Broad Top facts for kids
Broad Top is a large, flat-topped area of land, like a high table, located in south-central Pennsylvania. It stretches across parts of Huntingdon County to the north, Fulton County to the southeast, and Bedford County to the southwest. This special land is surrounded by mountains like Saxton Mountain and Terrace Mountain to the west, and Sideling Hill to the east. In Bedford County, Harbor Mountain forms its southern edge. A valley called Trough Creek Valley lies between some of these mountains.
State Lands and Parks
Broad Top is home to several important state lands and parks. You can find Pennsylvania State Game Lands 67, 121, and 267 here. A part of Rothrock State Forest also lies on Broad Top. Most of Trough Creek State Park in Huntingdon County is also located within this interesting area. These places offer great opportunities for outdoor activities and enjoying nature.
Broad Top's Geology
The rocks that make up Broad Top are mostly flat and layered. These layers are called sedimentary rocks, which formed over millions of years from sand, mud, and other materials. These rocks are younger than the rocks found around the plateau.
Even though Broad Top is in the Ridge and Valley region, it's actually more like the Allegheny Plateau. This is because its rock layers are flat, similar to those found in the Allegheny Plateau.
Coal Mining History
A type of coal has been mined in the Broad Top area for a long time. This coal field is known as the Broad Top Field. Most of this coal is found within a rock layer called the Allegheny Formation.
Unfortunately, many old mines in the area have been abandoned. This has led to an environmental problem called acid mine drainage. This is when water from the mines becomes acidic and flows into streams. As a result, some streams in the area no longer have fish because the water is too polluted.
