Mount Davis Natural Area
{{Short description|Natural area in Pennsylvania}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox protected area
| name = Mount Davis Natural Area
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| photo = Observation tower atop Mt. Davis, Pennsylvania.JPG
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| photo_caption = The observation tower at Mt. Davis Natural Area
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| map = USA Pennsylvania
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| map_caption = Location within Pennsylvania
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| location = Somerset County, Pennsylvania
| nearest_town = Salisbury
| coordinates = {{coord|39.7860|N|79.1764|W|region:US-PA|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| coords_ref =
| area = {{convert|581|acre}}
| established =
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Mount Davis Natural Area is a {{convert|581|acre|ha|adj=on}} protected area in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is part of Forbes State Forest.{{Cite web |title=Forbes State Forest Wild and Natural Areas |url=https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateForests/FindAForest/Forbes/Pages/Wild_NaturalAreas.aspx |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources |language=en-US}}{{Cite book |last=Fergus |first=Charles |title=Natural Pennsylvania: Exploring the State Forest Natural Areas |publisher=Stackpole Books |year=2002 |location=Mechanicsburg, PA |pages=55–58}}
Description
The Natural Area consists of a parcel of land on top of Mount Davis, the highest point in Pennsylvania at 3,213 feet above sea level.{{Cite web |title=Mount Davis celebrates 100 years as Pennsylvania’s official highest point |url=https://www.observer-reporter.com/liwc/2021/jun/04/mount-davis-celebrates-years-as-pennsylvanias-official-highest-point/ |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=Observer-Reporter |language=en-US}} Visitors can use several hiking trails and an observation tower with a 360-degree view.{{Cite web |last=Whipkey |first=Brian |title=Here's why you should visit Mount Davis, the highest point in Pennsylvania |url=https://www.goerie.com/story/sports/outdoors/2022/05/05/hike-mount-mt-davis-to-see-highest-point-in-pennsylvania-pa-somerset-county-3213-feet/65353520007/ |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=Erie Times-News |language=en-US}} The area features trees that have been stunted by strong winds and concentric stone circles formed by frost heaving. The area is also known for migrating birds, and it is a crucial habitat for the locally endangered Allegheny woodrat.{{Cite web |title=Mount Davis Natural Area Fact Sheet |url=http://elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov/GetDocument?docId=3695120&DocName=FD04%20Mount%20Davis%20NA%20factsheet.pdf |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources |language=en-US}}
References
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{{Protected Areas of Pennsylvania}}
Category:Protected areas of Somerset County, Pennsylvania
Category:Tourist attractions in Somerset County, Pennsylvania