid ground but would eventually summon the courage to make it to the top...
Mount Davis -- 3,213'
My wife and youngest, fearless, son Chris nearing the top...
Mount Davis -- 3,213'
Looking out over the top of Pennsylvania...
Mount Davis -- 3,213'
I believe this view is to the south and west...
Mount Davis -- 3,213'
Is it me or does that ridge look higher?
Mount Davis -- 3,213'
Mt. Davis is actually just a bump in a looong ridge running through south-central Pennsylvania so the views to the north and south are less than spectacular...
Mount Davis -- 3,213'
Salisbury, Pennsylvania...where we had driven up from... sitting in the valley to the east...