Mount Davis (Pennsylvania)

Mountain Highest natural point in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s highest point, Mount Davis offers short summit trails, picnic areas and panoramic views across the Allegheny Mountains-a straightforward day hike for regional hikers and sightseers.

Main image

Mount Davis is the highest natural point in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, located in Somerset County. Its summit reaches 3,213 feet (979 meters) above sea level and is a marked high point for visitors.

The summit area includes an accessible parking area and a short walk to an observation platform and picnic spots, making it a common destination for day visitors and high-pointing enthusiasts. Views from the summit look over the surrounding Allegheny highlands.

The peak is a long-standing geographic high point identified and developed for public access during the 20th century to facilitate recreation. Improvements at the summit have focused on safe public access and interpretation of the site as the state high point.

Mount Davis lies in southwestern Pennsylvania near the Maryland border, set within the upland terrain of the Allegheny region and close to small towns and state forest lands.

  • Elevation: 3,213 ft (979 m) elevation; the highest natural point in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
  • Access: Summit is accessible by vehicle and a short walk, with an observation platform and picnic space popular with visitors.
Mount Davis (Pennsylvania)
1405 PA-281, Fayette County/near Donegal, Pennsylvania (highest point area)
39.7859, -79.1766

How to Get to Mount Davis (Pennsylvania) #

Mount Davis is located in Somerset County in southwestern Pennsylvania. The site is accessible by road via PA Route 653 and local park roads; it is about a 30-45 minute drive from the town of Somerset. Parking and short walking trails lead to the summit area and observation points.

Tips for Visiting Mount Davis (Pennsylvania) #

  • Visit at sunrise for the clearest air and long shadows that accentuate the ridgeline and observation points.
  • The summit area is small-arrive early on busy summer days if planning to use the observation platform.
  • Combine a trip with a drive along the Laurel Highlands for other high-elevation viewpoints and historic sites.

Best Time to Visit Mount Davis (Pennsylvania) #

Best visited in late summer and autumn for clear access and dramatic seasonal color; winter can bring snow and ice.

Summer
June-August · 15-27°C
Pleasant hiking weather and low chance of snow; peak foliage still green.
Autumn
September-October · 5-18°C
Fall foliage peaks-arguably the most photogenic time to visit.

Weather & Climate near Mount Davis (Pennsylvania) #

Climate

Mount Davis (Pennsylvania)'s climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 24°C. Abundant rainfall (1171 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
24°
Warmest Month
-9°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -9°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-9°

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-8°

Weather

78 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4°

Weather

100 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

105 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

114 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 22°

Weather

110 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (116 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
14° 24°

Weather

116 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
13° 24°

Weather

102 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 20°

Weather

95 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-6°

Weather

91 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

Nearby Attractions to Mount Davis (Pennsylvania)