Somerset County Highpoint Trip Report

Mt Davis (3,213 ft)

Date: July 1, 2004
Author: Dan Case

Take Exit 110, the Somerset exit, off the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-70/76), and follow the signs along PA 281 around town and back under the turnpike to the US 219 expressway, which reverts to two lanes shortly after crossing the turnpike. Follow 219 south for 20 miles past Berlin to just before Meyersdale, where an expressway bypass has now been built, and take Business 219 into the town to Broadway Street and turn right.

As per Ron Tagliapietra's directions, the road crosses a river and then turns right. However, it is now helpfully named and prominently signed as Mount Davis Road for all of its ten miles out to the HP and, although it turns several times, there are signs giving the mileage to Mount Davis at every junction (although you might miss it at the Matlick Road junction on the way back). Drive carefully, however, past Summit Mills as there are a lot of Amish farms in this area and you will probably pass some horse-drawn buggies.

Once you get to the Negro Mountain ridge and enter the state forest, go past the prominent sign on the road mistaken suggesting you are at the HP and make the next left downhill. After about 3/4 mile, take the left up to the observation tower lot and it's a short, level walk to the observation tower. The BM boulder is easily accessible 50 feet from the tower base, and the benchmark sits on the actual highest natural spot.