Bickle Knob facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bickle Knob |
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![]() View looking southwest from Bickle Knob
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 4,003 ft (1,220 m) |
Prominence | 998 ft (304 m) |
Geography | |
Location | Randolph, West Virginia, United States |
Climbing | |
Access | drive-up via ![]() |
Bickle Knob is a mountain peak found in Randolph County, West Virginia, USA. It's located just east of the city of Elkins. This mountain is easy to reach when the weather is warm. It's also special because it has one of the last observation towers left in the huge Monongahela National Forest.
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Exploring the Bickle Knob Observation Tower
The most exciting part of Bickle Knob is its tall observation tower. This tower was once a fire tower, used to spot forest fires. Now, the old top part has been removed. In its place, there's a wooden platform where you can stand and look around.
Amazing Views from the Top
From the observation tower, you can see everything around you! You get a full 360-degree view. Imagine seeing the Shavers Fork River winding through the land. You can also spot the Tygart Valley River valley. Look closely, and you might even see where U.S. Route 33 crosses Cheat Mountain.
Important Note About Access
It's good to know that the tower does not have ramps or special features for wheelchairs. This means it might be hard for some people to get to the top.
How to Reach Bickle Knob
Getting to Bickle Knob is quite simple, especially during warmer months. The mountain is at the very end of a road called Forest Route 91A. This road branches off from a larger road known as Stuart Memorial Drive (Forest Route 91).
Driving to the Summit
Both Forest Route 91A and Stuart Memorial Drive are gravel roads. But don't worry, most regular cars can drive on them easily. Stuart Memorial Drive is a very pretty road. It follows along the edge of the Shavers Fork canyon, offering great views.
Winter Travel Tips
Because Bickle Knob is high up, it gets a lot of snow in winter. Forest Route 91 is not plowed during these months. This means the roads can be dangerous or even closed when there's snow or ice. It's best to visit when the weather is clear and warm.