If you’re the type of person who loves to say, they’ve been there, then mark this next road trip destination to your list – Mount Davis, Pennsylvania. It’s the highest point in Pennsylvania at just 3,213 feet tall and to mark the spot, there’s even an observation tower that you can climb to get a bird’s eye view at what feels like, the top of the world.
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Our Visit to Mount Davis
Mount Davis is located in Somerset County, Pennsylvania and it’s another location that I’ve been to a bazillion times, but it never gets old, it’s so peaceful there. And, if you have 4-wheel drive and a warm winter jacket, it’s even more peaceful in the winter-time. It’s seriously so secluded that the only sound you’ll hear are the birds chirping –and um, maybe the kids if you bring them & you should 😜 , they will learn to really love nature there.
Mount Davis isn’t an overbuilt tourist attraction. Though there is a picnic area and bathrooms down the road (sorry ladies, I think they are porta potties), you won’t find a gift shop here or visitor’s center. But you will find trails, an overlook area, and a very old, but neat observation tower.
While I haven’t gone up the observation tower in years, this last time we visited, the kids insisted on going up it so Michael walked them up. As much as I tried to follow, heights just aren’t my thing so I stayed back and watched.
I will warn you, the observation tower is really old and creaky. On windy days, people do report it sways and even on the day we visited, Michael got a bit freaked out at the top when he stepped on the deck and the flooring kind of moved underneath his feet. Needless to say, I am not sure how often this tower gets serviced or if it’s even exactly safe to climb – so use caution and be extra careful when visiting. (Since it is located at a state park, I do assume they would close it down, if it wasn’t safe to climb).
Near the observation tower, there are also some rocks dedicated to local history and the area. They are a fun read, if you have time. And, if you are looking to spend some time there, you will find a few trails nearby, as well.
Mount Davis in Pennsylvania is a really unique place to visit and I do recommend visiting it. While you don’t have to climb the tower to enjoy your time there, if you’re brave enough, the view is well worth the climb!
Nearby, Mount Davis, be sure to check out Baughman Rocks – though I do recommend this as a summertime activity because these rocks can be extremely dangerous – and Highpoint Lake.
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Have you ever been to Mount Davis before? Tell me your favorite thing about it in the comments below.
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Last Updated on 4 years ago by Crystal Carder