Bear Pond Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bear Pond Mountains |
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From left to right: Kasies Knob, Two Top and Cross Mountain.
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Cross Mountain |
| Elevation | 2,062 ft (628 m) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State/Province | Pennsylvania, Maryland, |
| Range coordinates | 39°43′02″N 77°58′30″W / 39.71715°N 77.97509°W |
| Geology | |
| Orogeny | Alleghenian |
| Age of rock | Ordovician |
The Bear Pond Mountains are a cool part of the bigger Appalachian Mountains! They stretch across two states, Pennsylvania and Maryland, in the United States. These mountains are known for their unique shapes, which are part of a larger area called the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians. The very highest point in the Bear Pond Mountains is Cross Mountain (Pennsylvania), which stands tall at about 2,062 feet (628 meters).
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Exploring the Bear Pond Mountains
The Bear Pond Mountains are a smaller group of mountains within the much larger Appalachian mountain chain. They are special because they sit right on the border between Pennsylvania and Maryland. This area is famous for its long, parallel ridges and valleys, which is why it's called the Ridge and Valley Appalachians.
What is the Punchbowl?
One of the most interesting natural features here is called the "Punchbowl." Imagine a giant, natural amphitheater or a huge bowl carved into the earth. That's what the Punchbowl looks like! It was formed over millions of years as softer rocks in the middle of a folded mountain area slowly wore away.
The outer walls of this "bowl" are made of very strong rock called quartzite. This hard rock forms mountains like Cross Mountain and Hearthstone Mountain. These tough rocks have protected the bowl shape, making it a unique sight to see.
Fun on Two Top Mountain
If you love winter sports, you might know about Whitetail Ski Resort. This popular ski area is located right here in the Bear Pond Mountains, on a peak called Two Top Mountain. It's a great spot for skiing and snowboarding when the snow falls!
Tallest Peaks in the Bear Pond Mountains
The Bear Pond Mountains have several important peaks. Here are some of the highest ones:
- Cross Mountain (Pennsylvania) 2,062 feet (628 m)
- Hearthstone Mountain 2,021 feet (616 m)
- Two Top Mountain 1,780 feet (543 m)
- Kasies Knob 1,760 feet (536 m)
- Fairview Mountain 1,690 feet (515 m)
- Gillians Knob 1,575 feet (480 m)
- Bullskin Mountain 1,551 feet (473 m)
- Rickard Mountain 1,550 feet (472 m)
- Powell Mountain 1,548 feet (472 m)
- Sword Mountain 1,500 feet (457 m)
- Abe Mills Mountain 1,376 feet (419 m)
- Johnson Mountain 1,140 feet (347 m)
