Big Mountain is the highest point on the Tuscarora Mountain ridge in south central Pennsylvania, rising to 2,458 feet within Buchanan State Forest and offering broad views from its crest. Its height and prominence reflect the erosion-resistant quartzite of the ancient Tuscarora Formation, which helps the ridge tower above the surrounding country. The mountain has Pennsylvania’s greatest vertical rise, standing more than 1,800 feet above the creek valley on its eastern side. The ridge also supports abundant wildlife, including black bear, white-tailed deer, many bird species, and timber rattlesnakes. The Tuscarora Trail crosses the summit, and nearby Cowans Gap State Park provides recreation around a 42-acre lake.

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Fort Loudon, Pennsylvania · USA